The last week has been a rollercoaster for the tourism industry, to say the least. With the discovery of the new Omicron variant causing international panic, countries around the world very quickly made the decision to close their borders to South Africans.
What will this mean for our local tourism industry, which so desperately needed the relief of the upcoming peak season to recover from last year’s lockdown periods? It may be up to us as South Africans to make sure that businesses stay afloat.
Here are five ways we can boost Cape Town’s tourism this Summer:
1. Visit a local bed & breakfast
We’ve been saying for years that local is lekker, and more and more we have found locals embracing what their cities have to offer. Why not spend a weekend, or even just one night, at a local bed & breakfast, guest house or lodge? This time of year is perfect to take a break, and travelling around our own country can be just as thrilling, if not more, than travelling abroad.
Pineapple House in Sea Point is sure to blow you away. This boutique hotel is simply stunning to look at, and just so happens to be situated in one of Cape Town’s best hot spots — across the road from the promenade, a short drive away from the V&A Waterfront, and views of the iconic Table Mountain, Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head from your room.
2. Support local restaurants and businesses
Local restaurants will need South Africans to support them once again. Throughout the year, Cape {town} Etc, through our #HighburyHearsYou campaign, got to know and love hundreds of local eateries dotted throughout Cape Town. Head over to our ‘Restaurants’ tab on our website to feast your eyes on some delicious options.
3. Use your your travel budget on a local splurge
If you had plans to head overseas, but you won’t be able to now, consider using that money locally. You could have a stay-cation up the road or splurge on something more special such as a stay at Treedom Villas and Vardos.
You have to check out these babies that have been newly established in Wilderness. And they are the first of their kind in South Africa, nogal!
4. Be a tourist in your own city
Not everyone is up for an overnight stay at a hotel right now. Some might not have the budget for it. Another option could be to enjoy a few activities as though you are a tourist. Ideas include a hike up Cape Town’s famous Table Mountain or hopping on one of the City Sightseeing buses. This is a fun and unique way to learn more about the city through the recorded information that you listen to while onboard. You can choose from different routes and packages, depending on what you are keen to take in. It’s a great way for the whole family to enjoy what your city has to offer.
5. Shop with businesses that depend on tourism
Think of ways in which you can help the huge variety of small businesses who support the tourism industry, and who will have been hoping for an influx of international tourists this summer. Instead of buying Christmas presents at large chain stores, seek out gift shops that would stock the kind of curios tourists and holidaymakers would buy. Fill up Santa’s stocking with items made by local artisans.
These simple ways could be exciting, fun things for you to try over the coming weeks, but by doing any of them, you could be helping to lighten the burden of small business owners in the tourism industry.
