Cape Town tourism has wrapped up another successful December, marking a steady increase in visitor numbers.
The city, already one of South Africa’s top destinations, benefitted from strong foreign interest in 2024, partly driven by expanded flight options that bypass Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport.
This influx of global travellers helped push the total arrivals through Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) to 533,829 for the month, a 3% rise compared to 2023.
Notably, international arrivals accounted for over 160,500 passengers, reflecting a growth of 3.7% from the previous year. Domestic traffic also saw a positive uptick, with 362,222 local visitors making their way to the airport, a modest increase of 2.3%. Regional flights contributed to the growth as well, with 10 491 passengers—up 22.5% from 2023—though this remains the smallest category of arrival, as first reported by News24.
This increase in international and regional traffic highlights Cape Town’s rising status as a key global destination, aided by more frequent and direct flight routes. James Vos, the city’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, attributed much of the growth to these improved air links. ‘The ease of access and our ongoing collaborations with airlines have been instrumental in boosting our tourism sector,’ said James.
Enver Duminy, CEO of Cape Town Tourism, echoed this sentiment, stating that the rise in arrivals demonstrates growing confidence in the city. ‘Cape Town’s global appeal is undeniable, attracting both locals and international tourists,’ Enver said.
While growth in 2024’s December numbers is more modest compared to the previous year’s explosive rebound from the pandemic, it suggests a return to more typical patterns post-COVID. In 2023, there was a dramatic 20% surge in domestic arrivals, a spike not mirrored in 2024. However, even with the more measured growth this year, December 2024’s figures still surpass pre-pandemic levels, especially in international and regional travel, showing that Cape Town continues to be a sought-after destination.
First published by: Cape Town Etc
Words compiled by: Aiden Daries
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