Staff Writer
AN influx of visitors to the city is set to boost the tourism sector and visitors have been advised that keeping safe is key to enjoying the festive season, Cape Town Tourism said.
“We would like to warmly welcome all our guests to the Mother City. Cape Town Tourism is here to help with information, assistance in making bookings, giving advice and connecting you to the city,” said Cape Town Tourism executive marketing manager Velma Corcoran.
“We also hope Capetonians will be in touch with us if they need help in hosting their guests.”
The city has encouraged visitors and locals to enjoy themselves responsibly and be aware of their surroundings.
Tourists should be particularly aware at ATMs, where criminals are active, and are warned not to carry large sums of cash at any time.
At night, visitors should only go where a trusted source has advised it is safe to travel and walk in well-lit, busy spaces, always with a group or guide. Drinks should not be left unattended and only reputable registered taxis should be used. The City of Cape Town and the Cape Town Central Improvement District have asked that people not give money to beggars. Reputable agencies should be donated to instead.
“We invite you to pop in at any one of Cape Town Tourism’s eight Visitor Information Centres situated across the city. Find us in the Cape Town CBD, Blaauwberg, Muizenberg, Somerset West, Langa, the V&A Waterfront, Century City and at Cape Town International Airport,” Corcoran said.
Cape Town Tourism’s new mobile visitor information units, called Thando – fully operational branded buses, scooters and electric bicycles – will assist travellers. Find out where they are by following the Twitter hashtag #Thando.
Cape Town International Airport has reported an increase in domestic as well as international travel.
During last month domestic arrivals grew by 4 percent to nearly 300 000, compared with the same period last year. International arrivals grew by 3 percent during the same period. Passenger numbers for October showed a similar trend with domestic arrivals growing by 7 percent and international arrivals growing by 10 percent compared to last year.
“If we consider that both October and November showed positive growth it is highly likely that the trend will continue during the month of December, with March typically being the busiest month of the season,” said airport communications manager Deidre Davids.
The airport processed close to 400 000 arriving passengers in November, marking a 4 percent increase compared with the same period last year.
Davids advised travellers to arrive on time for flights, keep passports and boarding passes on hand, report any suspicious behaviour and not leave baggage unattended.