‘It’s locals who keep the city thriving,’ says Cape Town Tourism as the Mother City recovers from the devastating effect of the pandemic, like all other towns and cities in the country.
Since the removal of the last remaining Covid-19 regulations in June this year, travel and hospitality in Cape Town have seen encouraging growth. And it’s looking positive elsewhere too, with many tour operators, restauranteurs and hotel managers having said that the locals in their areas have carried them through.
‘Airport recovery shows 67% for domestic arrivals to Cape Town in August, compared to 45% in the same month the previous year. Occupancy rates are also steadily increasing month-on-month,’ says Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth at the City of Cape Town
‘The latest statistics show that 65.4% of the rooms sold in June this year were for domestic and regional business or leisure travel.’
‘Although some of these attractions may be right on their doorstep, many locals have not been able to experience some of the things that make Cape Town a traveller’s paradise. With “Freedom to Wish”, we want to acknowledge the role that the people of Cape Town continue to play in keeping our city a favourite global and local tourist destination. It is a special give-back initiative which we have launched and we are hoping to grant as many wishes as possible this Tourism month,’ Vos continued.
With these positive domestic travel statistics in mind, what do Capetonians want to see and experience in their own city? A recent social media poll by Cape Town Tourism revealed that a wine tour at Groot Constantia and a sunset yacht cruise were just some of the sought-after local tourist preferences.
Cape Town Tourism, in partnership with the City of Cape Town, wants to give Capetonians an opportunity to experience the attractions which make the Mother City so spectacular through a new competition that will help locals achieve their dreams.
Enver Duminy, CEO of Cape Town Tourism says, ‘”Freedom to Wish” [is] our latest campaign is asking Capetonians to nominate themselves or a loved one to win a city or sea adventure, whether it be a visit to the Aquarium, or a visit to the District Six Museum, craft beer tasting, sailing at sunset, seeing the city from an open-top bus, or more!’
‘After the devastating effect on local tourism as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, both local and international tourism continues to be key for Cape Town and plays a major part in its economic recovery,’ Vos says. ‘This campaign highlights the variety of experiences tourists can find around the metro, experiences that make Cape Town such a unique and sought-after destination.’
To be part of “Freedom to Wish”, which runs until 26 September, simply WhatsApp Cape Town Tourism on 0726620626 or send your 60-second video or email [email protected] with your name, desired experience and a short motivation and your wish might become a reality.
For further details, visit https://www.capetown.travel/.
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