Cape Town: The New Year 2025 is here and the Alderman James Vos has addressed the nation with greetings and highlighted the achievements of tourism industry from last year. He shared a full-fledged progress report on the initiatives and work done on the projects.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for City of Cape Town for Economic Growth – Alderman James Vos reflected upon a stellar year and has set sights on new horizons. As Cape Town welcomes the new year, Vos wished on behalf of all that his wish for Cape Town is simple yet powerful that every visitor to the city has become a repeated visitor.
James Vos mentioned that the repeated tourism is crucial for the sustainable growth of Cape Town. Intensive research has been done which shows that loyal visitors spend more in Cape Town and also recommend destinations to others by providing valuable feedback.
Tourism offers exceptional experiences and drives innovation in marketing and service delivery, and together we can secure Cape Town’s position as a global destination of choice and ensure long-term success.
2025 Vision
As Cape Town celebrate the achievements all should aim even more higher. Vos cleared that 2025 includes expansion of direct flight connections, leading the new trade missions to India and China. This decision has deepened the partnership with global cities such as Berlin and New York.
The town is more than a destination, it is an experience, a story and a promise. Every flight, cruise and conference create ripples of economic growth that touch lives across the city. Together they have built a foundation for success and they are committed to lead from the front as they seize new opportunities in the coming year ahead.
Marks Tourism Milestone
Cape Town International Airport has welcomed more than 10 million passengers over the past year with 226 international flights that arrives weekly. These connections are vital to the visitor economy and reflects the success of the efforts to attract airlines and establish new routes.
Alderman Vos said, “I am optimistic that we will confirm that we have surpassed the figures within weeks. As current indicators suggest that another exceptional year is underway.”
Recently, Cruise Terminal Cape Town hosted 88 magnificent liners and brought thousands of visitors to the shores. As per Vos, such achievements are no coincidence. They are the result of deliberate, conversion-driven marketing campaigns that prioritize turning interest into bookings.
James Vos mentioned that he and his department has implemented initiatives such as branding black cabs in London with eye-catching designs and QR codes linking directly to offers by Cape Town Travel. These efforts are a part of Choose Cape Town Campaign and showcased the appeal of city in key markets, delivering major results.
Strong Airline Partnerships
Cape Town has deepened partnerships with global airlines and has been another key point in focus. They have worked tirelessly to launch co-marketing campaigns that positions the city as a premier destination.
According to Alderman for Economic Growth, every new route has been added and every passenger booking has enhanced tourism, trade and investment that delivers significant economic benefits to the Cape Town city.
Vos highlighted, “My mission remains to strengthen and expand these partnerships because aviation is critical to economy of Cape Town and every 100 international arrivals create two jobs.” He added that they must continue working hard to keep these aeroplanes in the skies above them which are filled with passengers and supports the local economy and cargo that bolsters the trade connections.
Expansion of New Markets
Alderman James Vos has led the team from front and has expanded towards new markets. Looking forward to it he said, “I am setting my sights on untapped markets with immense potential. India and China present significant opportunities for Cape Town in 2025.”
“I will personally lead strategic trade missions to these countries by establishing new airline routes, with secure partnerships and will showcase unique offers by Cape Town,” added Vos. The tourism department aims to open doors for both visitors and investors by working directly with key stakeholders and ensures that Cape Town must remain a leader in the global tourism landscape.
Growth Via Innovation
- Trusted Tour Operator Scheme
The Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) by the Department of Home Affairs is going to be launch in January 2025. It will streamline visa processing for large groups from key markets including China and India by reducing barriers and boosting tourist arrivals.
- Remote Work Visa
The successful introduction of the Remote Work Visa in October 2024 by tourism department is rolling out targeted campaigns positioning Cape Town as the ultimate destination for international remote workers and unlocked the new economic opportunities for the city.
Economic Impact
Tourism has contributed R27.3 billion annually towards the economy of Cape Town. Every visitor drives growth, supports local businesses and sustains thousands of jobs. Tourism in Cape Town has enriched lives and builds vibrant inclusive communities where everyone can thrive.
Five-Point Programme of Action
Alderman James Vos expressed his gratitude to the Five-Point Programme of Action that has anchored their success. The five points are as follows:
- Landing More Flights: It expands air access for passengers and cargo.
- Docking More Cruise Liners: Positioning Cape Town as a premier cruise destination.
- Hosting More Conferences: Cementing our status as Africa’s leading business tourism hub.
- Boosting Local Attractions: Showcasing Cape Town’s unique offerings to grow visitor numbers.
- Unlocking Investment: Partnering with the private sector to enhance tourism infrastructure.
Furthermore, the strategy creates waves of economic opportunity, particularly in communities where tourism jobs were transformative.
James Vos extended his heartfelt thanks to the Place Marketing and Tourism Branch of the Economic Development and Investment Department, to Cape Town Tourism and the Wesgro funded programmes for driving the vision of city government to grow tourism in the Mother City.