Cape Town’s economy is seeing growth in two key areas: cruise tourism and the commercial activity of the inner city. Data from Wesgro and the Cape Town Central City Improvement District shows rising passenger numbers, strong international demand and sustained property and retail investment in the CBD. According tothe Western Cape Cruise Liner Industry 2024/25 Season report, commissioned by Wesgro, the province’s tourism and investment agency, the 2024/25 cruise season added R1.79-billion to the Western Cape’s GDP-R – the measure of economic output at provincial level – up from R1.32-billion in the previous season.
This reflects an 18% rise in vessel arrivals and a 16% increase in passengers, reaching 127,000 between September 2024 and June 2025. Passenger and cruise-line spending totalled R1.99-billion, a 32% nominal increase year-on-year. Wesgro’s data also shows a strong surge in international travellers – a 39% increase – which lifted overall spending because visitors from abroad generally spend more than domestic passengers.
The report attributes much of the season’s improved performance to this shift in traveller profile. To calculate the economic effect of cruise tourism, the Wesgro report uses multiplier models, which estimate how money spent on accommodation, food, port fees and similar services spreads into other parts of the economy. Because they are based on assumptions about how money moves through both formal and informal sectors, the report notes that these totals represent estimates rather than precise measurements.
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Between September 2024 and June 2025, the Cape Town Cruise Terminal welcomed 83 ship calls, an 18% increase from 67 ships in the previous season. Passenger numbers rose to 127,000, up 16% from 110,000 the previous year. The report states that the 2024/25 season supported 1,234 direct full-time equivalent jobs in the Western Cape.
Once indirect and induced effects are included – such as supply-chain activity and secondary spending – the estimate increases to 2,345 jobs provincially, and close to 3,000 nationally. The retail and hospitality sectors are the primary beneficiaries of cruise tourism employment. (Source: Western Cape Cruise Liner Industry 2024/25 Season report) Wesgro CEO Wrenelle Stander said the figures show that cruise tourism continues to generate employment and stimulate activity in several industries linked to travel.
She noted that tourism-related jobs remain exposed to seasonal patterns, currency swings and global travel demand, all of which can shift quickly. TheCCID’s Business Confidence Indexshows that most retailers reported positive trading conditions during the year.
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