The 14 participating attractions across the five regions of the Western Cape recorded a total of 176 651 visitors in May. This is a 54% growth in visitors compared with May 2022.

This is according to the monthly tourism report, compiled by the Western Cape Government’s official tourism, trade and investment promotion agency, Wesgro.

“This is truly great news for our many wonderful attractions across the Western Cape. During the winter holidays, I, like many parents in the province, look for ways to keep children occupied and entertained and we are spoiled for choice in the Western Cape,” said Western Cape Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger.

“I encourage parents to take advantage of and explore the many wonderful attractions with their children and to do so safely if they are travelling on our roads this wet winter.”

Other highlights from the report include:

• International two-way passengers through Cape Town International Airport (CPT) remained strong between January and May, fully recovering to 105% compared with 2019.
• 2.7 million domestic two-way passengers passed through CPT between January and May 2023.
• Two-way passengers through George Airport reached 327 179 between January and May, a 3% year-on-year increase compared with January-May last year.
• In May, Cape Town recorded 46 966 tourist arrivals by air, 86% of them from overseas markets and 14% from Africa.
• The share of overseas tourists to Cape Town recorded in May reached full recovery when compared with pre-pandemic levels.
• The UK led as the top source market to Cape Town (via air) between January and May, closely followed by Germany, the US, the Netherlands and France in the top five positions.
• The European market remains the largest contributor to tourist arrivals to Cape Town, with six out of the top ten source markets originating from the continent.
• Six out of the 14 participating attractions fully recovered in May when compared with visitor levels recorded in May 2019.

“I am very pleased that the first five months of 2023 continue to show a sustained recovery in tourism in the province, and our international tourist numbers remain robust. Based on conversations with tourism stakeholders, we hope for a strong demand for travel during the Western Cape’s winter period. So, to residents, let’s get out and explore our stunning province these holidays and support our tourism businesses while keeping the kids entertained and engaged,” concluded Wenger.