Cruise tourism one of fastest-growing contributors to South Africa’s GDP
Cape Town’s Cruise Surge Sets New Benchmarks for Economic Growth and Job Creation in 2024/25
The cruise tourism sector in Cape Town and the Western Cape has firmly established itself as a powerhouse within South Africa’s economy, delivering record-breaking results during the 2024/25 season. This remarkable growth is not only reshaping the region’s tourism landscape but also offering a blueprint for how African destinations can leverage maritime tourism to drive economic development and employment.
At the heart of this transformation is a surge in vessel arrivals and passenger numbers, with the Western Cape welcoming 79 cruise ships and recording 83 vessel calls between September 2024 and June 2025. This represents an impressive 18% increase over the previous year, a testament to the region’s growing appeal among international cruise operators and travelers alike. Passenger traffic soared by 16%, reaching a new high of 127,000 visitors, while long-haul world cruises accounted for 42 of these calls, further cementing Cape Town’s reputation as a must-visit port on global itineraries.
The economic impact of this growth has been profound. Total passenger and vessel expenditure climbed to R1.99 billion, a significant leap from the R1.5 billion recorded in the 2023/24 season. Of this, R1.79 billion was directly injected into the provincial GDP, underscoring the sector’s role as one of the fastest-growing contributors to South Africa’s economy through tourism. This financial windfall has rippled across multiple industries, from hospitality and retail to transport and fuel services, creating a robust ecosystem that benefits businesses of all sizes.
Employment figures tell an equally compelling story. The 2024/25 cruise season generated 1,234 direct full-time equivalent jobs in the Western Cape, a number that swells to 2,345 when accounting for multiplier effects. The distribution of these roles highlights the sector’s broad reach: retail and markets absorbed 44% of the workforce, followed by hotels and restaurants at 27%, tour operators at 9%, and fuel bunkering at 8%. Nationally, nearly 3,000 jobs were supported, with international visitors responsible for almost two-thirds of total passenger spending .
Industry leaders have been quick to acknowledge the significance of these achievements. Captain Alex Miya, Acting Port Manager for the Port of Cape Town at Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), described cruise tourism as a “rising force within the national economy,” emphasizing TNPA’s commitment to delivering world-class marine services and collaborating with partners to position Cape Town as Africa’s premier cruise destination.
This sentiment is echoed by Wesgro CEO Wrenelle Stander, who highlighted the sector’s ability to create jobs and stimulate growth across the province, and by Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, who noted that the benefits extend from small family-owned businesses to major enterprises, with every visitor contributing to livelihoods throughout the region.
The momentum shows no signs of slowing. The 2025/26 season has already commenced, heralded by the arrival of the luxury vessel The World, with more than 70 cruise calls scheduled in the coming months. This sustained growth trajectory reflects the broader confidence of international cruise operators in South Africa’s potential as a global cruise hub and signals new opportunities for African destinations seeking to diversify their tourism offerings .
Several factors underpin Cape Town’s success in the cruise sector. The city’s strategic location at the crossroads of major shipping routes, coupled with its world-class port infrastructure and vibrant tourism offerings, has made it an attractive stop for cruise lines. Investments in the Cruise Terminal and ongoing improvements in marine services have further enhanced the passenger experience, encouraging repeat visits and positive word-of-mouth among travelers and operators alike.
Moreover, the sector’s growth has catalyzed a wave of innovation and collaboration across the tourism value chain. Local businesses have adapted to meet the needs of cruise passengers, offering tailored excursions, unique cultural experiences, and seamless transport solutions. This has not only increased visitor spending but also fostered skills development and entrepreneurship within the community.
For the broader African travel industry, Cape Town’s cruise boom offers valuable lessons and inspiration. The city’s ability to attract and accommodate a growing number of cruise ships demonstrates the importance of investing in port infrastructure, building strong public-private partnerships, and developing compelling destination marketing strategies. As more African ports seek to tap into the lucrative cruise market, the Western Cape’s experience highlights the potential for maritime tourism to drive inclusive economic growth, create sustainable jobs, and elevate the continent’s profile on the world stage.
Looking ahead, the challenge for TNPA and its partners will be to sustain this momentum and further expand South Africa’s cruise profile. This will require continued investment in infrastructure, enhanced marketing efforts, and a focus on delivering exceptional visitor experiences. By doing so, Cape Town and the Western Cape are well-positioned to remain at the forefront of Africa’s cruise tourism renaissance, setting new benchmarks for economic impact and industry innovation with each passing season.
As the sector continues to evolve, African tourism professionals are encouraged to monitor these developments closely, adapt to emerging trends, and explore new opportunities for collaboration and growth. The success of Cape Town’s cruise industry is a powerful reminder that with the right strategy and investment, African destinations can compete – and thrive – on the global tourism stage.
