Cape Town - Transnet National Ports Authority announced on Wednesday that V&A Waterfront Pty Ltd is set to invest just under R179-million in the development of a cruise terminal at the Port of Cape Town.
Cape Town, with South Africa’s oldest working harbour, is one of the world’s most scenic ports. It is envisaged that the facility, which will remain at E berth, Duncan Dock, will house value-added retail and hospitality services.
TNPA said it had awarded V&A Waterfront the status of preferred bidder for the development in an agreement that includes operation, maintenance and transfer of ownership back to TNPA after 20 years.
TNPA said the award is in line with Transnet’s governance and procurement processes and the company’s commitment to encourage private-sector participation while playing a role in enhancing tourism and job creation.
TNPA chief executive Richard Vallihu said: “The upgraded Cape Town cruise terminal facility to be developed by V&A Waterfront will be a gateway to a unique African experience in cruise tourism.”
“The city will benefit from a world-class facility that will attract greater international cruise liner calls, create jobs and strengthen the tourism offering of not only the Mother City, but South Africa as a whole,” he added.
V&A Waterfront chief executive David Green said cruise liner tourism is one of the fastest growing areas of tourism.
“The cruise terminal gives us the opportunity to extend a warm welcome to our fair city, and is important due to the first impression it will create of Cape Town,” he said.
He said that there was great scope to improve the passenger experience upon disembarkation, and also the opportunity to work jointly with South African Tourism and cruise companies to grow tourism business.
ANA