South Africa scoops international travel awards

More than 27 000 readers of The Telegraph have voted South Africa as the top country to visit internationally and Cape Town as the best city for tourism in the world in the 2023 edition of the British newspaper’s highly regarded travel awards.

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

“These exceptional accolades, voted for by 27 000 passionate readers, are a testament to South Africa’s undeniable allure and the enduring impact it has on travellers.

“South Africa’s resounding success in winning both the “Best Country” and “Best City in the World” categories underscores its unparalleled natural landscapes, rich biodiversity, and vibrant cultural experiences,” read a statement from the newspaper.

South Africa edged leading Antipodean destination New Zealand and the idyllic island paradise of Maldives to the number one spot, while Cape Town vanquished the Italian  drawcard of Venice and Spanish cultural heavyweight Seville to emerge as the top city.

Kenya and Botswana both made the top 10 of the leading countries in a strong showing from Africa. Japan, India, and Italy were some other countries that were popular with readers. The samba-infused Brazilian hotspot of Rio de Janeiro and Italian capital Rome also made the list.

Magic of the Mother City

With the majestic Table Mountain as a towering backdrop, its array of white-sand beaches, and the allure of the Cape Winelands, the Mother City has consistently registered as one of the most beautiful cities on earth. It has been a firm favourite in many travel awards over the years. Sun International is in the happy position of boasting not one but two diverse hotels and resorts in the city: the olde world, five-star luxury of The Table Bay, the city’s best address on the bustling V&A Waterfront, and the gaming and entertainment hub that is the GrandWest, housing the largest casino in the country.

Of course, with its long legacy of enthralling guests as South Africa’s most-loved gaming and hospitality brand, Sun International has a range of options across the country to suit any taste, from the iconic Sun City to the endless summer of Wild Coast Sun.

Amid its issues with load shedding, crime, unemployment, and a host of socio-economic ills, it is gratifying to see that South Africa is still held in such high esteem internationally and a ray of light as the tourist industry continues its post-COVID-19 recovery.