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Cape Town on world's top 10 cities list

8 July 2013

Cape Town has once again been crowned one of the top 10 cities in the world, coming fourth in Travel and Leisure magazine's annual "World's Best Awards" and claiming a spot in the magazine's hall of fame.

It was also ranked the world's top city in the Africa and Middle East category.

Travel and Leisure readers determined the best destinations, hotels, cruises and companies in the 18th annual poll designed by the magazine's editors.

"Cape Town has consistently featured in the Travel and Lesiure line-up, and we are proud to maintain a top of mind position with the world's most avid travel lovers," Cape Town Tourism chief executive officer, Mariette du Toit-Helmbold, said in a statement last week.

Five of the city's hotels also appeared on the list, with the Cape Grace claiming the highest spot in 26th position, up from 44 in the 2012 awards. This earned the hotel a spot in the hall of fame.

The hotel also claimed pole position in the top city hotels in Africa and the Middle East category. The Mount Nelson was ranked sixth, the Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa came in 10th, the One&Only; Cape Town eleventh and theVictoria&Alfred; Hotel was named thirteenth.

Safari lodges around South Africa also claimed numerous spots on the list, with Singita Kruger National Park taking the top spot at third, up from seventh in 2012.

Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve and Singita Sabi Sand, both at the Kruger National Park, took 10th and 11th position respectively.

Du Toit-Helmbold believed the success of the safari lodges would contribute to the success of Cape Town's tourism. "The prevalence of these exclusive hotels bodes well for the luxury market in Cape Town as many high-end safari travellers include a trip to Cape Town on their itinerary," she said.

"The fact that they continue their journey in Cape Town in some of the continent's - and the world's - best hotels means Cape Town remains firmly on the luxury travel map."

SAinfo reporter