The tourism and maritime industries in the Western Cape have welcomed the launch of a new tourism project, “Cruise Cape Town,” hoping to capitalise on a growing cruise tourism trend, Times Live reports.
The Western Cape’s official investment and trade promoting agency, Wesgro, launched the project on June 28, endeavouring to grow the cruise economy in Cape Town and Western Cape.
The primary mandate of the Cruise Cape Town Project will be to:
- increase the cruise liner economy in Cape Town and the Western Cape Town
- Improve the province’s competitiveness in the cruise industry
- Drive tourism in order to stimulate economic growth and job creation.
Even though the cruise industry is currently being hindered by the Covid-19, there is hope that the cruise season can re-commence from October 2021. So far, there are already 83 confirmed bookings for cruise ships to the V&A waterfront this year.
The port of Cape Town is ready to welcome cruise liners, having recently undergone an R59 million re-development, with a dedicated cruise terminal at the V&A Waterfront. Mpumi Dweba-Kwetana, Port Manager of the Port of Cape Town is in support of the initiative, commenting that it will result in an increase in the number of vessels disembarking at the terminal.
The CEO of the V&A Waterfront, David Green commented on the new terminal that is adjacent to the Waterfront’s offerings will enhance the desirability of the port and Cape Town as a destination for a cruise. Already boasting a robust maritime sector, the province is now well equipped to unlock the potential of the lucrative cruise market once travel resumes.
Picture: Getaway Gallery
