Cape Town tourism is entering the latter half of winter with international travel showing sustained momentum, while local visitors watch their spending, Cape {town} Etc reports.
Picture: Cass S / Pexels
International demand remains resilient
The city welcomed 1.44 million international overnight visitors in 2025, generating R19 billion in foreign direct tourism spend, according to Cape Town Tourism’s latest economic report. The report recorded 1.42 million domestic overnight trips, with average stays falling from 5.2 nights to 4.4 nights.
Domestic tourism spend also declined from R8 billion to R5.5 billion as household financial pressure shaped travel decisions.
National figures point to continued international demand during winter. South Africa recorded 823 365 international tourist arrivals in June 2026, up 9.8 per cent year on year, according to the Department of Tourism.
Cape Town Tourism CEO Enver Duminy said changing consumer behaviour is shaping the domestic market. ‘Even under pressure, the desire to travel hasn’t gone away,’ Duminy said. ‘What’s changed is how people define value.’
Cape Town’s winter performance also reflects its growing year-round appeal, with Wesgro reporting a shift towards a 70/30 tourism split across the year, signalling stronger visitor activity beyond the traditional summer peak.
Rising airline fuel costs are also shaping travel decisions this winter, with two South African airlines recently introducing fuel surcharges, as Cape Town Etc previously reported.
Article shared by Cape Etc.
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