LONDON , England ( CNN ) -- A series of major international sporting events , a weak currency and its perennially sunny perch on the tip of South Africa are making Cape Town one of the hottest sailing destinations of 2009 . Lucky strike : The port city of Cape Town is set to benefit from several major sporting events . The Indian Premier League cricket tournament was recently relocated to South Africa because of security concerns , and now Cape Town is slated to host the opening match on April 18 . Both the Lions Tour rugby and the FIFA Confederations Cup football will follow the cricket tournament , heading down to South Africa later this year . Combined with the arrival of the World Cup in 2010 , South Africa has suddenly become the ultimate holiday spot for sports fans . Calvyn Gilfellan , chief executive of Cape Town Routes Unlimited -- the region 's tourism board -- told CNN the boost to the region had arrived at a crucial time . `` When the financial crisis started people went into gloom and doom but these events are helping a lot to restore confidence in the industry . `` The fact that we have a positive exchange rate also helps us a lot as a destination , '' he said . But South Africa 's government is so focused on ensuring the success of the upcoming games that it recently denied a visa to The Dalai Lama . Critics contend that South Africa bowed to pressure from the Chinese government in refusing Tibet 's spiritual leader entry to attend a peace conference that was partially intended to help promote the World Cup . As the focus strengthens on these international events , the Cape Town region looks set to benefit more than many from the expected surge in tourism . Gilfellan says this is largely due to the city 's location . `` We are lucky to be in such a wonderful spot . A lot of these events revolve around the marine industry and revolve around the harbor . '' This weekend harbor will play host to the Cape Town International Jazz Festival -- one of many upcoming festivals in the area . Cape Town 's picturesque Victoria & Alfred Waterfront , set against the backdrop of Table Mountain , has become South Africa 's most visited tourist attraction . Commodore of the Royal Cape Yacht Club ( RCYC ) John Martin , told CNN the Cape Town port was used widely for business , leisure and sports . As well as being the country 's second biggest functioning port for trade , the port played host to racing yachts in events such as the Volvo Ocean Race and the Clipper Round-the-world Challenge . `` We have several major yachting events that stop here and we are very proud of that . '' Martin said the popularity of the port means water space is `` at a premium , '' but there are hopes a new harbor and breakwater will be constructed in the next few years . Still , Cape Town has the capacity to cater for foreign visitors on super-yachts and international cruise-liners . `` Cape Town is a real focal point for refueling and repairs and it 's also quite cheap here so people tend to stay for a while , '' he said . Gilfellan said she felt the surge of massive sporting events would undoubtedly have spin-off benefits for the marine industry . The Indian Premier League Twenty20 cricket , which starts this month , had been tipped to go to England , but ultimately South Africa was chosen for its sunny weather . The tournament , which will feature 59 matches across six venues , will run from 18 April to 24 May . The 2009 British and Irish Lions tour officially kicks off on May 30 in Rustenberg . Matches will be held in Cape Town on June 13 and June 23 . The eight-team Confederations Cup runs from June 14-28 , and will take place across four cities . The event marks the first time an African nation will host an international FIFA tournament . The landmark event foreshadows the much-anticipated World Cup football tournament in June 2010 , for which qualifying matches are currently being held . Although that 's still a year away -- there are signs that the excitement in South Africa is already palpable . A new television commercial that began airing last month features Spain and Liverpool star , Fernando Torres , and Brazilian icon Kaka showing off their football skills . The advertisement ends with Torres saying `` Ke Nako '' , which in South Africa 's Sotho language means `` it 's time . '' It seems for Cape Town and the whole country -- this could not be more true . Mike Steere contributed to this report .
Europe 's ' Port of the Month ' is Cape Town , South Africa . The area is one of South Africa 's most popular tourist destinations . Cape Town is set to benefit from major international sporting events . The harbour is the country 's second biggest and hosts major yacht races .