South Africa achieved a double triumph at the 2023 Telegraph Travel Awards yesterday (July 12), winning the title of ‘Best Country’ to visit, and Cape Town claimed the coveted ‘Best City in the World’ title.

The Telegraph Travel Awards, a distinguished platform within the travel industry, recognise destinations that captivate the imagination and leave an indelible mark on visitors.

The Telegraph honoured South Africa and Cape Town with the awards after receiving 27 000 votes from its readers.

“These accolades are a testament to the remarkable experiences our country offers and the unwavering dedication of our tourism industry. South Africa's diverse landscapes, rich wildlife, and warm hospitality continue to captivate the hearts of travellers from around the globe. We extend our deepest gratitude to the 27 000 Telegraph readers who voted for us and invite everyone to come and experience the magic of South Africa first-hand,” said Kgomotso Ramothea, SA Tourism Acting Hub Head for UK and Ireland Hub.

James Vos, Mayoral Member for Economic Growth at the City of Cape Town, told Tourism Update that the win was an acknowledgement of the efforts of the City and its partners to put Cape Town’s experiences, cultures and communities on the map, and to make sure that the City maintained global relevance and appeal that stood out above other destinations.

“This award from the UK newspaper’s readers is the cherry on top after a major resurgence in travellers, and will help us to build momentum for the months ahead. Well done to every single person who helped bring us to this moment, from the staff at our award-winning Cape Town International Airport, to the concierges at our many beautiful hotels, guesthouse owners, restaurant waitrons and friendly teams at our many attractions. They have all made this possible.

“These awards serve to acknowledge and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the global travel and tourism industry. Locals and visitors have long known that Cape Town is a triple-A-rated city, which, in this instance, refers to accommodation, attractions and aviation, signalling the strength of our destination value. Tourism is a top priority sector, because through clever campaigns and city-to-city agreements, we land more flights and attract more visitors, which benefits businesses through increased bookings and spending, and creates jobs for locals."