December international arrivals to Cape Town rise 11%

Cape Town, Friday, 16 January 2026 – In the same week the Matric Class of 2025 received their results and a new cohort of Grade 1 learners began their school journey, Cape Town is celebrating a milestone of its own. A strong festive-season performance points to a city in demand and a tourism strategy delivering measurable results.

According to Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), 1.12 million two-way passengers travelled through Cape Town International Airport in December 2025. This marks an 8% increase from December 2024. International arrivals rose 11%, regional arrivals 13%, and domestic travel 6%.

This performance follows a record 11.1 million two-way passengers handled by the airport during the 2025 calendar year. The momentum is reinforced by recent global recognition: the airport was named Best Airport in the World by AirHelp, and Cape Town was crowned Time Out’s Best City in the World 2025.

Campaigns that convert interest into travel

Enver Duminy, CEO of Cape Town Tourism, says the festive-season growth reflects years of consistent effort and collaboration across the sector.

“Our Matric Class of 2025 didn’t succeed because of one exam paper. They got there through years of support and hard work,” Duminy says. “Tourism is no different. An 11% rise in international arrivals doesn’t happen overnight. It comes from long-term planning with the City and our partners, and campaigns that move people from dreaming to booking.”

He points to campaigns such as MyCapeTown and 50 Things to Do in Cape Town for Under R50, which encourage locals and domestic travellers to explore the city affordably, alongside international-facing campaigns like One Small World, Go All Out and Limitless Cape Town.

“These campaigns don’t only win awards. They fill planes and accommodation, and they make sure people from different backgrounds feel seen, welcomed and catered for,” Duminy adds.

Visitor movement across the city

The airport figures tell only part of the story. Across Cape Town, visitor numbers climbed at major attractions during December.

Table Mountain recorded a 6% increase in visitors despite challenging wind conditions. Robben Island arrivals rose by 10%. Chapman’s Peak Drive saw an 11% increase in traffic, while Cape Point reached capacity on several peak days.

These numbers were bolstered by cruise arrivals, road-trippers from across South Africa and the region, and Capetonians hosting visiting friends and family. The combined effect was visible across restaurants, attractions, retail spaces and neighbourhood-based experiences.

Tourism impact beyond the city centre

For visitors, the emotional connection remains central to the Cape Town experience.

“There is no place like Cape Town,” says Ciali Browne, visiting from New Zealand. “The scenery is incredible, but it’s the people that make the trip. Everyone is warm and proud of where they’re from. It’s a place that stays with you.”

For small tourism businesses, the festive season acts as both a reward and a springboard.

“We had days where we were fully booked, with many guests from the Netherlands,” says Buntu Matole, co-founder of ABCD Concepts in Khayelitsha. “Visitors want to experience everyday life beyond the city centre. Bookings for the coming months are already strong, and our focus is on building deeper partnerships so guests stay longer and spend more in the community.”

Tourism growth by design

Alderman James Vos, the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth and Tourism, says the figures reflect a deliberate strategy rather than chance.

“An 11% increase in international arrivals in December and a record 11.1 million passengers over the past year show that this growth is by design,” Vos says. “Through the Choose Cape Town campaigns, our partnership with Cape Town Tourism and the Cape Town Air Access initiative, we are shaping demand that supports airlines, investment and job creation.”

Tourism already employs close to 7% of Cape Town’s workforce. Vos says the City’s longer-term ambition is to ensure tourism continues to create opportunities across all communities.

A full high-season performance update, including accommodation and spend data, will be released in the second quarter of 2026. Early indicators suggest strong demand, a resonant destination brand and tangible benefits extending from the CBD to township and neighbourhood-based tourism hubs.