Three Western Cape destinations named among the World’s 100 most Loved

Three Western Cape attractions have been named among the “Leading Places: The 100 Most Loved Destinations Around the World” for 2023 according to the Tourism Sentiment Index (TSI), a travel data intelligence solution created by destination marketing agency Destination Think.

Stellenbosch ranked 34th on the list, while Hermanus improved on its 41st position in 2022, moving up to 18th overall. Cape Town moved up 14 places to 40th on the list.

The study, which determined the 100 most loved destinations around the world based on consumer sentiment, tracked more than 1.6 billion online conversations and content pieces publicly available and about 21,330 global destinations.

According to the list, Hermanus is popular for wildlife viewing and whale watching, while Stellenbosch is renowned for its wineries and vineyards. Cape Town’s restaurants and dining were considered the city’s top assets.

The Maldives was ranked as the “Most Loved Destination” in the world, closely followed by the Whitsundays and the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia.

‘To have not one, but three of our stunning towns in the top 50 of the ‘100 Most Loved Destinations in the World’ is an outstanding accolade for the Western Cape,’ said Opportunities MEC Mireille Wenger. ‘I am hopeful that the exposure generated by this recognition will attract even more visitors to our shores to explore more of our many and diverse towns, attractions, and offerings in the Western Cape.’ The Western Cape government aims to collaborate with stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality sector to attract more tourists, boost economic growth and create jobs in the province.