The Western Cape’s provincial reserves and national parks are fully prepared for an influx of arrivals.
This was revealed in a recent briefing by CapeNature and SANParks to the Standing Committee on Economic Development and Tourism. The presentations confirmed that great efforts are being taken by these entities to ensure a successful summer season, which is expected to be one of the busiest holiday periods in recent years.
This readiness forms part of the Western Cape Government’s Growth for Jobs Strategy, which positions tourism as a key driver of employment, regional growth, and sustainable investment.
Earlier briefings from the Department of Economic Development and Tourism and Wesgro highlighted record visitor projections and rising tourism spending, a clear indication that the Western Cape’s economy continues to be a sought-after destination by travellers.
CapeNature reported a remarkable post-COVID recovery, with visitor numbers increasing by 109% since 2021/22, from just under 300 000 to nearly 600 000 in 2024/25, and revenue growing by 50% in the same period.
The entity has strengthened its partnerships with SAPS, WSAR, NSRI, Metro EMS, Disaster Management, and municipal law enforcement to improve patrol visibility, manage fire risk, and ensure sufficient staffing across its reserves.
In addition, CapeNature has intensified its public awareness campaigns on responsible hiking, emergency procedures, and safe human-wildlife interactions, including guidance around the rabies outbreak in Cape fur seals and avian flu management.
This was revealed in a recent briefing by CapeNature and SANParks to the Standing Committee on Economic Development and Tourism. The presentations confirmed that great efforts are being taken by these entities to ensure a successful summer season, which is expected to be one of the busiest holiday periods in recent years.
This readiness forms part of the Western Cape Government’s Growth for Jobs Strategy, which positions tourism as a key driver of employment, regional growth, and sustainable investment.
Earlier briefings from the Department of Economic Development and Tourism and Wesgro highlighted record visitor projections and rising tourism spending, a clear indication that the Western Cape’s economy continues to be a sought-after destination by travellers.
CapeNature reported a remarkable post-COVID recovery, with visitor numbers increasing by 109% since 2021/22, from just under 300 000 to nearly 600 000 in 2024/25, and revenue growing by 50% in the same period.
The entity has strengthened its partnerships with SAPS, WSAR, NSRI, Metro EMS, Disaster Management, and municipal law enforcement to improve patrol visibility, manage fire risk, and ensure sufficient staffing across its reserves.
In addition, CapeNature has intensified its public awareness campaigns on responsible hiking, emergency procedures, and safe human-wildlife interactions, including guidance around the rabies outbreak in Cape fur seals and avian flu management.
The entity continues to demonstrate leadership in eco-tourism and sustainability, with new off-grid facilities, passive architectural designs that reduce energy demand, and investment in solar infrastructure and waste management systems. This reinforces the DA’s commitment to treating the province’s ecosystems as functional natural infrastructure, assets that must be protected, maintained, and leveraged responsibly to support economic opportunity.
SANParks echoed this readiness, noting that all of its Western Cape national parks are fully operational for the festive season. Maintenance and upgrades have been completed across all major parks, including trail repairs, road grading, ablution upgrades, and improved waste management systems.
At Table Mountain National Park, walkway installations, trail resurfacing, and daily facility inspections are underway. In Agulhas National Park, lagoon and boardwalk repairs have been finalised alongside active fire management with local municipalities. Tankwa Karoo, Bontebok, and West Coast National Parks have also completed critical infrastructure and fire readiness projects to ensure visitor safety and ecosystem resilience.
These efforts reflect the Western Cape’s proactive approach to tourism, conservation, and climate adaptation, ensuring that both the economy and environment benefit from responsible management and investment.
Noko Masipa MPP, DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, said: “The Democratic Alliance welcomes the presentations by CapeNature and SANParks, which demonstrated their alignment with the provincial Growth for Jobs strategy during their appearance before the standing committee to outline festive season readiness.
"We are ready for the festive season. These parks and their natural resources - underpinned by strong governance, collaboration, and innovation - will deliver real results for people, the economy, and the planet.”
Dave Bryant MPP, DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, added: “Our parks are part of the Western Cape’s natural infrastructure, critical assets that sustain biodiversity, tourism, and livelihoods. Through strong partnerships and responsible investment, the Western Cape continues to show that good environmental management is good economic policy.”
SANParks echoed this readiness, noting that all of its Western Cape national parks are fully operational for the festive season. Maintenance and upgrades have been completed across all major parks, including trail repairs, road grading, ablution upgrades, and improved waste management systems.
At Table Mountain National Park, walkway installations, trail resurfacing, and daily facility inspections are underway. In Agulhas National Park, lagoon and boardwalk repairs have been finalised alongside active fire management with local municipalities. Tankwa Karoo, Bontebok, and West Coast National Parks have also completed critical infrastructure and fire readiness projects to ensure visitor safety and ecosystem resilience.
These efforts reflect the Western Cape’s proactive approach to tourism, conservation, and climate adaptation, ensuring that both the economy and environment benefit from responsible management and investment.
Noko Masipa MPP, DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, said: “The Democratic Alliance welcomes the presentations by CapeNature and SANParks, which demonstrated their alignment with the provincial Growth for Jobs strategy during their appearance before the standing committee to outline festive season readiness.
"We are ready for the festive season. These parks and their natural resources - underpinned by strong governance, collaboration, and innovation - will deliver real results for people, the economy, and the planet.”
Dave Bryant MPP, DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, added: “Our parks are part of the Western Cape’s natural infrastructure, critical assets that sustain biodiversity, tourism, and livelihoods. Through strong partnerships and responsible investment, the Western Cape continues to show that good environmental management is good economic policy.”
