Cape Town: Cruise Cape Town celebrated 2024-25 cruise season opening. It also announced the stellar results from previous season 2023-24.
Cruise Cape Town is powered by Wesgro, which is the official tourism, trade and investment promotion agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape, marketing the destination on worldwide level.
Together, they celebrated the official opening of the 2024-25 Cruise Season at the V&A Waterfront. The inaugural ceremony marked an exciting chapter for Cape Town and moreover for the tourism economy of Western Cape.
As per the sources, the event also unveiled teh most awaited Wesgro’s latest Cruise Liner Industry 2023-24 Season Report. It was a detailed analysis of the cruising period that comprised of the complete record from November 2023 to June 2024.
In last season, the cruise industry contributed R1.32 billion to the regional economy, up from the contribution R1.2 billion they made during the previous season, supporting nearly 2,000 jobs across retail, hospitality and other key sectors.
Notably, the all-new cruise season 2024-25, promises further growth, with over 86 ship calls as anticipated and 15 new vessels.
These mainly include the maiden visit of Anthem of the Seas. The ongoing collaboration between public and private sectors positions Cape Town and the Western Cape honourably as a premier cruise destination, strengthening the local economy and offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the region’s beauty and potential.
CEO of Wesgro – Wrenelle Stander acknowledged this achievement and stated that the 2023-24 season has reinforced Cape Town and the Western Cape’s standing. And their strength as a premier destination for international cruise lines.
Despite small dip in ship calls, the economic impact has been more substantial than ever. The R1.32 billion investment into the Western Cape economy demonstrates the resilience of the sector. It also defines the ability to provide consistent value to the businesses and communities across the province.
Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism – Dr. Ivan Meyer expressed his sentiments, highlighting the wider economic ripple effects of the industry and stated that the cruise industry serves as more than just a tourism driver.
He emphasized that it’s a catalyst for a range of economic activities. From transport and hospitality to local craft and wine industries, it has many benefits and advantages that extend throughout the Western Cape. As more passengers disembark and explore the province, the local economy thrives.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Growth from City of Cape Town – Alderman James Vos commented on the economic impact to the cruise industry and said that the cruise industry of Cape Town has rapidly become a cornerstone of the tourism sector.
Alderman Vos extended his gratitude towards the collaborative efforts put by the Cruise Cape Town through their initiative. These are the latest figures which re-affirmed that the city is now establishing itself as a global hub, especially for the cruise travellers.
According to James Vos, each ship that docks, injects millions of rands into the local economy, that drives tourism and creates jobs. He expressed that the city Cape Town is proud to support this programme, as it continues to deliver the immense benefits to both the economy and communities.
All in whole, with the new cruise season 2024-25 reaching, Cape Town and the Western Cape is very well-positioned to further solidify its role as a key player in the global cruise market. As it will also drive the sustained economic growth and job creation for the region.