Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company Recognised at WTM Africa for Setting the Benchmark in Responsible Tourism
Press Release supplied by Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (TMACC)
Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (TMACC) has been awarded top honours in the Local Economic Benefit category at the World Travel Market (WTM) Africa Responsible Tourism Awards 2026, reinforcing its position as one of the continent’s leading examples of tourism that delivers measurable impact for people, place and planet.
Announced during WTM Africa in Cape Town this week, the award recognises TMACC’s long-standing commitment to ensuring that one of Africa’s most visited attractions actively contributes to inclusive economic growth, while safeguarding the integrity of the iconic Table Mountain.
A global stage for responsible tourism leadership
“As one of the most influential gatherings in the African travel trade calendar, WTM Africa provides a platform for destinations and operators to showcase innovation, accountability and leadership in responsible tourism,” says Wahida Parker, Managing Director of Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company.
TMACC’s recognition comes at a time when the global tourism industry is under increasing pressure to demonstrate tangible social and environmental impact. With approximately one million visitors annually, the organisation has positioned itself as a real-world case study of how high-volume tourism can be managed responsibly, balancing visitor experience with long-term sustainability.
Turning visitor demand into local economic opportunity
Central to TMACC’s award is its proven ability to retain tourism value within local communities.
- Local procurement increased from 29% in 2017 to 89% today
- 97% of retail products sourced locally
- More than 150 local businesses supported
- Hundreds of jobs created across the value chain
Through its Enterprise and Supplier Development programme, TMACC goes beyond procurement, providing mentorship, skills development and market access to small businesses and entrepreneurs.
“This approach not only strengthens Cape Town’s tourism supply chain but also enables local enterprises to participate more meaningfully in the global visitor economy,” says Parker.
Looking ahead, TMACC is exploring local manufacturing of compostable hospitality products, an initiative expected to create approximately 75 new jobs while reducing environmental impact.
Integrating sustainability across operations
Operating within the Cape Floristic Region UNESCO World Heritage Site, TMACC has embedded environmental stewardship into its daily operations.
Key initiatives include:
- 92% of waste diverted from landfill through recycling and circular economy practices
- Ongoing energy efficiency and water conservation measures
- Carbon offset and community-linked environmental programmes
- Partnerships supporting recycling economies in communities such as Khayelitsha and Mitchell’s Plain
This integrated approach reflects a shift from isolated sustainability projects to full business model integration, increasingly recognised as global best practice.
Investing in future generations and inclusive access
TMACC’s impact extends beyond operations into education and access.
- Over 360,000 learners have participated in the Class in the Clouds programme since 2001
- Approximately 15,000 learners engaged annually, transforming Table Mountain into a living classroom
By improving access and inclusivity, TMACC continues to position Table Mountain as a shared national asset, ensuring broader participation in one of South Africa’s most iconic tourism experiences.
Building on a track record of recognition
The WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Award adds to TMACC’s growing list of accolades, including recognition across sustainability, visitor experience and destination excellence platforms, as well as consistent positive global traveller rankings.
This continued recognition underscores the organisation’s role as a benchmark for responsible tourism in Africa.
TMACC’s success highlights a broader shift within the industry: tourism is no longer measured by visitor numbers alone, but by the value it creates for destinations and communities.
By embedding responsible tourism into its core strategy, TMACC demonstrates that commercial success and positive impact are not mutually exclusive but mutually reinforcing.
As global travel continues to recover and evolve, models like TMACC’s are increasingly relevant, offering a blueprint for how destinations can remain competitive while delivering meaningful, measurable benefits.
“Visitors are encouraged to experience Table Mountain responsibly, contributing to the preservation of this natural wonder for generations to come,” says Parker.
Issued by Alkemi Collective on behalf of Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company
