REGIONAL FOCUS: WESTERN CAPE BY RAINE ST.CLAIRE
Economic optimism soars in Western Cape as tourism and aviation thrive
T
he impressive performance of the Western Cape’s tourism and hospitality sector during the winter of 2023 has established an optimistic outlook for the province, fostering the hope of surpassing prior summer records. This accomplishment serves as a clear testament to the sector’s substantial role in bolstering the provincial economy and fostering job creation. In recognition of this significant contribution, Mireille Wenger, the Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, has expressed her optimism for the forthcoming peak summer season. She underscores the paramount significance of the tourism industry in the Western Cape, highlighting its potential to sustainably drive economic growth and create employment opportunities in the region.
BILLIONS FUELED INTO ECONOMY THROUGH AIR PASSENGER CONTRIBUTIONS Cape Town’s Air Access initiative, under the leadership of Wesgro, the Western Cape’s trade, investment, and tourism agency, has recently unveiled its latest findings regarding the economic benefits brought by international air travellers to Cape Town and the broader Western Cape region. Over the past year, an impressive 605,000 international passengers graced the runways of Cape Town International Airport, injecting an astounding R24.3 billion into the Western Cape’s economic landscape while supporting a substantial 10,600 jobs.
36 | Public Sector Leaders | October 2023
Wrenelle Stander, CEO of Wesgro and an official spokesperson for Cape Town Air Access, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “These fresh statistics from our economic impact assessment underscore the importance of the Cape Town Air Access project. It’s not merely about enhancing air connectivity; it’s about creating a ripple effect that positively impacts tourism and the overall economy. With the upcoming peak summer season expected to surpass pre-Covid 2019 passenger levels, it’s evident that this number will continue to soar in 2023.” To provide some context, every 100 international tourists disembarking
