The Western Cape’s latest peak season report indicates positive growth in domestic tourism numbers following the province’s drought.
The recovery was boosted by an increase in visitors from KwaZulu Natal, Gauteng and the North West.
Travellers were most attracted to wine estate activities, cultural and sustainable experiences, local dining, and outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling. Wine cellars, specifically those outside Stellenbosch and Paarl, confirmed an increase in sales from the previous year.
In regions outside Cape Town, the tourism industry report noted an increase in last-minute reservations made directly with establishments and at the tourism offices.
Tour operators reported a 5% increase in bookings and arrivals to the province.
Of all reservations, 80-90% were made online and the average duration of overall stay was two to three days.
There has also been an increase in enquiries for local events and cost-effective experiences for families.
