Cape Town attracted record numbers of high-value, long-haul international visitors in 2025, generating R19 billion (US$1.15 billion) in foreign visitor spend. According to Cape Town Tourism’s newly released Economic Value of Tourism report, arrivals and visitor spend increased compared to 2024.
In 2025, foreign overnight arrivals reached 1.44 million with visitors staying an average of 9.5 nights and spending R1 390 (US$85) per day. Hotel average annual occupancy reached 61.7% for the year, peaking at 81.5% in February, while the average room rate stood at R2 574 (US$157).
ACSA recorded 11.1 million two-way passengers in 2025, including 3.3 million two-way international passengers through Cape Town International Airport, a 7% year-on-year increase.
The top six source markets were the UK (210 932 arrivals), the US (167 053), Germany (161 271), the Netherlands (70 818), France (68 348) and Australia (51 971).
Tourism remains one of Cape Town’s most significant economic sectors, accounting for 6.3% of the city’s total gross value add (GVA) and supporting 106 000 jobs. International tourism growth helps sustain overall sector performance despite weak domestic tourism spending. The decline in tourism GVA to R23 billion (-11% year-on-year) and employment (-8.5% year-on-year) reflects a 32% drop in domestic tourist spend, partially offset by an 18% increase in foreign tourist spend.
