Cape Town Wins Big at World Travel Awards
The Mother City secures two prestigious titles, boosting its status in tourism.
The Full Story
Cape Town has recently achieved significant recognition in the tourism sector by winning two notable awards at the World Travel Awards Africa Gala Ceremony held in Zanzibar on August 27. Often referred to as the 'Oscars of Tourism', these awards are determined by votes from travel professionals, industry leaders, and the general public. This year, Cape Town was awarded Africa’s Leading City Destination and Africa’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination, marking a remarkable achievement for the city.
The award for Africa’s Leading City Destination underscores Cape Town’s growing appeal as a leisure hotspot, renowned for its iconic Table Mountain, stunning Atlantic coastline, and vibrant cultural offerings. Simultaneously, being named Africa's Leading Meetings & Conference Destination highlights the city's strong infrastructure catering to business tourism—comprising top-notch conference venues, hotels, and efficient transport services. Enver Duminy, CEO of Cape Town Tourism, emphasized the importance of these wins in promoting the city.
“Winning one of these is a good night. Winning both is a statement,” he stated. Duminy noted that business visitors often extend their trips for leisure purposes, potentially returning as investors or tourists.
As travel to Cape Town sees a marked increase, arrivals from other African countries rose by 17% in 2025, making this segment the fastest-growing among international visitors. Spending by foreign visitors in the city has also increased significantly by 18% during this period, further establishing Cape Town's role not just as an international travel destination, but also as a vital hub for both business and leisure activities in Africa. James Vos, the Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth and Tourism, highlighted that business events are immensely valuable as they often occur during weekdays, attracting visitors outside of peak tourism seasons. Vos also shared that Cape Town currently has direct flights connecting to 31 international destinations, with ongoing efforts aimed at attracting even more flight connections and strengthening ties with cities around the world.
With these accolades, Cape Town is set to advance to the World Travel Awards Grand Final later this year, where it will compete against regional winners for global recognition in these prestigious categories. This recognition not only bolsters the city’s reputation in tourism but also increases its attractiveness for business and investment opportunities, solidifying its position as a leading travel destination in Africa and beyond. The combination of leisure and business accolades embodies the city's multifaceted appeal, paving the way for future growth and recognition in the competitive global tourism market, thus enhancing its overall economic landscape for years to come. This prestigious recognition marks a leap forward for Cape Town, offering a platform to showcase its diverse offerings to a broader audience and confirming its place at the forefront of African tourism.
Why It Matters
Cape Town's dual wins at the World Travel Awards significantly enhance its tourism profile, promoting economic growth through increased international visitors and business events, vital for local businesses and stakeholders in the tourism sector.
What's Next
Cape Town will compete in the World Travel Awards Grand Final later this year, aiming for global recognition against other leading cities worldwide, which could lead to increased tourism and business development opportunities for the city and its residents.