Can Cape Town locals still afford to enjoy their beautiful (but expensive) city's attractions?

As Cape Town continues to draw global visitors in record numbers, a growing question is being asked closer to home: can locals still afford to enjoy the city they live in?

Enver Duminy, CEO of Cape Town Tourism, says the issue of affordability has been built into the City’s tourism strategy from the start, amid rising costs and sustained pressure on household budgets.

A world-class city — but for whom?

Cape Town is marketed internationally as a premium destination, with visitors often saving for years to make the trip. But for residents, especially middle-income households, being a ‘tourist in your own city’ is becoming increasingly difficult.

While locals usually qualify for discounted entry to attractions, the broader costs transport, parking, food and activities quickly add up. High unemployment, weak income growth and rising taxes are compounding the problem.

According to Cape Town Tourism, this is why initiatives such as its MyCapeTown programme focus on free and low-cost experiences, from outdoor activities to neighbourhood food spots and cultural walking routes.

The argument is simple: a great place to visit must be a great place to live.

The squeezed middle

The pressure is not unique to Cape Town. Globally, cities with large middle-income populations are seeing what industry experts describe as ‘wealth bifurcation’ in tourism and hospitality.

Consumers are either saving up for occasional luxury experiences or cutting costs aggressively opting for the cheapest meals and free entertainment. The traditional mid-range market is shrinking, leaving family restaurants and value-focused operators under strain.

Tourism leaders admit the balance is difficult. Input costs for businesses, including energy, water, rates and taxes, continue to rise, limiting how much relief operators can realistically offer.

Why locals still matter to tourism

Despite international tourists generating the bulk of tourism revenue, locals remain crucial to the sectors long-term sustainability. International visitors account for a smaller share of total visitor numbers, while local demand helps keep businesses afloat year-round and protects jobs.

Tourism officials also caution against the assumption that all overseas visitors are wealthy. Many are budget-conscious travellers who, like locals, save for years for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

What Cape Town still offers, locals are reminded, is one advantage few global cities can match: world-class nature that remains free. Beaches, mountains and outdoor spaces continue to be the city’s most affordable luxury, even if getting there and grabbing a bite still costs money.

The challenge now is whether Cape Town can preserve that balance, remaining aspirational for visitors, without pricing out the people who call it home.

For more information, listen to Duminy using the audio player below: