As South Africa's cruise season reaches its peak, Cape Town is gearing up for an exciting month ahead.

Cruise Cape Town, part of the tourism agency Wesgro, announced an impressive schedule for March, with 24 cruise ship calls expected at the Cape Town Cruise Terminal.

This spike is not just a fleeting moment, as it signals a robust forward-looking trend, with 76 ship calls already planned for the 2024/25 season, an increase from 67 last year.

Ahead of the start of the cruise season, the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) revealed that it was planning a total of 268 cruise liner calls for the upcoming season - an astonishing 29% rise compared to the previous year.

As the influx of vessels continues to grow, it is anticipated to usher in thousands of tourists to the region, presenting a significant opportunity for local businesses and tourism recovery.

During the 2023/24 season, cruise tourism proved its worth, contributing R1.32 billion to the regional economy, an increase from R1.2 billion in the previous year.

The total expenditure directly related to vessels and passengers has also climbed to R1.5 billion, overtaking last season's R1.4 billion, showcasing the growing economic impact of this sector.

The cruise agency highlighted that March has consistently proven to be a key month for cruise tourism in Cape Town.

The city's late-summer weather not only makes it a desirable port of call on international cruise routes but also coincides with many shipping companies repositioning their fleets between hemispheres.

This ideal timing places Cape Town squarely in the sights of vacationers and operators alike.

Commenting on this, Wrenelle Stander, CEO of Wesgro, stated that the growth in cruise arrivals this March highlights Cape Town's growing reputation as a must-visit destination.

"Beyond the immediate tourism boost, the industry has positive ripple effects, from tour operators and transport services to restaurants, hotels, and retailers."

Dr Ivan Meyer, the Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development, and Tourism, echoed these sentiments, stating, "We are anticipating a bumper month. The growth in tourism numbers will provide a significant boost to our tourism sector, supporting local businesses, creating jobs, and showcasing the world-class attractions that make the Western Cape a must-visit destination."

As the number of ships increases, Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, noted that Cape Town is preparing for a surge of activity around the cruise terminal and also taking proactive measures to manage the influx of visitors.

"The March arrivals will not only create a buzz in the city but will also provide a major boost to our economy; 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," said Vos.

The V&A Waterfront, which operates the Cape Town Cruise Terminal, has also established designated transport options for cruise passengers and enhanced security measures, including increased traffic marshals during high-volume days.

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Cape Town gears up for an unprecedented cruise season: record numbers expected