Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company prepares for record visitor numbers this festive season
Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is looking forward to a bumper festive season.
Image: Table Mountain Aerial Cable Company
South Africa’s tourism sector is heading into the festive period on a significant high, with the latest statistics painting a rosy picture of sustained post-pandemic recovery. At the forefront of this resurgence is the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (TMACC), which is gearing up for a major influx of visitors and is on the cusp of welcoming a crucial passenger milestone.
Figures released by the Department of Tourism on 3rd November confirm a strong rebound in international arrivals, with a staggering 7,634,261 tourists recorded in the first nine months of the year—over a million more than the corresponding period last year. This impressive uptick signals renewed global confidence in South Africa as a premier destination.
Recovery surpasses expectations
The enthusiastic forecast is further bolstered by Wesgro, the Western Cape’s economic development agency, which anticipates that international arrivals are on course to reach 87.4% of pre-pandemic levels by the first half of next year.
The strong recovery is not uniform, but impressive nonetheless:
Arrivals from the African continent and Australasia have already returned to full pre-pandemic volumes.
North America and Europe are rapidly closing the gap, currently tracking at 89.1% and 82.8% recovery levels, respectively.
Wahida Parker, Managing Director of TMACC, hailed the positive developments, attributing them to collaborative efforts across the industry. "These figures are the clearest possible indication that he incredible efforts of both the public and private sectors to reignite South African tourism are truly paying off," Parker stated, underscoring the success of strong public-private partnerships and destination marketing campaigns.
The 33 millionth visitor beckons
The surge in arrivals has created immense optimism for the upcoming summer holidays. Parker asserted that this momentum ensures Cape Town is set for a vibrant and prosperous festive season. "An increase of over one million arrivals gives us immense confidence that we are set for a very busy and prosperous December holiday season," she said.
The festive period is vital for the local economy, driving significant revenue generation and job creation. Parker emphasised that "Tourism is a collective responsibility," and urged all industry partners—from transport firms to local restaurants—to work seamlessly together to ensure every tourist receives a world-class, welcoming experience.
Crucially, TMACC is preparing to reach a historic milestone: welcoming its 33 millionth visitor in the coming weeks, following the achievement of 32 million at the beginning of the year. The company is fully prepared for the anticipated high footfall.
"The Cableway is fully prepared and very excited to welcome visitors from near and far," Parker assured. To handle the volume efficiently and safely, TMACC has implemented robust operational plans. They strongly recommend that guests purchase their tickets online and utilise the company's complimentary shuttle service to streamline their journey.
As one of the New7Wonders of Nature, Table Mountain promises visitors an unforgettable journey and breathtaking panoramic views, and TMACC is eager to play its pivotal part in bolstering South Africa’s tourism appeal this holiday season.