Cape Town is placing sustainability at the heart of its tourism economy, unveiling new eco-friendly experiences and green upgrades at key attractions to coincide with this year’s World Tourism Day theme, “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.”
This week, City Sightseeing Cape Town launched the first fully electric commercial boats at the V&A Waterfront. Seating 32 passengers, the vessels offer a low-carbon way to enjoy the city’s iconic harbour. “By using products such as these electric boats, our local industry players are ensuring a smaller carbon footprint and helping the Mother City maintain its standout natural features,” said Alderman James Vos, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth.
Vos also paid a visit to Cape Point E-Bike Tours, a new venture near the entrance to the national park. Using locally made Wow e-bikes from Paternoster, the business offers four set tours or custom rides, all accompanied by experienced guides. “Not only do visitors get to safely experience some of the world’s most exquisite places, but the e-bikes accommodate all fitness levels, making these experiences accessible to more people,” he added.
Beyond private operators, the City itself is embedding sustainability into its signature venues. City Hall, Athlone Stadium, and the Desmond and Leah Tutu House now feature energy-efficient lighting and reduced potable water use, while Green Point Urban Park has become a showcase of innovative design. Its new Dome Education Classroom and Experiential Education Garden celebrate Khoi heritage and sustainability. Built from mass timber – the newest and greenest system of carbon-conscious construction – the dome is the first of its kind in South Africa and a pioneering three-dimensional mass timber structure globally.
“Ensuring that sustainability is at the heart of our destination isn’t just about ticking a box,” said Vos. “It’s a commitment to create a city that is not only captivating for visitors but also enriching for those who call Cape Town home.”
With these initiatives, Cape Town is demonstrating how tourism and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand, setting a benchmark for sustainable transformation across South Africa’s travel industry.
