24 May 2026
Source: Cape Town ETC
As Cape Town ECT reports global uncertainty continues to shape travel trends, Cape Town’s tourism sector is responding with confidence and resilience. Despite international pressures and shifting market dynamics, industry leaders remain optimistic about the city’s ability to attract travellers and seize new opportunities. At a recent CEO Roundtable, stakeholders across hospitality, business, and government reaffirmed Cape Town’s enduring appeal, highlighting its strength, adaptability, and continued momentum as a leading destination.
As the world faces escalating tensions in the Middle East and uncertain economic landscapes, Cape Town’s tourism sector has rallied around a strong message of confidence and unity, Cape {town} Etc reports.
This call to resilience was evident during the recent CEO Roundtable at the Century City Convention Centre, where leaders across aviation, banking, insurance, hospitality, retail, and government convened to evaluate the current state of the tourism industry and its future.
Despite disruptions from turbulent global events, the overarching sentiment expressed at the roundtable was clear: the travel sector, including Cape Town, is not on the brink of decline but rather at the cusp of opportunity.
Delegates acknowledged that the current challenges are short-term shocks rather than a sign of long-lasting deterioration.
Cape Town, with its prestigious natural attractions, excellent infrastructure, favourable exchange rates, and an emerging reputation as a premier business events hub, is uniquely positioned to capture additional market share as travel dynamics shift in its favour.
The event was co-hosted by Cape Town Tourism and Accelerate Cape Town, with sponsorship by Santam, bringing together influential voices ready to confront the risks posed by global uncertainties.
Economists Arthur Kamp of Sanlam Investment Group and Paul Court of the City of Cape Town articulated the dual nature of the landscape: volatile yet navigable.
Their insights highlighted that while the ripple effects of Middle Eastern instability—such as fluctuating oil prices, altered flight paths, and increased insurance risks—pose immediate challenges, they are not insurmountable for well-prepared destinations like Cape Town.
Acknowledging the importance of strategic planning, Enver Duminy, CEO of Cape Town Tourism, emphasized the need for resilience through preparation. ‘Tourism remains resilient, but resilience today demands preparation. Global shocks are increasingly frequent,’ he stated, indicating the launch of a new domestic campaign aimed at stimulating local travel demand.
However, he also pointed to the declining rates of domestic travel and the corresponding repercussions on employment and small businesses across the region. ‘We need to reclaim that ground,’ Duminy added, stressing that tourism extends beyond mere economic metrics; it facilitates vital human connections that technology cannot replicate.
Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, Alderman James Vos reiterated the city’s commitment as an enabler in navigating uncertainties.
‘We have navigated uncertainty before, and Cape Town has consistently emerged stronger because we act, adapt, and work together,’ he affirmed, citing initiatives like the Ease of Doing Business Index—an innovative tool developed by an African city aimed at reducing bureaucratic hurdles and fostering a conducive environment for investment.
Ryan Ravens, CEO of Accelerate Cape Town, articulated the strength of leadership present at the roundtable, which goes beyond discussions to actionable insights that can serve as a competitive advantage. ‘Our fundamentals are strong, our partnerships are deep, and our track record is proven,’ he affirmed.
Sourced from: Cape Town ETC
