Is Cape Town Still a Good Tourism Destination?

Cape Town is a city of contrasts, blessed with a stunning natural setting, diverse cultures, and lively entertainment. It’s known around the world as one of the great cities of the world – and a popular destination for travelers who want to explore its stunning landscapes, rich culture and lively atmosphere. But the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic has caused substantial disruption to the travel industry, leading some to wonder if Cape Town is still a good tourism destination.

The simple answer is yes – Cape Town remains a vibrant and exciting travel destination for those who are willing and able to explore its wonders. Before COVID-19, international tourists delighted in exploring the city’s iconic sights, such as Table Mountain and the beautiful waterfront. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take as much precaution as possible – but with the right precautions and respect for local customs, it is still possible to enjoy the amazing sights of Cape Town in relative safety.

What to Expect in Cape Town

Cape Town is renowned around the world for its unique attractions, which range from natural wonders to cultural hotspots. Visitors can explore some of the most iconic scenery in South Africa on Table Mountain, enjoying views of the flat-topped landmark that provide an unparalleled sense of awe. Other natural highlights include tranquil beaches and game reserves, making it a great destination for wildlife lovers.

The city offers an abundance of cultural attractions, from art galleries and music concerts to serene beaches and lush gardens. There are so many ways to keep entertained, from soaking up the breath-taking sights to sampling local delicacies. Here is just a selection of activities that you can enjoy during your stay:

• Exploring the fascinating and historic Bo Kaap neighbourhood
• Walking along the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront
• Visiting one of Cape Town’s many museums
• Trying your luck on a foodie tour through town
• Taking a trip to Robben Island or Lion’s Head
• Seeing the colourful alleyways of Long Street
• Keen surfers can head to Muizenberg or Kommetjie
• Enjoying a unique winelands experience in Stellenbosch or Franschhoek

Making Your stay more Comfortable

Before heading off to explore all that Cape Town has to offer, it is essential to plan ahead and make sure you have adequate accommodation and other essentials in place. Whether you’re looking for an opulent luxury hotel or a chic self-catering apartment, there are plenty of high-quality accommodation options available to meet your needs. Pet-friendly and wheelchair-accessible options are also available.

It is strongly advised that visitors rent a car during their stay in order to make the most of their time in Cape Town. Having access to your own transport will enable you to explore all of the city’s interesting sights at your own pace. If you would rather not hire a car, taxis are available but can be expensive. Alternatively, public transport is reliable and inexpensive but can be crowded during peak times.

Responsible Tourism in Cape Town

Tourism is one of the pillars of South Africa’s economy, but it can have a substantial environmental, cultural and social impact if not conducted responsibly. Fortunately, many tour operators in Cape Town have been certified by Responsible Travel as having responsible business practices and responsible attitudes towards their customers and staff. This can help travelers enjoy an enjoyable and sustainable experience in the city, whilst supporting local businesses at the same time. Tourists should always abide by local laws and show respect for local cultures and customs during their stay. For further information on sustainable travel, check out this helpful guide from Responsible Travels.

Though Covid-19 may have changed how we travel for now, it hasn’t changed our ability to appreciate culture or explore beautiful places. It’s also important to remember that when we practice both personal responsibility and environmental responsibility, tourism can become a powerful tool for good—not only when it comes to keeping an economy afloat, but also when it comes to understanding different perspectives, exploring new places (even virtually!) and elevating sustainability standards wherever we go. Interestingly enough, although travel itself is changing due to pandemics or climate change related issues, the desire to explore new places isn’t going away any time soon.

Therefore, I believe it’s safe to say that Cape Town will remain one of the best tourism destinations in the world now and for years ahead if people take responsibility for their actions and practice sustainable travel.