The news that the travel data intelligence platform, the Tourism Sentiment Index, ranked Hermanus 18th on the Leading Places: The 100 Most Loved Destinations Around the World’ for 2023 is heart-warming news.
Overstrand Executive Mayor, Dr Annelie Rabie, says “Overstrand tourism experienced an encouraging season, and this latest listing will no doubt place our magnificent region on the map of new and return travellers”.
The Western Cape claims 3 of the top 50 ‘Most Loved Destinations’ in the world and the Overstrand proudly celebrate this accolade with the Western Cape and South Africa.
The Tourism Sentiment Index (TSI), a travel data intelligence solution, released ‘Leading Places: The 100 Most Loved Destinations Around the World’ for 2023 and Hermanus sailed in at #18 climbing the ranks after being placed #41 last year. Stellenbosch is ranking at #34, and Cape Town moved up 14 places to #40.
“The Overstrand Municipality is grateful to all the local tourism and business stakeholders responsible for making this a top destination for residents and visitors” said Mayor Rabie in acknowledging the collective effort required to achieve this success. The news is set to benefit the people and businesses of the Overstrand and surrounding Overberg.
PRESS RELEASE – Date: 02 February 2023
Western Cape claims 3 in the top 50 ‘Most Loved Destinations’ in the world
Tourism Sentiment Index (TSI), a travel data intelligence solution created by acclaimed destination marketing agency Destination Think, has released ‘Leading Places: The 100 Most Loved Destinations Around the World’ for 2023. Coming in at #18 was Hermanus, after being seeded #41 last year, with Stellenbosch ranking at #34, and Cape Town moving up 14 places to #40.
Welcoming the announcement, Western Cape Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger, said: “To have not one, but three of our stunning towns in the top 50 of the ‘100 Most Loved Destinations in the World’ is an outstanding accolade for the Western Cape. Congratulations to Cape Town, Stellenbosch and Hermanus for being recognised, rightly so. I am hopeful that the exposure generated by this recognition will attract even more visitors to our shores to explore more of our many and diverse towns, attractions, and offerings in the Western Cape. The Western Cape government will continue to collaborate with stakeholders across the tourism and hospitality sector to reach new heights, attract more tourists so we can boost economic growth, that will create jobs in the province.”
Uncovering the 100 most loved destinations around the globe according to consumer sentiment, the study tracked more than 1.6 billion online conversations and content pieces publicly available, about 21 330 global destinations, to identify the top 100 most loved destinations around the globe.
Hermanus, Stellenbosch and Cape Town have been repeatedly spotlighted by international visitors – making it onto the ‘Most Loved Destinations in the World’ in 2021 as published by Tourism Sentiment Index. This year’s TSI rankings confirm the destination’s competitiveness, keeping the province top of the travel bucket list globally.
The 2022/23 summer season results have surpassed expectations, with the local sector recording significant growth in revenue, visitor numbers, and bookings when compared to 2021. Hotel occupancy for the Western Cape stood at 72% in December 2022, representing a full recovery rate of 106% when compared to December 2019 (68.1%). The Average Daily Rate (ADR) exceeded December 2019 levels, recovering to 114% while revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) fully recovered by 121% against December 2019.
Celebrating the announcement, Wesgro CEO Wrenelle Stander, said: “Three Western Cape destinations being ranked in the top 50 out of 100 places globally is an impressive achievement. These three featured as part of five destinations representing the continent, indicating that we are competitive not only in Africa, but internationally too. Our latest survey data reveals that close to 90% of responding businesses were fully booked during December 2022, which further demonstrates the popularity of Cape Town and the Western Cape as a world-class tourism destination. We remain confident about the growth of our tourism sector this year.”
