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Cape Town - The Cape Town and Western Cape Convention Bureau has secured 2 600 expected delegates from July to October 2017 thanks to four new successful bids worth an estimated total economic impact of R37m.
The bureau is a unit of Wesgro, Cape Town and the Western Cape’s official tourism, trade and investment promotion agency.
Combined with the results from April to October 2017, the bureau has secured 18 new bids with an estimated total economic impact of R157m for the region.
"Business tourism is an important component of the Western Cape’s economy. Not only does it bring in delegates from around the world who will spend money in our province, it also contributes significantly to the knowledge economy," Wesgro said in a statement.
"This has an important impact on the investment potential of our region, as influential individuals, with important networks, are able to experience the diversity of opportunities on offer in the Cape."
The four successful bids secured in the third quarter will take place during the low season (May to September). They are the International Wikimania Conference (September 2018) with an economic impact of R9 630 000; the SpaceOps International Congress (May 2020) with an economic impact of R10 272 000; the 15th International Conference on Mercury as a Global Pollutant (July 2021) with an economic impact of R10 272 000; and the Volvo Trucks Corporate Incentive Group (September 2018) with an economic impact of R6 876 000.
Wesgro CEO, Tim Harris said the convention bureau team strengthens the business tourism industry and helps to grow the economy and create jobs. He said the bureau is currently researching 93 leads, which - should they be converted - would have an economic impact exceeding R2bn.
Western Cape Minister of Economic Opportunities Alan Winde said the figures were excellent news for the Western Cape’s tourism sector.
“This is another indication of steady growth in our tourism sector. Projections for tourism arrivals for December and January also show a 5% year-on-year increase,” said Winde.
“We know business tourism is a lucrative niche, and that many business tourists often return for leisure with their families. I am encouraged by the news that the Convention Bureau has already submitted a further 13 new bids to the value of R134m. I’d like to commend the team for their commitment to growing tourism and our reputation as a world-class business destination.”
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