The Western Cape will welcome thousands of domestic and international visitors in the first quarter of this year.

Alan Winde, Minister of Economic Opportunities, said a series of events between January and April would attract thousands of visitors to the province, generating growth and job opportunities.

Minister Winde welcomed the Queen Elizabeth cruise-liner, which arrived in Cape Town this week.
The vessel, which is carrying 3000 passengers and crew, departed for Sydney today.

Minister Winde said indications were that the province was experiencing an excellent tourism season.
“In December, international and domestic arrivals were up from 2014. Over November and December 2015, we welcomed just under 10 000 more international visitors than the previous year.”
Minister Winde said that in December, the number of domestic arrivals increased by over 40 000.
“Our events are key drivers of domestic tourism. This weekend, visitors from across the country will be in the city for the J&B Met. The Met typically attracts over 50 000 visitors and generates over R60 million.
“February is a busy month for tourism in the Western Cape, with the opening of Parliament and the Investing in Africa Mining Indaba. The Mining Indaba attracts around 7 000 delegates and generates over R600 million for the local economy. Between 2007 and 2015, this event created 5000 jobs.”

In March, the province is set to host world-class cycling events: the Cape Town Cycle Tour, the Cape Rouleur and the Absa Cape Epic.
Minister Winde said in April, the Cape Town Jazz Festival would take place. The event traditionally attracts over 37 000 people.

Issued by Western Cape Department of Economic Opportunities