Tourism and investment increases in the Western Cape

TOURISM to the Western Cape, and subsequent investment in the province, is increasing rapidly, adding billions to the province’s coffers, according to recently released statistics presented in the Western Cape Tourism Board/Grant Thornton Kessel Feinstein 2002 Western Cape Tourism Trends Card. The number of overseas visitors to the Western Cape has risen from 770 000 in 2001 to 976 000 in 2002. The percentage of SA’s overseas visitors visiting the Western Cape is also up by 2% to 53%. The amount of money spent by these visitors in the province amounts to R17,3bn. Visitor numbers in 2002 from the Western Cape’s main overseas markets have all shown strong growth. UK visitor numbers were up 24%, Germany 22%, France up by 36%, Italy up by 30% and USA by 8%. Foreign direct investment resulting from tourism has amounted to more than R550mn over the past year. Foreigners are investing in a variety of ventures relating to tourism, such as the new German funded ArabellaSheraton hotel, guesthouses, B&B’s, restaurants and entertainment facilities, hotel and catering suppliers, promotional agencies and the Cape’s residential market. (Adéle Mackenzie)