With an unbroken 24-month streak of increasing arrivals at Cape Town International Airport up to December, reports of a bumper February and major events well into April, Cape Town appears to be achieving its goal of extending its peak season.

Events and conferences are driving the shift but increased connectivity, new markets and emerging leisure trends are cementing Cape Town’s reputation as a year-round destination.

MICE travel driving demand

Dorcas Dlamini Mbele, Senior Commercial Director for Marriott International in Sub-Saharan Africa, said: “We’ve seen strong growth in hotel occupancy across our Cape Town portfolio of hotels for February 2025, driven by a mix of major annual events and some new high-profile conferences. While the Mining Indaba and State of the Nation Address continue to be key fixtures, events like the International Pediatric Nephrology Association Congress and Finance in Common Summit at the Cape Town International Convention Centre also played a significant role in boosting demand.”

In February, Cape Town also hosted the B20 launch and high-level G20 meetings. In March, thousands of people visited for the Cape Town Cycle Tour and the city will host the Two Oceans Marathon, World Travel Market Africa and the Cape Town Jazz Festival in April.

Short-stay micro seasons

Short-term rental specialist Nox Cape Town has noted a steady increase in demand for shorter stays outside of traditional high season, which the company has dubbed “micro seasons”.

The company attributes this to increased air access bringing more visitors from the US and Europe for events and an influx of visitors from the Middle East looking to escape the summer heat in their home destinations.

“In the past, our goal was to secure longer stays during high season with a minimum stay of 10 nights to convert to higher revenue for home owners. While this remains true for leisure travel, we’ve noticed that shorter stays are in higher demand during these micro seasons and becoming more profitable,” said Nox Cape Town Founder Richard Marshall.

Across all Nox-managed properties, occupancy rates reached 85.2% at the start of the conference season in February 2025 – up from 77.8% in January 2025 and 72.09% in December 2024 during the typical high season for leisure travel.

Sea Point, Green Point and Mouille Point also recorded increased occupancy rates of 91% during February 2025 compared with 79% in December 2024.

Emerging leisure sector trends

Dlamini Mbele said Marriott also saw a rise in group bookings, “which highlights ongoing demand from the leisure sector”.

Marriott has also seen the cruise market shift towards longer stays. “Although the number of cruise ship passenger arrivals in February 2025 was similar to 2024, there was a shift in length of stay. This year, many passengers stayed for two nights instead of just one, allowing them more time to explore the city,” Dlamini Mbele said.

In March, Cape Town received 24 ship calls, according to data from Wesgro. “The growth in cruise arrivals this March highlights Cape Town’s growing reputation as a must-visit destination,” said Wrenelle Stander, CEO of Wesgro, the tourism, trade and investment promotion agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape. “Beyond the immediate tourism boost, the industry has positive ripple effects from tour operators and transport services to restaurants, hotels and retailers.”

Dlamini Mbele said: “These trends suggest a longer and more varied peak season for Cape Town.”

Diverse markets

Cape Town is also capitalising on the recent introduction of the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme for the Indian and Chinese markets. James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth at the City of Cape Town said: “By 2030, India is expected to be the fourth-largest outbound tourism market globally. Indian tourists are also among the highest spenders internationally, making this a crucial market for Cape Town’s visitor economy,” Vos said.

During a recent visit to India for the South African Tourism roadshow, Vos met with representatives of Air India “to make the case for direct flights between Cape Town and India”.

Vos said: “A direct route will make it easier for Indian businesses and travellers to access Cape Town’s dynamic market.”