The Western Cape plans to attract up to 150000 additional tourist arrivals in the current financial year with particular focus on promoting regional spread and unlocking new markets through initiatives such as South Africas Trusted Tour Operator Scheme TTOS.
This is the overarching objective for Wesgro, the provinces official trade, investment and tourism agency, as outlined in its 2025/26 performance plan.
We are no longer talking about recovery in the sector but instead how we can find areas that can deliver inclusive growth, counteract seasonality and facilitate regional spread, said Wesgro CEO Wrenelle Stander .
Wesgro has identified China, India, Brazil, the Middle East and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations as key emerging tourism markets. Growth in these and existing top source markets will be supported by programmes driving tourism to areas beyond Cape Town, growing business events, and strengthening inclusive and sustainable tourism ecosystems.
Growth in leisure tourism, in international and local markets, as well as growth in business events continue to be crucial focus areas for Wesgro. This is because of tourisms labour intensity, its multiplier effect, its ability to generate opportunities for SMMEs and its ability to support increased exports and foreign direct investment, said Stander.