Cape Town named world's best city 2025: a record-breaking tourism season
Cape Town tops international rankings
Cape Town continues to assert itself as an unmissable destination on the world stage. In 2025, the Mother City was named the world's best city by the prestigious Time Out magazine, a recognition that crowns years of effort to position the South African metropolis among the planet's most attractive destinations. This distinction is complemented by the title of most affordable luxury destination for 2026, awarded by Sail Croatia, confirming that Cape Town offers a high-end experience accessible to a broad audience.
Cape Town International Airport has also earned its share of accolades. AirHelp, the global air passenger rights platform, awarded it the Best Airport prize, praising the quality of its services, flight punctuality, and the overall passenger experience. This triple recognition places Cape Town and its airport in a privileged position to attract even more international visitors.
An exceptional 2025 festive season
The 2025 festive season figures bear witness to the city's growing attractiveness. Cape Town International Airport recorded an 8% increase in passenger numbers compared to the previous year, reflecting sustained demand on both domestic and international flights. This rise in air traffic translates directly into increased visitor numbers at the city's iconic landmarks.
Table Mountain, Cape Town's natural icon and one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, saw a 6% increase in visitors, attracting hundreds of thousands of people who came to admire the panoramic views over the city and the ocean. Robben Island, the UNESCO World Heritage historic site where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years, recorded a remarkable 10% increase in visitors, confirming the enduring interest in South Africa's cultural and political heritage.
A promising future for Cape Town tourism
These exceptional results strengthen Cape Town's position as one of the world's great tourism capitals. The combination of a rich cultural offering, spectacular natural landscapes, and quality transport infrastructure makes the city a complete destination. For travellers passing through Cape Town International Airport, these distinctions guarantee a welcome and services that meet the highest international standards. The upward trend observed during the festive season suggests an even more dynamic 2026 for the Cape Town tourism sector.