Cruise Cape Town driving cruise tourism development for Cape Town and the Western Cape

Cruise Cape Town, powered by Wesgro, is a groundbreaking project poised to transform the landscape of tourism in Cape Town and the Western Cape. Situated at the tip of the African continent, the Western Cape is one of nine provinces in South Africa, a breathtaking country which offers truly unique and diverse cruise tourism experiences from six ports along the South African coastline. The collaborative public-private partnership of Cruise Cape Town aims to harness and promote the immense potential of Cape Town and the Western Cape as a premier cruise destination, bolstering the local economy and promoting sustainable tourism practices, all whilst setting the stage for broader exploration of Africa's vast and diverse offerings.

The Importance of Cruise Cape Town

Cape Town and the Western Cape boasts a wealth of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and diverse experiences that makes it a sought-after destination for travellers from around the globe. However, despite its allure, the destination has yet to fully tap into the burgeoning cruise tourism market. Cruise Cape Town seeks to change this by capitalising on Cape Town's strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and rich offerings to position it as a top-tier cruise destination while laying the groundwork for expanding cruise tourism across the African continent.

The purpose of the project is to increase the cruise economy in Cape Town and the Western Cape, enhance its competitiveness in the global cruise industry and support tourism in order to stimulate economic growth and job creation.

The mandate and broad priority focus areas are:

The project holds immense significance for several reasons:

Cruise Cape Town aims to achieve an increase in cruise liner visits and an increase in international and local passengers, which in return will achieve the below impact over the next 3-5 years:

1. Economic Growth: Cruise tourism has the potential to inject millions of dollars into the local economy through port fees, tourism spending, and job creation. By attracting more cruise liners to Cape Town, the project aims to stimulate economic growth, particularly in sectors such as hospitality, transportation, and retail.

2. Destination Promotion: Cruise Cape Town serves as a platform to showcase the destination’s diverse attractions, including its iconic landmarks, cultural heritage sites, and natural wonders. By welcoming cruise passengers with immersive experiences and curated tours, the project aims to enhance Cape Town and the Western Cape's reputation as a must-visit destination on the global tourism map.
3. Sustainable Development: While promoting tourism growth, Cruise Cape Town is committed to upholding principles of sustainability and responsible tourism. Through initiatives such as community engagement and environmental conservation awareness, the project seeks to minimise cruise tourism's ecological footprint and preserve Cape Town and the Western Cape's natural resources for future generations.
Strategic Partnerships are key to driving success

Cruise Cape Town is made possible through collaborative efforts between various partners, each bringing unique expertise and resources to the table. Key stakeholders involved in the project include:

1. Wesgro: As the official tourism, trade, and investment promotion agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape, Wesgro plays a pivotal role in driving the Cruise Cape Town project forward. Through its extensive networks, market insights, and strategic initiatives, Wesgro serves as the power behind the promotion and development of Cape Town's cruise tourism sector.

2. Western Cape Government: The Western Cape's Provincial Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT) provides support and regulatory oversight to Cruise Cape Town. By aligning policies, regulations, and incentives, the department is able to assist with the facilitation the growth of the cruise tourism sector while ensuring compliance with relevant laws and standards.

3. City of Cape Town (CoCT): The City of Cape Town's Economic Development office is key in supporting key sectors within Cape Town to stimulate economic growth and job creation. This portfolio has the potential to ensure that Cape Town continues to be the go-to city on the African continent and globally for business, trade and tourism. Its main objective is to continue working with key sectors and communities to invest in projects and programmes that drive demand and make business sense.
4. Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA): The ports of the Western Cape are owned and managed by the TNPA, and they are a key partner in the Cape Town Cruise Terminal. The port authority plays a critical role in facilitating cruise operations and ensuring smooth port logistics. By investing in port infrastructure and streamlining port processes, TNPA creates an enabling environment for cruise liners to dock and disembark passengers efficiently.

5. South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA): SAMSA was established in 1998 with the objectives of ensuring the safety of life and property at sea as preventing and combating pollution from ships in the marine environment. SAMSA plays a key role in ensuring technical and operational standards for all shipping operations to promote seaworthiness, safety and regulatory compliance of the harbour and visiting vessels. SAMSA also oversees the management of maritime safety and distress communications, providing support and rescue operation through the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI). Most importantly, SAMSA enforces international law at sea to ensure that South African coastal waters are safe and secure for arriving and departing vessels.

6. The V&A Waterfront: The V&A Waterfront is one of Africa's most-visited tourist attractions with over 24 million visitors annually. Situated in the oldest working harbour in South Africa, with the iconic Table Mountain as its backdrop, the V&A is a favourite for local and international visitors. The V&A entered into a public-private agreement with TNPA to become the sole operator of the Cape Town Cruise Terminal, ensuring only the highest standard for arriving cruise passengers. The terminal provides access to amenities such as customs and immigration check-ins, baggage collection, foreign exchange, restaurants as well as a variety of transport and tourism information services. The V&A also plays a key role in promoting sustainable terminal practices such as efficient energy usage, sustainable infrastructure development and on-site water recycling to reduce the harbour's environmental impact.

Cruise Cape Town also collaborates with local tourism authorities and operators across the Western Cape to curate unique shore excursions and experiences for cruise passengers. From guided city tours to wildlife safaris and wine-tasting experiences, these operators showcase the best of what Cape Town and the Western Cape has to offer, enhancing the overall visitor experience.

The Greater Mandate: Driving Sustainable Tourism Growth Across Africa

As Cruise Cape Town sets sail towards new horizons, it not only elevates Cape Town and the Western Cape's status as a premier cruise destination, but also lays the groundwork for broader exploration and development of cruise tourism across South Africa and the African continent. By embracing innovation, collaboration, and responsible stewardship, the project sets a precedent for how destinations can harness the power of tourism to create positive economic, social, and environmental impacts. Furthermore, by highlighting Africa's abundant natural beauty, cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, Cruise Cape Town aims to redefine the narrative of African tourism and showcase the continent as a must-visit destination for travellers seeking unforgettable experiences on the high seas and beyond.

Watch the Cruise Cape Town video here.