Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) has experienced a significant increase in passenger traffic, indicating an exciting trend for the Western Cape's tourism sector, according to Mireille Wenger, Western Cape Finance and Economic Opportunities MEC.

Between January and September 2023, CTIA welcomed over 6.8 million international and domestic passengers. This figure represents a substantial rise in international two-way passengers by 60% compared to the same period in 2022 and a domestic two-way passenger increase of 14% from the previous year. These findings were part of the monthly tourism report released by Wesgro, the provincial government's trade, investment, and tourism promotion agency.

Wenger highlighted the positive implications of this upward trajectory for the region, suggesting that the growth would not only continue but surpass previous summer seasons. She emphasized the province's commitment to prepare for more tourists and the economic opportunities they bring. More tourists mean more job opportunities, Wenger emphasized.

Between January and September 2023, CTIA served 1.9 million international two-way passengers and 4.9 million domestic two-way passengers, with significant year-on-year growth.

WESGRO's monthly report also revealed that Cape Town saw 621,238 tourist arrivals during the same period, with 89% from overseas markets and 11% from the rest of Africa. British tourists remained the top source of tourism, with the USA closely following, and Germany, the Netherlands, and France taking the next of the top five positions, with six of the top ten source markets originating from the EU.

571,657 visitors were recorded at 40 participating attractions across the Western Cape in September 2023, indicating a 23% year-on-year growth in visitors compared to September 2022. Even the tiny George Airport witnessed a 3% year-on-year increase in two-way passengers.

In preparation for more visitors, the Western Cape government is aiming to further expand this sector.