Despite not being able to host many – at times any – festivals or events in the last two years, Cape Town has still been named the World’s Leading Festival and Event Destination for 2021 by the World Travel Awards.
This goes to show how beloved the Mother City’s usual calendar of must-dos really is. From summer concerts at Kirstenbosch and the Cape Town Jazz Festival, to Rocking the Daisies, the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon and SA Cheese Festival, there really is something for everybody, whether you brie a foodie, adventure seeker, flower child or into the wild.
Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth for the City of Cape Town says, ‘It’s a real feather in Cape Town’s cap that we’re still being recognised for the stellar events we’re synonymous with. This award is a celebration of our city on a global stage. It’s evidence that people everywhere have a special place in their hearts for our festivals and annual events calendar. The joy of Cape Town is its diversity. Our wealth of experiences reflect our rich melting pot of heritages and cultures.’
This is the 28th edition of the annual World Travel Awards, which represent the ultimate achievements in global travel and tourism. Addressing Cape Town Tourism, Graham Cooke, founder of the World Travel Awards, says, ‘Winning tourism’s top honour this year is more important and more valuable than ever before. With the anticipated return of global tourism, the dominant trend among travellers is for extra indulgence and a determination to book with only the very best. My heartfelt congratulations once again to you and all the team behind this incredible and richly deserved achievement.’
With international travel curtailed by global travel bans, Alderman Vos, Cape Town Tourism CEO Enver Duminy and their teams are encouraging all South Africans to get vaccinated and then get out and about – safely, of course. Says Duminy, ‘South Africa’s already flailing tourism and hospitality sectors are in dire need of support through domestic travel. It’s really the industry’s greatest – and only – hope right now. We have partnered with the City of Cape Town to launch our domestic tourism campaign to help our locals show our local businesses love, while travelling wisely, with Covid-19 precautions top-of-mind.’
Duminy concludes, ‘Find Your Freedom by getting vaccinated and then exploring Cape Town – Travel & Leisure’s Best City to visit in Africa and the Middle East, and now, the leading city for festivals and events as well.’
Picture: Unsplash
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