[1:08 PM, 4/23/2026] Emeka: The Western Cape’s tourism sector achieved record-breaking performance in 2025, with 1.5 million international tourists spending approximately $1.57 billion (US Dollars). This revenue accounts for roughly a quarter of South Africa’s total international tourism earnings for the year.
According to recently released data from South African Tourism and made available by capetownetc.com, the province witnessed an 11.1% increase in international tourist arrivals, further cementing its reputation as one of Africa’s leading tourism hubs. ‘When tourism grows, jobs are created,’ noted Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, emphasising that the province boasts the lowest unemployment rate in the country, making it a land of opportunity.
The growth of tourism not only signifies an influx of foreign currency but also fosters job creation across various sectors. In addition to attracting international travellers, domestic tourism in the Western Cape showed remarkable resilience with approximately four million domestic overnight trips recorded in 2025, a 15.4% increase. Meyer highlighted the importance of this economic activity, stating, ‘These figures demonstrate the Western Cape’s ability to attract higher-value visitors and support a wide range of tourism businesses, even in a constrained economic environment.’
The United Kingdom and Germany remained the largest source markets for international visitors, underscoring the province’s appeal to long-haul holiday travellers. The recent World Travel Market Africa showcased the Western Cape’s commitment to sustainable tourism practices. Several organisations received accolades at the 2026 WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards. The V&A Waterfront Academy and the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company both clinched Gold Awards for excellence in skills development, environmental management, and inclusive economic outcomes.
Unexplored Cape Town was recognised with a Silver Award for its community-based, locally led tourism experiences, while the Cape Tourist Guides Association received the ‘One to Watch’ honour for its commitment to ethical and responsible guiding. ‘These award winners show what is possible when tourism is designed to benefit local people as much as visitors,’ Meyer stated. ‘They set an example for the sector not only in the Western Cape, but across Africa.’ As domestic travel volumes rise nationally, the Western Cape Government is actively refining strategies to bolster the sector’s resilience in light of economic challenges.
To this end, the Department of Economic Development and Tourism is focused on encouraging value-for-money offerings that stimulate additional spending linked to Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) travel, promoting geographic spread to enable visitors to explore diverse towns and regions, and supporting responsible tourism practices that create jobs and protect natural and cultural assets. ‘Our approach is clear,’ summed up Meyer. ‘Tourism must work for the people of the Western Cape. By combining strong demand, responsible leadership, and targeted support, we are ensuring that tourism growth translates into real and lasting value for our communities.’
[1:25 PM, 4/23/2026] Emeka: Africa: Tanzania to Welcome 130 Nations for Miss World 2027, After Signing Deal to Host Beauty Pagent
The Tanzanian government officially signed a deal with the Miss World Organization to host the 74th Miss World pageant in May 2027. The signing ceremony, confirming the nation as the first in East Africa and the second African country after South Africa to host the event, was held on April 20, 2026, in Dar es Salaam and is expected to draw over 20,000 international visitors and a television audience of more than two billion people worldwide.
According to Daily News, Minister for Information, Culture, and Sports, Paul Makonda, witnessed the signing ceremony, hailing the event as a breakthrough that will position Tanzania prominently on the global stage. Speaking at the signing ceremony, the minister stated that the hosting rights place Tanzania among a select group of nations. Makonda said the milestone reflects years of effort to elevate Tanzania’s international profile, crediting President Samia Suluhu Hassan for championing the country’s global visibility, unity and inclusive development. “This is more than a beauty pageant. It is a powerful platform to showcase Tanzania’s tourism, investment opportunities, culture and talent to the world,” he said.
The minister noted that over 130 countries are expected to participate, with national broadcasters set to air the event live, projecting Tanzania into homes across the globe. The exposure, he added, will boost key sectors including tourism, agriculture, mining, and the creative industry. Organisers anticipate a minimum of 20,000 international guests attending the month-long event, which will feature a series of activities such as the Miss World welcome ceremony, welcome dinner, talent finals, charity events, fashion shows, and the grand finale. Makonda also called on stakeholders, including sponsors and organisers, to ensure professionalism and integrity in the competition, urging contestants to uphold the dignity of the crown and help reshape public perceptions surrounding beauty pageants.
He further pledged full government support to all participants and organisers across various categories, stressing the importance of nurturing talent and expanding platforms that promote Tanzanian youth internationally. In a bold proposal, Makonda appealed to Miss World Organisation chairperson Julia Morley to consider granting Tanzania rights to host multiple editions consecutively up to 2030, citing examples of countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, and China, which have hosted the event several times. “This is a rare opportunity and a great honour. Tanzania is ready to open its doors to the world and tell its story through tourism, culture, and its people,” he said.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman and CEO of Miss World Limited, Julia Morley, called for global attention on the nation’s tourism potential and emphasized the power of tourism to transform lives, create jobs, and unite communities across nations. Additionally, Morley urged Tanzanians to take pride in their country’s natural beauty and hospitality, encouraging the press to help showcase its wonders to the world. “Put your crowns away, you’re not representing any other country. You’re representing Tanzania,” she said, rallying support to make the nation a global destination for travelers and investors.
