South Africa’s tourism sector is experiencing a remarkable resurgence. The Ministry of Tourism’s latest statistics reveal that over 2.4 million international visitors arrived between January and March 2024, marking a significant 15.4% increase compared to the same period last year. South Africa has become an increasingly popular destination for tourists from Ghana, the United Kingdom, and the United States, with substantial growth in visitor numbers from these countries. Most of the tourists (1.8 million) hailed from Africa, followed by Europe (420,727) and the Americas (118,194).
As a prominent player in the hospitality industry, The Capital Hotels, Apartments, and Resorts is strategically positioning itself to capitalize on this tourism boom and assist the South African hospitality sector in reclaiming its pre-pandemic vibrancy.
The Ministry of Tourism reported significant travel growth from Ghana and Zimbabwe, with visitor numbers increasing by 249% and 21%, respectively. There was also a 25% rise in tourists from Asian markets and nearly a 10% increase from the Netherlands and Germany. To ensure these visitors have exceptional stays, The Capital Hotels, Apartments, and Resorts is not only meeting the rising demand but also pioneering solutions to help guests navigate some of the nation’s challenges.
The Capital Hotels, Apartments, and Resorts is at the forefront of implementing sustainable energy and water conservation initiatives. The group’s commitment to sustainability is demonstrated through substantial investments in solar energy, aiming to have 80% of its properties powered by solar. This initiative is part of a broader multimillion-rand investment in renewable energy, showcasing The Capital’s dedication to reducing its carbon footprint and operational costs while addressing the challenges of load shedding.
Marc Wachsberger, CEO of The Capital Hotels, Apartments, and Resorts, states, “Adaptability is the name of the game, and by being agile in our thinking and planning, we have been able to provide memorable experiences for our guests. This means anticipating challenges and ensuring our visitors never have to worry about power availability.”
Water scarcity poses a significant threat to South Africa’s growing tourism sector. To mitigate its impact, The Capital Hotels, Apartments, and Resorts has invested heavily in advanced water purification systems for The Capital Pearls and The Capital Zimbali Resort, adhering to the highest Blue Drop standards.
“The Capital Pearls showcases our commitment to innovation with its internal aqueduct system, which ensures top-quality water circulation within the premises. This system not only surpasses Blue Drop quality benchmarks but also represents an innovative approach to sustainable water distribution,” Wachsberger adds.
Similarly, The Capital Zimbali Resort employs a reverse osmosis redundancy system to ensure a consistent and purified water supply, demonstrating The Capital’s proactive measures to safeguard guest comfort.
Picture Cred: Cape Town Today