The docking of the World Odyssey at the Port of Cape Town signifies the beginning of South Africa’s cruise season, which will see the docking and sailing of 268 passenger liners at the commercial seaports operated by State-owned Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA).
Sailing under the flag of the Bahamas, the World Odyssey cruise liner, which arrived on October 22, had about 538 international tourists onboard, paving the way for a projected 130 000 tourists to visit Cape Town during this cruise season.
TNPA says the 268 scheduled passenger liners represent an increase of 29% from 207 call-ins in the previous year.
It notes that these vessels will pull along at seven South African commercial seaports, with Cape Town set to welcome 88 call-ins, Durban 47, Gqeberha 43, Mossel Bay 27, Saldanha Bay five and Richards Bay and East London 14 call-ins each.
“The upsurge in the anticipated vessel call-ins this season supports the strategic positioning of South Africa’s ports as key drivers of economic growth and gateways for international trade.
“The cruise liner segment is one of the fastest-growing contributors to the country's GDP through tourism revenue. As TNPA, we look forward to collaborating with cruise tourism stakeholders to support the growth of the economy.
“Building on the success of the previous cruise season, TNPA continues to provide reliable marine services as well as creating berth capacity to enable an efficient cruise vessel service,” says TNPA acting CE Phyllis Difeto.
TNPA says it anticipates that more vessels will be confirmed as the cruise season progresses.
Edited by: Chanel de Bruyn
Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor Online
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