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IOL News
21-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Unlocking opportunities: New digital visas for film professionals in Cape Town
Minister of Home Affairs, Leon Schreiber, on Wednesday announced the launch of two further digital visa initiatives in a bid to support the rollout of the pending Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, and building on the success of the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS). Image: Parliament of SA Cape Town's burgeoning film industry has been given a boost through the introduction of new fast-track digital visas for visitors to South Africa in the film and exhibitions sector. The two new categories of visas have been announced by Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber. The announcement has been welcomed by the Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID) which works with the City of Cape Town to ensure players in these sectors are catered for in the city's burgeoning film industry. The City has hailed the move, with mayco member for Economic Growth, James Vos, saying it will be a game-changer. The first initiative, called STAGES – short for Screen Talent and Global Entertainment Scheme – will use digitisation to simplify visa access for film production companies. The second programme is the Meetings, Events, Exhibitions and Tourism Scheme (MEETS), which will enable international attendees at conferences, exhibitions, and global events to apply for visas entirely online. "This will be a game-changer for Cape Town and South Africa's film industry, opening the door to more productions, investment, and, importantly, job opportunities. "As part of our continued drive to build a thriving visitor economy, I am currently consulting stakeholders across the tourism, hospitality, and aviation sectors to shape a bold new tourism strategy for Cape Town, Vos said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ From November 2023 to late June 2024, film crews booked over 59,000 bed nights, generating nearly R148 million for the hospitality industry. With major productions such as Tomb Raider, One Piece, and Avengers: Age of Ultron already filmed in the city, Cape Town's growing appeal as a filming destination has generated substantial economic spinoffs for the CBD's hospitality industry, CCID said. Grant Elliott, Chief Operating Officer of Thibault Investments and deputy chairperson of the CCID, believes the move will have numerous spin-offs for other sectors. 'These reforms will remove long-standing barriers and open the door for even greater investment into Cape Town's creative economy — with knock-on benefits for local hospitality, retail, and small businesses.' He added that the City's initiatives, combined with progressive visa policies such as the digital nomad visa, which allows applicants to live and work remotely in South Africa for a period of 36 months, is likely to deepen Cape Town's status as a year-round destination for creatives. According to the City of Cape Town's Film Permits Office, a total of 550 production shoots took place in the CBD from January 1 to May 26. For every rand spent on film production, an additional R2.50 is generated in the local economy, CCID added. In addition to this, from November 2023 to June 2024, a total of 26 573 jobs were created for freelance crew and performers. In the 2023/2024 financial year, the Cape Town Film Permit Office issued 4 757 permits – 22% more than the previous year. The CCID said it works in partnership with the City to provide security and cleaning services, among others, to maintain and manage the inner city. 'Cape Town has all the right ingredients — from stunning locations and skilled talent to a responsive city administration and vibrant hospitality scene, ' Elliott said. Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel. Cape Argus
Time Out
16-07-2025
- Time Out
Who's loving Cape Town right now? The UK is leading the comeback
After a few quiet years, international visitors are returning in big numbers, and some nationalities more than others. According to newly released data by Statistics South Africa, the United Kingdom is South Africa's fastest-growing major tourism market in 2025, with arrivals jumping more than 8% year-on-year. Between January and May alone, over 182,000 UK travellers touched down in Mzansi - many of them heading straight for Cape Town's mountain-meets-ocean magic. This marks a 90% recovery to pre-pandemic levels for UK visitors, far above the national average and hints at a significant rebound for one of our most important international markets. Why the UK's falling back in love with Cape Town From the streets of Shoreditch to the cool beaches and cafes of Clifton, our Capetonian summer is trending again. That sharp rise in UK visitor numbers shows not only revived interest but also a deeper reconnection. Our favourable currency and increased connectivity, with direct flights from Heathrow and Gatwick through Virgin Atlantic and Norse Atlantic have helped. And just this week, Cape Town was voted the Best City in the World for the seventh time by The Telegraph readers, as 20,000 mostly UK voters backed the Mother City over Seville and Sydney. We're not complaining that the UK isn't just visiting, but rather somewhat obsessed. Time Out readers had the same idea earlier this year, voting Cape Town #1 in the Time Out 2025 list of the world's best cities. But they're not the only nationalities showing Cape Town love right now! 4.22 million international arrivals between January and May this year. Here's who else is arriving in style: Italy Denmark Up 8% Coastal lifestyle lovers, meet Sea Point Promenade Switzerland Up 5.5% Always up for precision-planned wine route trips Germany Up 3% Still one of our steadiest European contributors Russia Up 24% (from a smaller base) Growing curiosity and long-stay travel habits Across the Atlantic: mixed but promising Argentina 54.5% surge in arrivals Tango dancers swapping Buenos Aires for Bo-Kaap Brazil Up 13% Beach culture synergy and rising interest in South African music Canada Up 6% Slow travel and outdoorsy energy match well with Cape Town's pace USA Up 1.5% No surprise here, but still a major contributor Cape Town remains an all-season destination! Cape Town's global appeal isn't just about good looks, though Table Mountain, Camps Bay and the Waterfront certainly help. According to The Telegraph, it's the city's mix of diverse attractions, natural beauty, and photogenic charm that keeps it top of mind for travellers. But behind the buzz is real work. Mayoral Committee Member James Vos credits the city's ongoing tourism success to strategic marketing, strong partnerships with Cape Town Tourism, and the passion of locals, from neighbourhood entrepreneurs to front-line hospitality stars. And this international surge isn't just good for global awards either, as , making it great for local businesses, from tour guides and food trucks to arts markets and wine farms.
