Cape Town prepares for tourist season.

20 Nov, 2006

Nearly one million visitors are expected to arrive in Cape Town during the last quarter of this year and the first quarter of 2007, with December and January being the busiest months. City authorities have taken a series of measures in readiness for the influx of mostly foreign tourists drawn by the city's 72 beaches, parks and nature reserves, including organising extra law enforcement and health and safety personnel. In 2005 the Mother City earned R14.8 billion in tourism revenue, six per cent more than the year before.

The festive season begins officially on 26 November when city mayor Helen Zille is due to switch on the traditional Christmas lights on Adderley Street in the city centre. For the first time ever this year special energy saving lighting will be used.