Cape Town named Africa’s best city brand, with Joburg close behind

Cape Town has been named Africa’s best city brand in a new ranking, and 60th globally, while Johannesburg is close behind at third and 72nd respectively in the inaugural Brand Finance City Index. 

The rankings are based on a global survey of close to 15,000 members of the public conducted in April in 20 countries on all continents to measure perceptions of the world’s top 100 cities. 

The index, released on Saturday, places London on top in the world, followed by New York and Paris.

“Cape Town’s position as a continental leader can be attributed to its status as South Africa’s most visited city, with a high reputation and consideration as a destination to visit.

“The city's natural beauty, with its stunning coastline, mountains and diverse landscapes make it one of the world’s most attractive tourist destinations. The city offers a rich cultural heritage, ranking 33rd for being diverse and multicultural, with warm hospitality and adventurous attractions,” said Jeremy Sampson, chair of Brand Finance Africa.

Cape Town ranks 15th for affordability and 18th for nice weather, further enhancing its popularity among tourists from around the world, said Sampson.

To arrive at a comprehensive assessment of the city brands in the ranking, alongside measuring familiarity, the survey asked the respondents about the general reputation and their personal consideration of each city as a place to live, work locally, work remotely, study, retire, visit, or invest in. 

The evaluation of preferences across these seven dimensions was complemented by perceptions of 45 underlying city brand attributes, grouped under seven pillars, such as business & investment or sustainability & transport.

While Cape Town continues to face socioeconomic challenges, it ranks positively for the attribute of future growth potential, in the 18th position globally. This is largely attributed to its growing tourism industry, which presents opportunities for economic growth and job creation, said Sampson.

He said the city’s strategic location as a major port and transportation hub in South Africa offers a gateway to trade and investment opportunities, especially with emerging markets in Africa.

Sampson said with its exceptional beauty and extraordinary diversity, South Africa is truly a remarkable nation that enjoys a lively reputation for tourism. 

“South African cities must continue to focus on promoting their vibrant cultural scenes, sustainable urban development and investment in infrastructure. Further, by prioritising safety, inclusivity and social equality, South African cities can create welcoming environments that encourage tourism and promote more positive global perceptions in the coming years.”

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