The Western Cape’s most popular tourism attractions reported major increases at the start of peak summer season, says Alan Winde, Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism.
Minister Winde revealed statistics for tourist hotspots and accommodation establishments across the Western Cape, including Cape Town, the Cape Winelands, the Garden Route and the West Coast.
“I’m pleased that tourist attractions across the Western Cape have seen a marked increase in visitor numbers. The benefits of this thriving industry are spreading across our province, resulting in increased job opportunities for urban and rural residents. The tourism industry contributes more than R18 billion to our region’s economy annually and employs 150 000 people. It’s a crucial sector of the Western Cape economy,” said Minister Winde.
In addition, international, domestic and regional air travel figures reached pre-recession levels at Cape Town International Airport, where passenger numbers for December topped 780 000. International passenger numbers in December increased by 6.7% and domestic passenger numbers increased by 2.3%. These figures were well above expectation.
Routes | Year | Month | Arr&Dept | % Change |
|
Dom | 2012 | Dec | 59 8562 |
| |
Dom | 2013 | Dec | 61 2227 | 2.3% increase in domestic pax numbers | |
Routes | Year | Month | Arr&Dept | % Change | |
Reg | 2012 | Dec | 12 949 |
| |
Reg | 2013 | Dec | 12 498 | -3.5% decrease in regional pax numbers | |
Routes | Year | Month | Arr&Dept | % Change | |
Int | 2012 | Dec | 14 9872 |
| |
Int | 2013 | Dec | 15 9985 | 6.7% increase in pax numbers |
Popular attractions across the province also experiences increases:
Attraction | 2012 (November and December) | 2013 (November and December) |
Cango Caves | 49 610 | 56 363 |
Evita-se-Perron | 5670 | 8442 |
Franschhoek Huguenot Museum | 7576 | 9876 |
Stellenbosch Tourism Office | 3235 | 3610 |
Cape Point | 192 904 | 200 466 |
Robben Island | 75 487 | 70 731 |
Kirstenbosch Gardens | 152 516 | 159 273 |
West National Park | 48 362 | 50 989 |
Minister Winde said several regions had reported increases and highlighted some of the key observations:
Minister Winde highlighted the increase in the amount of international visitors to the Western Cape.
“Establishments across our province are welcoming more international travellers. I am confident that the high profile awards we garnered in 2012 and 2013 as well as improvements in service are key drivers of this increase. The weaker rand is also a factor in driving tourism. We look forward to the January numbers. I am confident we will see this positive trend continuing well into peak season,” said Minister Winde.
Bronwynne Jooste
Spokesperson for Minister Alan Winde
Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism
Tel: 021 483 3550
Cell: 082 454 4365
E-mail: bronwynne.jooste@westerncape.gov.za