The Western Cape’s provincial reserves and national parks say they are fully prepared to welcome a surge of holidaymakers this festive season, following major operational upgrades and strengthened safety measures.
This assurance was delivered during a briefing by CapeNature and SANParks to the Provincial Legislature’s Standing Committee on Economic Development and Tourism, where both entities outlined extensive readiness plans ahead of what is expected to be one of the province’s busiest holiday periods in recent years.
The preparations form part of the Western Cape Government’s broader Growth for Jobs Strategy, which positions tourism as a key driver of economic activity, job creation and investment.
Earlier projections from the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, along with Wesgro, have already indicated record visitor numbers and increased tourism spending.
Noko Masipa MPP, the DA’s Western Cape spokesperson on Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, said the presentations demonstrated strong alignment with the province’s economic strategy.
“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,” Masipa said.
CapeNature reported a significant post-pandemic rebound, noting that visitor numbers have grown by 109% since 2021/22, rising from just under 300,000 to nearly 600,000 in 2024/25. Revenue has increased by 50% over the same period.
The entity said it has strengthened partnerships with SAPS, Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR), the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), Metro EMS, Disaster Management, and municipal law enforcement to boost patrol visibility, improve fire management, and ensure adequate staffing.
Public awareness efforts have also intensified, particularly around responsible hiking, emergency procedures, and safe interactions with wildlife, including guidance linked to the rabies outbreak in Cape fur seals and avian flu precautions.
CapeNature also highlighted ongoing sustainability initiatives, such as new off-grid facilities, passive architectural designs to reduce energy demand, and expanded solar infrastructure and waste management systems.
“They stated clearly: 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,” said Masipa.
SANParks confirmed that all its national parks in the Western Cape are fully operational. The entity has completed key maintenance and upgrades, including trail repairs, road grading, ablution facility upgrades, improved waste systems, and ongoing fire readiness measures.
At Table Mountain National Park, upgrades include newly installed walkways, resurfaced trails and daily inspections.
In Agulhas National Park, lagoon and boardwalk repairs have been completed, paired with joint fire management planning with local municipalities. Infrastructure and fire-readiness projects have also been concluded in Tankwa Karoo, Bontebok, and West Coast National Parks.
Dave Bryant MPP, the DA’s Western Cape spokesperson for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, said the parks are an essential ecological and economic asset.
“Our parks are part of the Western Cape’s natural infrastructure, critical assets that sustain biodiversity, tourism, and livelihoods,” he said.
“Through strong partnerships and responsible investment, the Western Cape continues to show that good environmental management is good economic policy.”
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