PROFILE OF VISITORS TO COASTAL AND MARINE TOURISM LOCATIONS IN CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

Cape Town, one of South Africa's key coastal tourism destinations, provides a useful case study to examine visitor profiles in Coastal and Marine Tourism (CMT) sites. Nine hundred and seven visitor surveys were completed in purposively selected CMT locations in Cape Town. The main findings reveal that there is diversity among visitors frequenting CMT sites in Cape Town in terms of type of visitor, gender, population group, age, educational level and economic status. Visitors participated in a range of CMT activities and indicated an interest to participate in future activities. Furthermore, high levels of satisfaction with the CMT activities and locations were evident which suggests that a growing demand for CMT activities in Cape Town which needs to be managed. Examining visitor profiles, perceptions, preferences and experiences is important to improve planning and management of these destinations to ensure long-term sustainability.