16-07-2025
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.