The South African
15-07-2025
- Business
- The South African
Cape Town voted Best City in the World by top UK publication
They came, they voted, we conquered. Cape Town has officially been named Best City in the World by readers of The Telegraph in its 2025 Telegraph Travel Awards, proving once again that the Mother City doesn't just show up, it shows off. More than 20 000 UK travellers cast their votes, placing Cape Town ahead of global heavyweights like Seville and Sydney. It's the seventh time the city has claimed this coveted title, and the second time this year it has been crowned the world's best. Back in January, Time Out kicked things off by naming Cape Town the Best City in the world. Coincidence? Hot streak? We're just calling it Cape Town being Cape Town. According to The Telegraph, it's easy to see why Cape Town keeps topping the list. 'Few places can match South Africa's most feted metropolis for photogenic power: the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront fringing the Atlantic, Table Mountain rearing as an epic backdrop, the land ebbing down to the beaches of Camps Bay and the flicked tail of the Cape of Good Hope.' James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, says: 'This kind of recognition doesn't just happen. It's the result of serious graft, smart thinking, and a whole lot of local passion. 'From our neighbourhood entrepreneurs to the people welcoming visitors with a smile, Cape Town's tourism scene is powered by its people. 'Behind the scenes, our focused destination marketing and management efforts, led in partnership with Cape Town Tourism, ensure that our city's unique experiences are promoted to the world in a way that drives demand and delivers benefits for locals. 'Being named the best city in the world by The Telegraph readers is proof that our strategy is working, and we're going to keep raising the bar, because the world is watching.' Briony Brookes, CMO of Cape Town Tourism, says this back-to-back recognition is something to celebrate. 'Being named the world's best city again isn't just about bragging rights… okay, maybe just a little,' says Brookes. 'More than anything, it's a celebration of what makes this place unforgettable: the people, the energy, the views, and the stories that connect us with visitors from around the world. 'Cape Town continues to outshine global destinations year after year, and locals have every reason to be proud of how the city mixes bold creativity, stunning nature, and a culture that's full of heart.' Two global Best City titles in less than six months? Not too shabby. Cape Town is having more than a moment; it's having a movement. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
15-07-2025
- The South African
Cape Town crowned 7-time champion in Telegraph Travel Awards
Cape Town has once again claimed the title of the world's best city, for the seventh time, according to the prestigious Telegraph Travel Awards. As reported by BusinessTech , over 20 000 readers of the British publication cast their votes, placing Cape Town ahead of global travel heavyweights like Seville, Sydney, and Tokyo. The Telegraph runs the awards biennially, and Cape Town has now taken the top spot in seven of the last eleven cycles. So what keeps this South African city at the top of travellers' wish lists? According to the Telegraph , it's consistency and a kind of natural beauty that's hard to rival. From the iconic Table Mountain to the sweeping beaches of Camps Bay and the dramatic cliffs of the Cape of Good Hope, Cape Town offers visuals that stick with you. But the appeal isn't just skin-deep. The Telegraph also praised the nearby winelands, specifically Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, for their world-class vintages and scenic charm. The City of Cape Town's MMC for Economic Growth, James Vos, credits smart strategy and hard work behind the scenes. 'This kind of recognition doesn't just happen. It's the result of serious graft, smart thinking, and a whole lot of local passion.' Vos said as per BusinessTech . Here's where the top 10 best cities ranked according to the Telegraph Travel Awards: Rank City Country 1 Cape Town South Africa 2 Seville Spain 3 Sydney Australia 4 Tokyo Japan 5 Kyoto Japan 6 Copenhagen Denmark 7 Vancouver Canada 8 Venice Italy 9 Porto Portugal 10 Singapore Singapore Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
28-06-2025
- Business
- The South African
Over 400 new bays for hawkers approved in Cape Town CBD
City Council has approved four major informal trading plans around Cape Town, unlocking a total of nearly 800 new trading opportunities. As many as 416 trading bays have been proposed for Cape Town's Grand Parade alone. This is already one of Cape Town's busiest and most contested trading hubs. Other areas set to benefit from the move include Mamre and Pella near Atlantis, Elsies River, and Gatesville. Together, these plans aim to create more inclusive, better-regulated, and economically viable trading spaces for hundreds of hawkers and the communities they serve. 'These plans are not just about regulation – they're about practical improvements that support local traders and stimulate economic activity,' said Alderman James Vos. 'We've pushed to get them approved because I've seen first-hand the positive impact they've had in areas where similar interventions have been implemented.' According to a statement released by the City, the new initiative aims to improve the infrastructure of trading bays and the surrounding spaces. The City also plans to give permits to previously unpermitted hawkers, giving them access to City support services. This in turn would help improve compliance in line with the City's Informal Trading by-law. The breakdown of new trading opportunities is as follows: Grand Parade, Cape Town CBD: 416 bays Gatesville: 265 bays (including 116 new opportunities) Elsies River: 60 bays Mamre and Pella: 42 bays The above allocations are set to significantly expand economic opportunities for hawkers and the entire value chain. Vos also emphasised the importance of consultation in shaping the plans. 'I really enjoy engaging with traders and hearing directly from them about what's needed,' he added. 'These plans are shaped by such conversations and are designed to create cleaner, safer, and more functional trading spaces.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
