The cruise industry contributed approximately R1.3 billion to the Western Cape’s economy in the 2023/2024 season. Despite the drop in ship calls, this amount is still indicative of an upward trajectory from previous seasons, Cape {town} Etc reports.
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Engineering News reported that Cruise Cape Town released the Western Cape Cruise Liner Industry 2023/2024 season report, which provides a detailed analysis of the cruising season for the period of November 2023 until June 2024.
The number of scheduled stops by ships in the Western Cape fell by a total of 3 for the 2023/2024 season yet the overall economic contribution increased.
According to IOL, ship calls have been described as a key metric for the cruise industry, as they are closely linked to the level of tourism profits garnered in the province.
The increase showcases the power held by cruise passengers.
In addition, the cruise and tourism industries created 1096 full-time jobs.
Dr Ivan Meyer, the Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, claimed that the cruise industry serves as a tourism driver and doubles as a catalyst for a range of economic activities. This is because as passengers arrive in the province, they lend a hand to the local economy.
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