Prosperous Tourism Industry in South Africa

Global Business

One of the bright spots for the South African economy has been its tourism industry–thanks to what some consider some of the most beautiful sights in the world.And it doesn’t hurt that the country’s currency isn’t doing too well. CCTV’s Travers Andrews reports.

Prosperous Tourism Industry in South Africa

One of the bright spots for the South African economy has been its tourism industry--thanks to what some consider some of the most beautiful sights in the world.And it doesn't hurt that the country's currency isn't doing too well. CCTV’s Travers Andrews reports.

Cape Town has often been voted amongst the top holiday destinations in the world and this year it once again gained top honors.

Its been called Africa’s Cote D’ Azur with its endless white sandy beaches and luxurious offerings but unlike its European counterpart, this city is considered to be affordable for visitors.

Tourism seems to be booming and the weak currency is playing some part in presenting the city as an attractive destination.

Chris Godiner, Alternate Chair of Fedhasa Cape, says: “I think there’s definitely movement in favorably towards foreign visitors coming to South Africa purely because they getting much better value for their money than they were getting previously, from a point of inbound visitors coming in the money goes further the cost of prices in the hotel and the restaurants out in the shops seems much more affordable.”

Figures released last year by the South African government estimate around 9 million international visitors make their way to South Africa, spending over $7 billion while they are here, many of them will also make their way down to the sunny shores of Cape Town.

The 12 Apostles Hotel is one of the Cape’s most exclusive establishments, rooms are priced around $200 to $4000 per night, too much for most locals but that hasn’t stopped international visitors from sending occupancies levels in an upward trajectory

Michael Nel, Manager of 12 Apostles Hotel & Spa, says: “I think everybody has benefitted from the currency. Our competitors, we have an understanding of what the others are doing and their occupancies and their rates and from that that we’ve seen, we can see everybody has been really busy, you know 90% up in occupancies.”

The tourism sector is the lifeblood of the Western Cape’s economy and attracting overseas visitors also plays an important role in job creation.

While the economy might be reeling under the weak currency levels- it is a different story in the tourism sector because visitors who have come here are spending more money and that inevitably benefits those who make a living in the industry.

Mervin Holden, a tourist visiting Cape Town, says: “As a tourist coming to Cape Town it is very cheap and we are very pleased about that certainly coming from England and Cape Town is a beautiful city.”

Mavis Buys, Owner of Africa curio shop, tells the reporter: “The exchange rate is so good on their side that our prices in South Africa is quite reasonable for them and they get more out of buying in South Africa than anywhere else now because again the exchange rate is good.”

For now, the amount of international visitors continues to increase and many will spend money at the city’s numerous hotels, restaurants and tourism hotspots, for some, their indulgence will come at just a fraction of the price, of any other destination.