As the festive season came alive in Cape Town, the V&A Waterfront emerged as a beacon of joy and excitement, welcoming over 3 million visitors and achieving nearly R1.4 billion in retail sales throughout December.
With its vibrant atmosphere and a diverse mix of attractions, the Waterfront solidified its status as a key player in Cape Town's tourism economy, attracting both locals and international tourists seeking festive cheer.
On New Year’s Eve alone, approximately 200,000 patrons flocked to the Waterfront to partake in the festivities, underscoring its reputation as the go-to destination for holiday celebrations. David Green, Chief Executive Officer at the V&A Waterfront, said, “The December period is always special at the V&A Waterfront with locals and tourists making their way to enjoy the best of what we have to offer, and this year was no exception.”
Reflecting on the remarkable numbers, Green added, “With over 3 million visitors for the month and 25 million for the year, it illustrates the incredible appeal of the Waterfront as a destination where people come to connect, celebrate, and create memories.”
This December also saw the grand opening of the repurposed Union Castle Building, unveiling high-profile tenants such as Marble Restaurant, Nike, Thule, and Wedgewood, enhancing the Waterfront’s retail experience. The arrival of these new brands, alongside revamped spaces for Yuppiechef and Mr Price, contributed to a noteworthy boost in retail performance, with sales growth approaching double-digit percentages. More than R10 billion was spent in the precinct throughout 2024, highlighting the increasing footfall and consumer confidence.
Among the strong performers, the Food and Beverage sector saw significant uplift, while international tourism arrivals contributed to a thriving atmosphere in the revamped Watershed and the curios and jewellery markets. The outdoor and athleisure sectors continued to attract attention, as did Health & Beauty products, with a growing consumer appetite for independent and differentiated fashion retail.
The Waterfront’s sandy shores and bustling markets offered visitors a wide range of leisure activities, from small harbour tours to thrilling helicopter trips, ensuring there was something for every pocket. Hotels within the precinct also reported positive occupancy and revenue rates, further amplifying the lift in demand for high-quality accommodation.
Significant attractions such as the Two Oceans Aquarium and the Zeitz MOCAA Museum drew impressive crowds, recording a four percent increase in foot traffic in December compared to the previous year, and achieving double-digit growth of ten percent over the entire year.
The festive spirit at the V&A Waterfront was beautifully accentuated by the annual "Joy from Africa To The World" campaign. Celebrating its sixth year, the campaign presented stunning large-scale handcrafted installations, enriched with local art and design that paid homage to African crafters and makers. Highlights included an iconic festive tree aimed at raising awareness for the endangered African penguin, vibrant kids’ theatre, and centre court activations, alongside the popular New Year’s Eve free music concert.
This initiative not only beautified the Waterfront but also contributed to job creation and skills development by collaborating with local communities and emphasising sustainable practices like repurposing and upcycling materials for the decorations.
Situated in Cape Town’s historic harbour, with the breathtaking backdrop of Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront stands as a symbol of heritage, diversity, and innovation. Looking to the future, Green stated, “Our ongoing investment plans will ensure that the V&A Waterfront continues to innovate and evolve, keeping South Africa’s tourism offerings at the forefront of global travel trends for both locals and visitors alike.”
Discover the festive success story that captivated Cape Town, as the V&A Waterfront welcomes millions while setting new records in retail sales and tourism. Join us as we delve into the highlights of the season at this iconic destination.