South African travel operators are beginning to see a rise in enquiries and bookings ahead of WorldPride 2028 to be held in Cape Town – the first time the event will take place on African soil.
Daniella Ponter, Founder and Director of Sikeleli Travel & Expeditions, told Tourism Update bookings are already coming in with demand expected to increase eight to 10 months before the event.
Over 30% of her business is currently made up of LGBTQ+ travellers with the most interest coming from the US, Canada, the UK and parts of Asia.
Ponter noted that many first-time visitors to Africa raise safety concerns. She addresses this by separating general safety issues from LGBTQ-specific concerns. “Petty crime exists in any major city. However, Cape Town is accessible and safe, especially when using a trusted local travel adviser,” Ponter said. “We proudly speak about South Africa’s legal protections, visible queer communities and progressive human rights framework.”
Other common queries include what else to do in Cape Town and nearby destinations. Botswana and the rest of South Africa remain top picks due to their perceived safety and LGBTQ friendliness.
Sikeleli Travel & Expeditions has launched five-day Pride packages centred on Cape Town’s core festivities with optional add-ons to the Winelands, Garden Route, Sabi Sands and the Eastern Cape. “What distinguishes a Pride itinerary is the focus on proximity to the events, flexibility and price point,” Ponter said. Packages have been designed with built-in adaptability and range from one-night stays to full-service packages.
The biggest logistical challenge will likely be capacity constraints, she added. “Cape Town is already busy even in off-peak seasons. Now add hundreds of thousands of visitors for WorldPride. Restaurants, transfers, everything will be packed.”
Provincial support
According to Wesgro, WorldPride 2028 aligns with its strategic goals to grow international tourist arrivals and expand business event offerings.
“Events and conferences, such as WorldPride 2028, play a vital role in driving regional growth. Beyond their direct economic impact and job creation potential, high-profile events attract global travellers who often extend their stays to explore beyond the host city. This wider travel behaviour contributes to increased tourism spend across the province. Known as the ‘secondary reason for travel’, this spillover effect supports local businesses and strengthens the visitor economy,” Wesgro told Tourism Update.
The agency is aiming to secure between 800 000 and one million international tourist arrivals as part of its FY26-30 strategic plan and sees large-scale events as central to achieving this target.
“Global events with a strong international following, like WorldPride, present an opportunity to expand into high-growth markets such as China, India and Brazil, further boosting international arrivals to the province,” said Wesgro.
