Tuesday, January 21, 2025 Cape Town welcomed over 533,000 travelers in December 2024, with nearly 4% growth in international arrivals fueled by improved flight connectivity. Cape Town tourism closed out December 2024 on a high note, showcasing consistent growth in visitor numbers compared to the previous year. Renowned as one of South Africa’s premier travel hotspots, Cape Town saw a surge in international interest, thanks in part to enhanced flight connectivity that allowed travelers to bypass Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport.
This global interest translated into significant traffic at Cape Town International Airport (CTIA), which recorded 533,829 total arrivals for the month—marking a 3% increase from December 2023. Among these, over 160,500 were international travelers, reflecting a 3.7% rise, while domestic arrivals reached 362,222, showing a 2.
3% boost. Regional traffic, although the smallest segment, experienced a remarkable 22.5% jump, with 10,491 passengers recorded, as highlighted by News24.
The growing accessibility of direct and frequent flights played a pivotal role in solidifying Cape Town’s position as a must-visit global destination. James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, emphasized the impact of these developments, stating, “The improved air connectivity and strategic partnerships with airlines have been crucial in driving the tourism sector forward.” While the growth in 2024 was more moderate compared to the dramatic.
