“Despite the recent water security challenge we faced, the temporary nature of this event was successfully averted through collaboration and common goodwill between citizens, government, business and tourists. Our refreshed focus on retaining our reputation as a world-class destination meant the need to do things differently and asking the right questions in order to find the right solutions. Data, insights and analytics from ForwardKeys have proven a valuable resource in reshaping our strategies in making up for lost tourism numbers. This study has proved essential in looking at the impact of natural disasters from a different perspective.”

Enver Duminy
Chief Executive Officer of Cape Town Tourism

In May 2017 the South African government was faced with the possibility of its largest city running out of water. Water stockpiling and panic were caused when the goverment announced “day zero”, a moment when the dam levels would be so low that the taps in Cape Town would be turned off.

Residents came into action and requested water use would be restricted. Reusing shower water, limiting toilet flushing and night-time irrigation were among measures that saved the city from running dry.

Local politicians were worried about the impact the water-saving scheme might have on tourism, given its importance to the South African economy. It is intuitive that travellers concerned about water usage would stay away. The question was, however, how much tourism would be affected by the situation. South Africa’s position as a popular travel destination might be in dispute.