Cape Town Clinches "World's Best City" Title, Boosting South Africa’s Tourism Allure

Cape Town has secured the coveted title of "Best City in the World" for the seventh time in the 2025 Telegraph Travel Awards, reaffirming its status as a top global destination. This prestigious accolade, based on votes from over 20,000 Telegraph readers, marks the second time this year that Cape Town has received this honor, following a similar ranking by Time Out earlier in 2025. This recognition underscores the city’s exceptional appeal and presents exciting opportunities for African travel agents.

Cape Town’s consistent appeal stems from its unique blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and world-class hospitality. From the iconic Table Mountain and stunning beaches to the bustling V& A Waterfront and thriving culinary scene, the city offers a diverse range of experiences that cater to a wide spectrum of traveler preferences. This latest award further solidifies Cape Town’s position as a must-visit destination, attracting discerning travelers seeking unforgettable experiences.

South Africa also performed exceptionally well in the awards, ranking as the fourth-best country in the world. While slightly down from its top spot in 2023, this ranking still highlights the country’s diverse tourism offerings, from the iconic Kruger National Park and scenic Garden Route to the renowned Cape Winelands and vibrant urban centers like Johannesburg and Durban. This continued recognition reinforces South Africa’s position as a premier travel destination, attracting adventure seekers, nature lovers, and cultural enthusiasts alike.

Botswana, another sought-after African destination, maintained its position as the tenth-best country in the world. Known for its pristine wilderness areas, including the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park, Botswana offers exclusive safari experiences and is a leader in sustainable tourism practices. This consistent ranking underscores Botswana’s appeal to eco-conscious travelers seeking intimate encounters with nature.

Cape Town’s dual recognition as the world’s best city, coupled with South Africa’s and Botswana’s strong performance in the Telegraph Travel Awards, presents significant opportunities for African travel agents. These accolades generate increased international attention and reinforce the appeal of these destinations to a global audience. Travel agents can leverage this positive momentum to promote bespoke itineraries, highlighting the unique experiences and world-class hospitality that these destinations offer.

Cape Town’s tourism sector has experienced robust growth in recent years, fueled by increased air access, expanded cruise tourism, and strategic investments in infrastructure and marketing. The city’s airport welcomed a record number of passengers in 2024, and the cruise terminal is experiencing significant growth, bringing thousands of visitors to the city. These developments, combined with the city’s natural and cultural attractions, create a compelling proposition for travelers and present exciting opportunities for travel agents to curate unforgettable experiences.

South Africa’s tourism sector has also shown strong recovery and growth, with international arrivals increasing year over year. The country’s diverse offerings, from wildlife safaris and scenic road trips to vibrant city experiences and cultural tours, cater to a wide range of interests. Travel agents can capitalize on this diversity by crafting itineraries that showcase the best of South Africa, appealing to a global clientele.

Botswana’s focus on sustainable tourism and high-end safari experiences has positioned it as a leader in eco-conscious travel. The country’s pristine wilderness areas and exclusive lodges offer travelers an intimate and authentic African experience. Travel agents specializing in sustainable and luxury travel can leverage Botswana’s reputation to attract discerning clients seeking unique and responsible travel options.

The Telegraph Travel Awards, known for their reader-driven approach, provide valuable insights into traveler preferences and highlight destinations that consistently exceed expectations. Cape Town’s, South Africa’s, and Botswana’s strong performance in these awards reinforces their status as top-tier travel destinations and presents African travel agents with a unique opportunity to showcase the best of the continent to a global audience.

Cape Town’s repeated recognition as the world’s best city is a testament to its enduring appeal and the hard work of its tourism stakeholders. This accolade, combined with the strong performance of other African destinations in the Telegraph Travel Awards, creates a positive narrative for the continent’s tourism sector and offers African travel agents a platform to promote the diverse and exceptional experiences that Africa has to offer.