The tourism industry in Cape Town is entering the second half of winter, where there is a steady growth in international tourism, while local visitors are being cautious with their spending, reports Cape Town Etc.
According to the latest economic report from Cape Town Tourism, in 2025 the city welcomed 1.44 million international guests who brought in 19 billion rand in direct foreign tourist expenditure. Meanwhile, 1.42 million domestic overnight stays were recorded, and the average length of stay decreased from 5.2 to 4.4 nights.
A decline was also observed in domestic tourism: household spending decreased from 8 billion to 5.5 billion rand, which is linked to financial pressure on the population affecting travel decisions.
At the national level, data indicates that demand from international tourists remains strong during the winter period. The Department of Tourism reported that in June 2026, 823,365 foreign tourists arrived in South Africa, which is 9.8% more than in the same period last year.
Enver Dumini, CEO of Cape Town Tourism, noted that changing consumer behavior is shaping the domestic market. He stated: 'Even under pressure, the desire to travel has not disappeared. What has changed is how people define value.'
Cape Town's winter dynamics also reflect the city's growing appeal throughout the year. Wesgro reported a shift in the tourism structure to a 70/30 ratio throughout the year, indicating more active visitor activity outside the traditional summer peak.
Furthermore, travel decisions this winter are also influenced by the rising cost of aviation fuel, as two South African airlines recently introduced fuel surcharges, as previously reported by Cape Town Etc.