Cape Town warns of tourism boom risks ahead

THE NEWS:
Tourists contributed R24.5 billion to Cape Town’s economy in 2025, with international visitors accounting for about R19 billion, according to North‑West University.

DETAILS:

• Tourism made up 6.3% of the city’s gross value added in 2025.
• The sector supported more than 106,000 jobs.
• NWU warned that reliance on international visitors could leave the industry vulnerable to global shocks.

WHY IT MATTERS:
Heavy dependence on foreign tourists means that any downturn in global travel could sharply cut Cape Town’s economic output and employment, prompting policymakers to consider boosting domestic tourism and diversifying source markets.

FAQ

How much did tourism generate for Cape Town in 2025?
Tourism generated R24.5 billion in total for Cape Town in 2025, with about R19 billion coming from international visitors, as reported by North‑West University.

What percentage of Cape Town’s gross value added was tourism in 2025?
Tourism contributed 6.3% of Cape Town’s gross value added in the 2025 reporting year, according to the university’s analysis.

How many jobs did the tourism sector support in Cape Town in 2025?
The sector supported more than 106,000 jobs in Cape Town during 2025, based on North‑West University’s findings.

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