26 The wonders of the Cape Wrenelle Stander of Wesgro explains to Alex Smith how a diverse cultural heritage, natural beauty and a wealth of shore excursions have made Cape Town one of Africa’s premier cruise destinations COVER STORY Cape Town, affectionately known as the ‘Mother City,’ lies at the southern tip of South Africa’s Western Cape. It is rapidly emerging as one of the world’s most captivating cruise destinations, drawing the interest of travellers from around the globe. Wrenelle Stander, CEO of Wesgro – the official agency responsible for promoting tourism, trade, and investment in Cape Town and the Western Cape – points out that this increasing recognition highlights the city’s strong appeal in the global tourism market. With its breathtaking landscapes, it’s no surprise that more and more cruise lines are incorporating Cape Town into their itineraries. “Sailing into Cape Town via Table Bay is considered one of the world’s most scenic arrivals,” says Stander. “Each year, passengers onboard cruise ships are treated to the breathtaking sight of Table Mountain as they approach the harbour. This iconic view consistently ranks among the top scenic cruise arrivals globally, attracting travellers from around the world.” Once they step onshore, cruise guests have the chance to experience the best of South Africa’s second largest city, which Stander describes as a “mustvisit destination”. She identifies five key reasons why cruise lines and their guests are attracted to Cape Town, the first of which is its rich cultural diversity. The city has been influenced over its history by Dutch, British, Malay and indigenous Khoisan traditions, which is reflected in its unique food, architecture and culture. The city’s natural sights are no less impressive, with the dramatic landscape
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