According to recent statistics released by Wesgro, the Western Cape’s tourism industry is displaying promising signs of a full recovery. The agency announced that the proportion of foreign tourists at Cape Town International Airport has now reached pre-pandemic levels, specifically comparing April 2023 to April 2019.
In April alone, the airport recorded an impressive 67 747 tourist arrivals. Among these, 87% were from overseas markets, while the remaining 13% originated from various countries across the African continent.
The news was met with enthusiasm by officials in the Western Cape, who expressed their satisfaction with the positive trend. The recovery of tourism to pre-pandemic levels marks a significant milestone in the region’s journey towards economic revival.
Wesgro’s spokesperson commented, ‘I am very pleased that we have reached pre-pandemic levels of tourists to the Western Cape. Our focus now is to move beyond recovery and to concentrate all efforts on growing the tourism and hospitality sector, as more tourists translate into more job opportunities in the Western Cape.’
In line with this optimistic outlook, the Western Cape recently welcomed two new direct flight routes. The first direct flight from Eswatini to Cape Town was celebrated by officials as a positive step forward. Additionally, a second direct flight from Lusaka, Zambia to Cape Town was also secured, further enhancing the region’s connectivity with key markets.
The introduction of these direct flight routes signifies the growing confidence in the Western Cape as a desirable destination for international travellers. It is anticipated that these new connections will contribute to the sustained recovery and growth of the tourism and hospitality sectors in the region.
The Western Cape’s resurgence in international tourism provides a much-needed boost to the local economy and reinforces its position as a premier travel destination. As the recovery continues, efforts will be intensified to expand and enhance the tourism industry, fostering increased employment opportunities and driving economic prosperity for the Western Cape.
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