Cape Town's Pride Festival began in 2001 and then merged the following year with another local gay event. After the 2002 festival the decision was made to revert back to its original identity, and as part of the implementation of a long term strategy the 2003 festival was postponed to February 2004 in an effort to attract gay tourism to the festival and the city. The months of February and March are traditionally the period during which Cape Town sees the greatest income from tourism, and this move proved successful with a particularly well-supported festival and Parade.