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– Harriet Akinyi, Shift
African destinations have taken great strides in recent years to move away from a heavy emphasis on safari tourism, and some are focusing on a cruise tourism industry that is poised to fully recover by the end of 2023.
Countries around the continent are increasing their investment in a sector they believe will give their economies a boost, with cruise tourism expected to be worth $15.1 billion worldwide by 2028.
One of these is Kenya, where a new cruise terminal in Mombasa welcomed its third ship in a two-month period at the end of January. Peninah Malonza, the country’s Tourism Cabinet Secretary, said visitors arriving on the second ship in December will inject more than $800,000 into the local economy. And Kenyan authorities expect three more cruise ships to dock at the terminal, which features duty-free shops and restaurants, by the end of March.
“Cruise tourists form an essential part of the tourism industry,” said John Ololtuaa, principal secretary at the country’s tourism department. “Cruise tourism is a high-value market worth billions of dollars.”
Another African destination making a significant investment in its cruise infrastructure is Seychelles, which plans 18 ships to dock at Victoria – its only visible port – and other islands in the archipelago during the current cruise season. The Seychelles Ports Authority opened a crossing in time for the season which the agency believes will provide visitors to Victoria with a safer exit and entry point. Sony Payet, the authority’s chief executive, admitted that before the crossing opened, passengers had to exit through Port Victoria’s main gate, where heavy trucks were often encountered.
Kenya and Seychelles will be looking to emulate the success that South Africa – particularly Cape Town – has had in cruise tourism. Wrenelle Stander, CEO of Wesgro, Cape Town’s official tourism promotion agency, estimates that the sector generates approximately $16.4 million for the local economy. The current cruise season, which ends in May, is expected to see close to 250,000 passengers through its terminal.
“It is essential to have adequate infrastructure to support the arrival and departure of large cruise ships, including a deep-water port and terminal facilities,” Stander said, citing the cruise terminal that was named Africa’s best in 2022. The city expects 75 ships to dock before the end of the season.
Cape Town is not the only South African port that has increased its cruise presence in recent years. Durban opened a new terminal in November 2021 featuring retail space and conference and meeting facilities.
Photo: Queen Mary 2 leaves Cape Town. Cruise tourism has injected millions of dollars into the local economy.
