Cape Town’s thriving tourism scene experienced a vibrant kick-off as the Pacific World, the first cruise vessel of the 2026/27 season, docked at the Cape Town Cruise Terminal on Thursday, Cape {town} Etc reports.
Originally published via Cape {town} Etc
The arrival of this vessel marks a significant milestone, featuring a total of 1,397 passengers—predominantly from Japan—who were greeted with traditional local music and entertainment, reflecting the festive spirit in honour of Tourism Month.
This inaugural arrival is a testament to Cape Town and the Western Cape’s escalating popularity as a prime cruise destination and a stepping stone to a broader Southern African cruise itinerary.
The Pacific World is part of the Peace Boat fleet, an innovative Japan-based NGO that promotes peace, human rights, sustainable development, and international cooperation through its global voyages and educational programmes.
The economic ramifications of cruise tourism are profound and far-reaching. The 2024/25 cruise season alone contributed R1.79 billion to the Western Cape’s GDP-R, bolstering businesses, creating jobs, and providing notable benefits across the tourism value chain.
The latest economic impact data for the 2025/26 season is anticipated to be released soon, further illuminating the sector’s significance.
CEO of Wesgro, Wrenelle Stander, underscored the cruise sector’s contribution to the province’s tourism growth, stating: ‘A key driver of this success is the strength of the public-private partnerships that underpin Cruise Cape Town. Through collaboration among government, industry, and private-sector partners, we can attract more cruise calls, grow visitor numbers, and maximise the economic opportunities that flow from the cruise economy,’
Executive for Marine & Industrial at the V&A Waterfront, Andre Blaine expressed similar sentiments, noting, ‘Every cruise ship arrival creates value that extends far beyond the terminal. Cruise visitors significantly contribute to local businesses, attractions, restaurants, tour operators, and accommodation providers, stimulating visitor spend throughout Cape Town and the wider region,’
Mayco for Economic Growth at the City of Cape Town, Alderman James Vos reiterated the importance of cruise tourism in enhancing the city’s competitiveness as a global tourism destination.
‘Through strategic destination marketing and strong partnerships, we are working to attract more visitors and grow the tourism economy. Cruise tourism is a key contributor to this effort, generating jobs, supporting local businesses, and creating economic opportunities for residents across the city,’ he explained.
Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, celebrated the arrival of the Pacific World.
He highlighted that the commencement of the cruise season showcases the power of collaboration in nurturing Cape Town’s burgeoning visitor economy.
‘Cruise tourism contributes directly to the objectives of the Western Cape Government’s Growth for Jobs Strategy by driving tourism growth, creating employment opportunities, supporting small businesses, and stimulating economic activity across the province,’ Meyer added.
Originally published via Cape {town} Etc
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