While National Tourism Turmoil Grabs Headlines, Cape Town Grabs Itineraries

As South Africa’s national tourism battles leadership uncertainty, Cape Town Tourism (CTT) is doubling down on delivery and calling for stability to protect jobs, growth, and community impact.

Action Over Arguments

According to CTT’s latest Economic Value of Tourism (EVT) report, tourism in Cape Town supported more than 106,000 jobs in 2024, with visitor spend exceeding R24 billion.

For every ten tourists, one new job is created in the city — a critical lifeline for local employment.

CTT directly supports over 800 small and medium-sized businesses through membership, providing training, business development, and global market access opportunities.

The Future Tourism Leaders programme further invests in youth, ensuring that tourism becomes a sustainable and inclusive career choice for the next generation.

A Call for Stability

Enver Duminy, CEO of Cape Town Tourism, says tourism is far more than leisure — it’s a vital part of South Africa’s economy. He warns that boardroom battles at national level put livelihoods at risk:

“Tourists care about the welcome at the airport, the safety on our streets, and the memories they take home — not leadership conflicts. This is not the time for disputes; it’s time to put the industry first.”

Looking Ahead

CTT’s priorities for 2025 include:

• Expanding market access for local businesses
• Deepening community impact across neighbourhoods
• Increasing SMME participation in tourism’s value chain

Duminy says Cape Town continues to prove that tourism can transform lives:

“Boardroom conflicts will come and go, but Cape Town Tourism will keep delivering — one flight, one neighbourhood, one job at a time.”