Cape Town - The Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has announced that the V&A Waterfront is set to invest over R178 million to develop a cruise terminal at the Port of Cape Town.
It’s a development that has been plagued by setbacks as “leadership changes” and administrative issues delayed the TNPA’s search for a successful bidder. But now it has emerged that the V&A Waterfront, the powerhouse of Cape Town’s flourishing billion-rand tourism industry, will be backing the project to bring luxury liners to the city’s shores.
Arriving at or setting sail from a world-class terminal will enhance what is already a dramatic and luxurious experience. 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. It is expected that companies will be lining up to inhabit the new space.
The 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 the ports authority after 20 years.
It 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’s 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.”
He added: “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.”
V&A Waterfront chief executive David Green said cruise liner tourism is one of the fastest-growing areas of tourism. He added: “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 that there was great scope to improve the passenger experience upon disembarkation, and also the opportunity to work jointly with SA Tourism and cruise companies to grow tourism business.
There were fears last year that the construction of a dedicated terminal would be abandoned as the city thought it may not be financially viable. But the backing of the V&A Waterfront seems to suggest otherwise.
The company, which through tourism has contributed at least R259 billion to the provincial coffers since 2002 and expects to double that amount over the next decade, has already invested in the transformation of the old grain silos into a modern art gallery.
Cape Argus