‘Freedom to Wish’ runs until 27 September 2023.
CAPE TOWN – If you could be a tourist in your city, what would your one wish be, to do and to see? Would you kayak with dolphins at dusk? Would you do a scenic horse ride on a beach at sunset, or do a paraglide off Signal Hill? Would you find the hidden ‘Gorilla’ art murals in the central city, or tuck in to high tea at the ‘Nellie’? Tell Cape Town Tourism and the City of Cape Town who would nominate to receive a wish and why – and it might very well come true! This Tourism Month, locals will once again be given the Freedom To Wish.
Enver Duminy, CEO of Cape Town Tourism, says Freedom to Wish is about giving locals the chance to nominate someone they love to have their tourism experience wishes come true, “We live in the ‘Greatest City on Earth’ and we firmly believe that Capetonians should have every opportunity to experience the cultural, natural and historical richness of our home, first-hand. Freedom to Wish is our way to give back and make our people’s wishes come true.
“Not everyone can afford a ticket up the cableway, a helicopter flip over the city, a walking tour with a qualified tour guide through a community in Cape Town, and the wealth of other treasures our city is renowned for. We want to give more Capetonians the chance to experience these gems and others, by grabbing our wands and being their personal fairy godparent!”
Last year, Cape Town Tourism launched Freedom to Wish to aid tourism recovery by making local Capetonians’ travel dreams come true. The phenomenal success of the venture – in shining a spotlight on the city’s attractions and boosting the small business sector – encouraged the City and Cape Town Tourism to once again celebrate Capetonians over tourism month.
How it Works
Capetonians can nominate themselves or their loved ones by sharing their tourism wish within their city. Wishes to the value of +R150 000 were granted in 2022, boosting communities around Cape Town and empowering small businesses in the tourism sector. This year, the initiative will showcase something for every kind of traveller to enjoy around the metro, with different activities to choose from.
Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth at the City of Cape Town, says he is hoping that Freedom to Wish will encourage even more domestic tourism, “In July 2023, the Mother City recorded an impressive 91% recovery compared to 2019 in international and domestic arrivals, showing great signs of recovery in our tourism sector. This sector plays a major role in our economy, and we encourage Capetonians to participate and enjoy all the experiences available in their own city.”
Last year, some of the granted wishes included Firyal Isaacs, a widow with two young children who wanted to create special memories at the aquarium. Khouthar Dramat nominated her elderly parents, who were born in Cape Town but had never travelled up the cableway, to see the spectacular views atop Table Mountain.
With world-renowned landmarks; superb weather; and cultural, historical and culinary gems, Cape Town has something for everyone. Duminy adds, “This is the power of tourism. It has the ability to not only be pioneering but to enrich people’s lives. Now is the time to nominate someone to enjoy an incredible experience and make memories to last a lifetime.”
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
