Cruise Cape Town, operated by Wesgro, is expecting a strong cruise season this year, with 24 ship calls scheduled at the Cape Town Cruise Terminal in March.

Overall, 76 ship calls are scheduled for the 2024/25 season, which ends in June – up from 67 last season.

During the 2023/24 season, cruise tourism contributed R1.32 billion (€66.7 million) to the regional economy, up from R1.2 billion (€60.7 million) in the previous period.

The total expenditure generated by vessels and passengers reached R1.5 billion (€75.9 million), surpassing the R1.4 billion (€70.8 million) recorded the year before.

Wesgro said March was traditionally a key month for cruise tourism, with Cape Town’s late summer weather making it a popular stop on international cruise routes.

With more ships in port, the city is preparing for increased activity in and around the terminal.

James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth at the City of Cape Town, added: “Cape Town offers an exceptional experience for cruise passengers, and the March arrivals will not only create a buzz in the city but will provide a major boost to our economy, as, for every 36 cruise passenger arrivals, one job is created.

‘‘The City is taking proactive traffic management steps, together with our partners, to manage this increase in arrivals,” added Vos.

The V&A Waterfront, which operates the Cape Town Cruise Terminal, has designated transport options for cruise passengers and enhanced security measures. There will also be increased traffic marshals on days where high volumes are expected.