New initiatives in Cape Town aim to revive inner-city tourism

Various initiatives were launched yesterday for the coming summer season to draw tourists and local visitors. The City of Cape Town relaunched its vibrant "Urban Safari" bus route, aimed at reconnecting both local and international visitors with the cultural heart of the city.  A revamped A revamped Sightseeing bus stop bus stop was also launched at the Hout Bay Hop on Hop off stop, while on top of Table Mountain a new striking yellow New7Wonders of Nature frame was unveiled.

The Urban Safari bus was launched by Urban Safaris and The City of Cape Town, together with Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, as  a key step in restoring inner-city tourism that was severely disrupted during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Decorated in eye-catching leopard spots and featuring a safari-style design, the bus accommodates up to 34 passengers and symbolises a bold new approach to showcasing Cape Town’s urban heritage.

“During COVID, tourism essentially bypassed the inner city,” said Hill-Lewis at the launch.

“With the closure of  key sites like the Castle of Good Hope and the rise of homeless campers, visitors stuck to iconic spots like Table Mountain and Boulders Beach, while completely missing the central historic and cultural gems Cape Town has to offer.”

The Urban Safari route includes stops at landmark attractions such as the Castle of Good Hope, District Six Museum, South African Museum, St Georges Cathedral and the Company’s Garden.

According to Hill-Lewis, the Castle acts as an “anchor”,  and with its reintroduction to the route, nearby businesses are already beginning to benefit from increased tourist foot traffic.

“It's not just about buses and sightseeing, this is about revitalizing an entire ecosystem of small tourism businesses, restaurants, and local guides who depend on foot traffic in the city center,” said the mayor.

The launch comes after significant inner-city clean-up efforts by the City, including the removal of large homeless encampments that had rendered parts of the CBD unsafe. 

“Now you can come here with reasonable assurance of safety,” Hill-Lewis said. “We’ve deployed over 100 full-time safety officers, and we’re seeing tangible results.”

Looking ahead to the upcoming summer season, Cape Town is poised for a record-breaking tourism year.

 “Last year we saw just under 1.5 million visitors. This year, I’m confident we’ll surpass that for the first time ever and that would be very special,” Hill-Lewis said.

Urban Safaris CEO Claus Tworeck, said the hope for the launch of the bus is to get footprints across the Mother City.

"Cape Town has so much to offer and so much to see, so for us its not about profit but to get people interacting in our rich heritage and culture and above all keeping it alive, so that future generations will know that the Castle for instance is one of the oldest colonial buildings you'll find."

On the other side of the mountain,  Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson, speaking at the launch of the new City Sightseeing Bus stop at 31 Harbour Road in Hout Bay, emphasised the government's commitment to revitalising the area, particularly the Hangberg community, by leveraging tourism to drive local economic growth and job creation. 

He highlighted Hout Bay's rich heritage, historical significance, and untapped potential as both a domestic and international tourist destination.

The initiative reflects a broader departmental goal: transforming underutilized or decaying public assets into vibrant spaces that offer hope and opportunity rather than crime and neglect.

Looking ahead, he expressed strong optimism about Hout Bay’s future, encouraging investment and predicting substantial development over the next 5 to 10 years. This initiative marks just the beginning of a collaborative journey with the community, local businesses, and long-time operators.

Hangberg resident and tour guide Brent Thomas is hopeful and energised about the launch of the new Cape Town Sightseeing Bus stop in Hout Bay. As someone who’s worked for over a decade to bring tourism into his community, Brent sees this as a turning point. “This Red Bus stop is so important for us,” he said. “

"It will open up doors and avenues for a community that has always felt left on the wayside.”

Thee Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (TMACC) also  unveiled a striking yellow New7Wonders of Nature frame, offering visitors the only framed view of Cape Town from the mountain’s peak.

This new installation replaces the frame previously located at Cape Town Station Forecourt, restoring the full set of seven iconic frames across the city.