\u201cFew destinations offer such a compelling mix. Cape Town combines vibrant urban culture with some of the world\u2019s most beautiful natural scenery, while our safari lodges in the north provide a complete escape. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Popular properties frequented by the group\u2019s clientele include the Belmond Mount Nelson and One&Only in Cape Town. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Safari destinations Singita, Londolozi and Cheetah Plains, are popular with luxury travellers.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Travellers are also looking for curated experiences, which include private safaris, tastings in the Cape winelands, bespoke township tours, and after-hours access to cultural attractions.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Regarding food, Cape Town La Colombe and FYN lead as the country\u2019s most booked restaurants, with both regularly named among the world\u2019s best 50 restaurants.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOur chefs are world-class. \u201cThey can stand proudly alongside international names from Nobu Malibu to Michelin-starred institutions like Le Cinq<\/em> and Guy Savoy<\/em> in France,\u201d said Robinson.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although South Africa continues to perform strongly, Robinson cautioned that competition intensifies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Enquiries and future reservations are pointing to Saudi Arabia, Antarctica, Patagonia and Japan as fast-emerging challengers in the luxury travel space. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Closer to home, Namibia, Mozambique, Rwanda and Uganda are also attracting increased interest from foreigners. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe fact is, South Africa cannot afford to rest on its laurels. The Middle East is investing heavily in luxury tourism, with Dubai in the process of developing a Vegas-style mega-project called \u2018The Island\u2019 on Jumeirah Coast.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSaudi Arabia\u2019s Red Sea project alone promises an eco-conscious luxury destination with more than 50 hotels and 1,000 residences on completion.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n African competitors also position themselves as pristine nature escapes, tapping into demand for rest, wellness and sustainability. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Wellness emerges from the data as a status marker, with Roxstar Luxury stating that new ventures centred on this theme will thrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSouth Africans can take pride in the country\u2019s endurance as a go-to luxury destination,\u201d Robinson concluded. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cTo maintain this position, we need to tap into wellness as a greater focus of our tourism offering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cLuckily, we have the natural attributes to take advantage of the trend. It is a testament to the splendour of our natural endowment that we continue to attract the world\u2019s wealthiest travellers despite our challenges.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, she warned that South Africa needs to act, stating that safer cities and stronger infrastructure are required. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Fixing these issues will help, with Robinson noting that the potential for tourism-led job creation and growth is extraordinary. <\/p>\n\n\n\nCompetition coming in\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Cape-Town-3.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nRanking<\/strong><\/td> Country<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> 1<\/td> United States of America<\/td><\/tr> 2<\/td> United Arab Emirates<\/td><\/tr> 3<\/td> Maldives<\/td><\/tr> 4<\/td> South Africa<\/td><\/tr> 5<\/td> France<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Images of popular South African destinations <\/h2>\n\n\n