Cape Town awarded number one city in the Middle East and Africa

The 2021 Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards has named Cape Town as the number one city in the Middle East and Africa. "This is the most phenomenal recognition of our city! It's amazing to see how many international people love Cape Town and all the things it brings, from well-known icons like Table Mountain to the lesser-known gems, such as the dunes of De Hoop," says Alderman James Vos, mayoral committee member for economic opportunities and asset management.

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"This city really does have something to offer anyone. It also represents fantastic value for money when you consider that lots of what can do in Cape Town would cost much more in other parts of the world," adds Vos.

Last year Cape Town was named "Africa’s Leading Festival and Events Destination" in the World Travel Awards and was dubbed the "Greatest City in the World" by Telegraph Travel Readers Award for the seventh consecutive year.

Vos adds: "September is Tourism Month, with the theme being Tourism for inclusive growth. Tourism has a major part to play in our local economy and we’re trusting this latest honour will attract even more local and international visitors to our shores. The visitor economy has been hard hit and we’re hoping for accelerated recovery now the vaccination roll-out has been ramped up."

Enver Duminy, CEO of Cape Town Tourism says: "With vaccination numbers climbing and strict safety protocols in place, we are ready to welcome people back. What this award shows is that despite an extremely challenging 18 months, the Mother City remains a huge part of the global travel landscape and one of the most beloved city destinations in the world."