Cape Town Tourism Booming

The Cape Town tourism sector is reporting a marked improvement in traffic at restaurants, shops, and attractions for the month of December, and the accommodation sector is also reporting a positive holiday upswing.

Following a mid-December poll of Cape Town Tourism members, where over half of respondents expected a marginally better summer season this year (when compared with that of summer 2010-2011), tourism numbers seem to be improving beyond what was initially anticipated, and there is every indication that Cape Town has seen the start of a very positive peak season.

Actual statistics across the board are not yet available, but Cape Town International Airport reported an earlier start to the season this year with a 14 percent increase in international arrivals compared with November 2010. An 11.7 percent increase was felt in regional arrivals, and a 3.6 percent increase was noticed in domestic arrivals during November 2011. January and February are traditionally peak months for international arrivals, and a steady year-on-year increase in international tourists is expected, too.