Cape Town has once again been nominated for Africa’s Leading City Destination 2024, a prestigious category at the 31st Annual Tourism Awards. The ceremony is set to take place at the Africa Gala Ceremony on 18 October 2024 at Diani Beach, Kenya. Alongside Cape Town, other South African cities, including Durban and Johannesburg, are also in the running, with Kigali being another strong contender. However, Cape Town remains the frontrunner, expected to claim the title once more.
Known for its iconic setting beneath Table Mountain on South Africa’s southwest coast, Cape Town has long established itself as a key player in both tourism and business. The city is celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty, featuring stunning beaches and dramatic mountain landscapes, as well as a thriving economy that has become increasingly attractive to foreign investors. In particular, Cape Town’s Central Business District (CBD) stands out as the most economically successful and robust inner-city precinct in South Africa, drawing substantial investment annually.
Cape Town’s success extends beyond its picturesque scenery; it has evolved into a hub for technology, leisure, and business tourism. With world-class hotels, state-of-the-art conference facilities, and a more refined atmosphere compared to the bustling energy of Johannesburg, the city continues to attract significant investment. Cape Town’s CBD, overseen by the Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID), has played a pivotal role in maintaining its status as the country’s leading business district. The CCID, a public-private partnership and non-profit organisation, has spent over two decades ensuring the city remains open for business, making it an attractive destination for both national and international investors.
Recent property market surveys, conducted by First National Bank, place Cape Town at the forefront of the office market, surpassing other South African regions in terms of desirability. With the rise of remote working and emigration trends, the city has seen a surge in property demand, particularly in the residential, retail, and industrial sectors. These factors have contributed to its growing reputation as a safe and lucrative business environment, rivalling Johannesburg as the country’s premier business hub.
Cape Town’s accolades in the tourism sector have also been noteworthy. At the 2023 World Travel Awards, held at the Atlantis Royal Resort in Dubai, Cape Town was honoured as Africa’s Leading City Destination. Dubbed the ‘Oscars of the Travel Industry’, the awards recognised the city’s exceptional hotels, operators, and airport facilities. The Cape Town International Airport was named Africa’s Leading Airport, while the Port of Cape Town, home to a renowned cruise terminal, took home the title of Africa’s Leading Cruise Port 2023. The city has emerged as a key destination for international cruises, with over 75 ships docking during the 2022-2023 summer season. Labotessa Luxury Boutique Hotel also earned recognition as Africa’s Leading Design Hotel.
While Cape Town faces challenges, its economic growth potential remains strong. The arrival of major corporations, such as Amazon, is expected to accelerate this growth, further solidifying its position as a leading business hub. In contrast to Johannesburg’s sprawling skyline, Cape Town offers a more relaxed yet sophisticated environment. Its luxury real estate market, particularly in areas like Clifton Beach and Constantia, continues to command some of the highest prices in the country. Moreover, the city’s world-renowned vineyards, upscale dining establishments, and premier shopping destinations provide a perfect blend of economic vitality and natural charm.
With these factors in play, Cape Town seems poised to once again claim the title of Africa’s Leading City Destination in 2024, reinforcing its status as a world-class destination for both tourism and business.
