Cape Point celebrates over 1 million visitors in 2016
The Cape of Good Hope (Cape Point) welcomed their 1 millionth visitor of the year on 7 December, surpassing all previous record numbers of visitors to the iconic attraction in a single year.
Tsopane Machake from Polokwane, Limpopo was declared the lucky 1 millionth at lunch time today, arriving with his wife and four children. As soon as their ticket was processed, SANParks and Cape Point Partnership staff handed Tsopane a hamper filled with Cape Point goodies, including entry tickets into the park; funicular tickets; a lunch voucher for Two Oceans restaurant, vouchers to shop at the curio stores at Cape Point; a picnic hamper and various other Cape Point goodies. “It was very unexpected. I am speechless,” he said.
“1 million visitors to Cape Point this year is a remarkable achievement. We are very proud to have reached this milestone. It is a testament to not only the enduring popularity of Cape destinations, but also the dedication of our staff. We are looking forward to the continued success of this majestic location and a bumper high season,” said Lesley-Ann Meyer, Park Manager, Table Mountain National Park.
Located in the Cape of Good Hope section of Table Mountain National Park, Cape Point is recognised as one of South African National Parks’ key tourism attractions.
The gate entry point is not the only record-breaking number for Cape Point this year – the Flying Dutchman Funicular – which also celebrates its 20th birthday this month – has already seen a record year, with numbers soaring past the 400 000 mark.
Thebe Tourism Group, owner of the Cape Point Concession – who operates the Flying Dutchman funicular and manages the facilities of the Two Oceans Restaurant, the foodshop and three retail shops – is extremely proud of these achievements: “It’s been a remarkable year for Cape Point all-round. I congratulate all the staff both from SANParks and the facilities for their commitment to making Cape Point a desirable place to experience. These numbers are indicative of the potential of tourism to our economy, we are excited to see the final numbers for the full calendar year as we celebrate our highest numbers to date” said Jerry Mabena, CEO of Thebe Tourism Group and Chairman of the Cape Point Partnership.