Cape Town saw strong 2010

Cape Town benefited from a rise in international visitors during 2010, according to Cape Town Routes Unlimited.

Cape Town benefited from a rise in international visitors during 2010, according to Cape Town Routes Unlimited.

Calvyn Gilfellan, chief executive of the Cape Town promoter, revealed that international tourist arrivals increased by 15 per cent as more people took flights to South Africa.

In particular, he explained that the Western Cape region had made a strong impression on visitors with 80 per cent of those visiting for the first-time wanting to return again in the future.

Regional finance and tourism minister Alan Winde also praised the region’s performance and the success of the FIFA World Cup.

He added: “In the Western Cape we went all out in 2010 to ensure that tourists visiting our shores would return.

“The message for Cape Town and the Western Cape being a value for money destination with top-class infrastructure and friendly service was communicated successfully to tourists.”

According to Cape Town Routes Unlimited, Cape Town is the number one long-haul destination in the world and the leading convention destination in Africa.

Written by Alex Cochrane.