The Cruise Liner Season has officially opened. This is, as the first vessel docked at Cape Town Harbour earlier this week.
It was the first time that the Hanseatic Spirit, from German-based company Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, visited the Mother City.
Good morning Hanseatic Spirit
Premier Alan Winde was this week on hand the welcome the first cruise ship back to local shores, since the start and the end of the covid-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, the Western Cape’s Official Tourism, Trade and Investment Promotion Agency says it’s looking forward to the first full Cruise Liner season in 3 years.
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During the covid-19 pandemic, these luxury liners were not allowed to dock here and passengers were not allowed to disembark.
The 2022/23 cruise season looks rosy
Wesgro, who is at the helm of Cruise Cape Town, says almost 200 000 passengers are due to arrive here over the next few months.
READ: Cape Town’s cruise season is ready to set sail
At the same time, Premier Winde says all indications are there of a bumper tourism season.
Welcome to our cruise partners
Wesgro CEO and official spokesperson for Cruise Cape Town, Wrenelle Stander said, “We are delighted to welcome our cruise partners back to Cape Town and the Western Cape.”
He added, “They help support the recovery of the travel and tourism industry in the Province.”
A bucket-list destination
The City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, Alderman James Vos, elaborated, “The Cape is becoming a bucket-list destination for ocean tourists. This is becoming one of the fastest-growing markets in the tourism industry. With our world-class, unique cruise terminal, Cape Town is ready for a bumper cruise season.”
Expanding cruise tourism
Western Cape Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger, added, “Expanding cruise tourism is another key opportunity to increase not only the number of visitors but also the benefits of this type of tourism. ”
An attractive port
The CEO of the V&A Waterfront, David Green, commented, “Against the dramatic backdrop of Table Mountain, Cape Town is one of the world’s most attractive ports to sail into.”