28 June 2026
Published by: Cape Argus
Cape Town’s latest recognition as the world’s most beautiful city according to a Time Out 2026 survey, as reported by Cape Argus, is more than just a tourism headline. It highlights the city’s growing global appeal and reinforces its position as one of the world’s most sought-after travel destinations. As international attention continues to increase, demand for quality short-term accommodation is expected to rise, creating strong opportunities for apartment owners in well-located areas of the city. With tourism already playing a major role in Cape Town’s economy and supporting thousands of jobs, this recognition further strengthens the case for investing in a Cape Town apartment for holiday letting, offering both attractive rental income potential and long-term capital growth.
Cape Town ranked as the world’s most beautiful city by Time Out in 2026 survey.
The City’s Mayco Member for Economic Growth, James Vos, said he welcomed the international recognition because it was not only about the accolade but would also create another opportunity for growth for visitors and for job creation.
“Cape Town’s recognition as the world’s most beautiful city for 2026 is a wonderful endorsement of what we have long known: our city is one of the world’s most remarkable destinations,” Vos said.
“While this accolade celebrates our breathtaking natural beauty, it is about far more than spectacular scenery. Every international visitor who chooses Cape Town supports local businesses, creates opportunities for entrepreneurs, and helps sustain jobs across our tourism value chain.”
Vos shared that today, more than 106,000 people work in Cape Town’s tourism sector, representing around 7% of all jobs in our city. “I want to see that number continue to grow as my ultimate aspiration is clear: one tourism-related job in every household across Cape Town,” he added.
“That is why we remain relentlessly focused on growing the visitor economy through targeted destination marketing, expanding air access, attracting more cruise ships and conferences, and ensuring our campaigns convert global interest into real bookings, real spending, and real economic opportunities for residents.
“Awards such as this place Cape Town firmly in the global spotlight. They strengthen our destination brand, inspire more people to visit, and support the work we are doing with our tourism partners to attract more visitors, unlock investment, and create sustainable employment.
“I also want to thank the people of Cape Town because it’s your warmth, your cultures, your cuisines, and your communities that make this city so special.
“Cape Town’s beauty may capture the world’s attention, but the greatest reward will always be the opportunities it creates for the people who live here.”
Published by: Cape Argus
