Ct Driving Seasonal Tourism Shift

With an unbroken 24-month streak of increasing arrivals at Cape Town International Airport up to December, reports of a bumper February and major events well into April, Cape Town appears to be achieving its goal of extending its peak season.

Events and conferences are driving the shift but increased connectivity, new markets and emerging leisure trends are cementing Cape Towns reputation as a year-round destination.

Dorcas Dlamini Mbele , Senior Commercial Director for Marriott International in Sub-Saharan Africa, said: Weve seen strong growth in hotel occupancy across our Cape Town portfolio of hotels for February 2025, driven by a mix of major annual events and some new high-profile conferences. While the Mining Indaba and State of the Nation Address continue to be key fixtures, events like the International Pediatric Nephrology Association Congress and Finance in Common Summit at the Cape Town International Convention Centre also played a significant role in boosting demand.

In February, Cape Town also hosted the B20 launch and high-level G20 meetings. In March, thousands of people visited for the Cape Town Cycle Tour and the city will host the Two Oceans Marathon, World Travel Market Africa and the Cape Town Jazz Festival in April.

Short-term rental specialist Nox Cape Town has noted a steady increase in demand for shorter stays outside of traditional high season, which the company has dubbed microseasons.