Cape Town has been named Africa’s Leading City Destination and Africa’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination at the World Travel Awards Africa 2026 Gala Ceremony in Zanzibar. The awards ceremony was held on Friday night.
Often called the Oscars of Tourism, the World Travel Awards are decided by a global vote of travel professionals, industry leaders and the travelling public.
Cape Town Tourism CEO Enver Duminy says the double win proves how valuable business tourism has become, as visitors often stay longer post-conference to experience all that the Mother City has to offer.
“A visitor becomes a tourist, a trader and ultimately an investor. They experience our city, build relationships, discover opportunities and often return, bringing colleagues, friends and family with them. That is the real power of business tourism. When we combine a world-class meetings and events offering with everything that makes Cape Town such an extraordinary destination, we create reasons for people to stay longer, come back and do business here. That is a win for our visitors, our businesses and our city.”
The awards come as arrivals at Cape Town International Airport from elsewhere on the African continent grew by 17% in 2025, faster than any other category, while foreign visitor spend in the city rose by 18% over the same period.
The Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth and Tourism, James Vos, says business events are among the most valuable visitors.
“They arrive midweek and out of season, spend across the city, and bring decision-makers who can return with investment. But we also need to keep making it easier for people to get here. We have 31 international destinations directly connected to Cape Town, and our focus is on growing that number, landing more flights, and strengthening our city-to-city relationships around the world. Recognition as Africa’s leading destination for both leisure and business tells global travellers, airlines, conference organisers, and investors that Cape Town is open, connected, and ready to welcome them.”
Cape Town Tourism says the real advantage is that the Mother City has a proposition that few cities anywhere else can offer: A delegate can close a conference in the afternoon and be on Table Mountain by evening, in the winelands the next morning, and at Cape Point the day after.
Cape Town now advances to the World Travel Awards Grand Final later this year, competing against regional winners from every continent for the titles.
