Foreign visitor spending reached an all-time high of R19 billion, with 1.44 million overnight international visitors.
Cape Town’s tourism sector generated R24.5 billion in direct spending in 2025, buoyed by a record-breaking year for international arrivals. The industry, which sustained more than 106,000 jobs, is currently navigating a two-pronged reality: while global appeal for the city has reached new highs, the domestic market is grappling with household economic strain.
Record-Breaking International Influx
International visitor spending reached an all-time high of R19 billion in 2025. The city welcomed 1.44 million overnight international visitors who, on average, stayed longer and spent more. Major source markets, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, the Netherlands, and France, remain central to this growth, supported by a 7% increase in international passenger traffic through the city’s airport.
Navigating Domestic Challenges
