Cape Town earns international accolades as top global travel destination

Cape Town has received international recognition after being ranked among the world’s leading travel destinations by two publications.

On Tuesday, December 16, Travel and Leisure Asia announced the winners of its India’s Best Awards 2025, where Cape Town was nominated in three categories: Best Beach Destination, Best City Destination, and Best Adventure Destination. The City ultimately secured the Editor’s Choice Best City in the International Category.

On the same day, U.S. News & World Report released its annual Best Vacations rankings, placing Cape Town fifth among the Best Places to Visit in Africa. The publication cited the City’s dramatic scenery, pristine beaches, the Constantia Valley wine region, and the Simon’s Town penguin colony as key factors behind the ranking. The recognition also earned Cape Town a Gold Award Badge of Excellence.

Mayoral committee member for economic growth, James Vos, said the accolades reflected Cape Town’s diverse tourism offering and the success of targeted destination marketing.

"There is something for everyone in Cape Town. From aquatic activities to the trails of Table Mountain, and everything in between, the city is a playground for every resident, visitor, and holidaymaker. These latest recognitions have landed at the right time, just as we head into our very busy festive season, which attracts tourists from across the globe."

He added that recent international engagements, particularly in India, have helped unlock priority tourism markets through partnerships with travel operators and media.

"By promoting the right mix of experiences and aligning our marketing with demand, we are ensuring that every campaign contributes meaningfully to Cape Town’s tourism economy." 

According to U.S. News & World Report, its Best Vacations rankings are compiled by evaluating more than 1,500 destinations worldwide, based on expert analysis and user votes across multiple travel categories.