Confidence in the Western Cape’s business meetings sector is high, with Cape Town securing the top spot for meetings in Africa, increased investment and an economic impact of over R1bn in the last financial year.
The recently released International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) 2023 rankings show that Cape Town hosted 42 qualifying international association meetings, up from 30 in 2022. This ranking places Cape Town as the leading meetings destination in Africa and 50th globally.
According to the Western Cape’s trade and tourism promotion agency, Wesgro, the Cape Town and Western Cape Convention Bureau secured 30 new bids for the 2023/24 financial year, delivering an economic impact of over R1bn.
The Western Cape as a whole hosted 51 of South Africa’s 98 international meetings, with Stellenbosch hosting nine, up from five the previous year.
Among the conferences hosted in the province in 2023 were the 18th International Congress of Immunology, the Entrepreneurs’ Organization event, and the African Investment Indaba. ICCA's rankings criteria require conferences to be attended by at least 50 international delegates, last at least two days and rotate through at least three countries.
Wrenelle Stander, CEO of Wesgro, said: “Hosting conferences and events stimulates economic activity, creates jobs, boosts local hospitality and tourism sectors, and drives innovation and knowledge sharing. These gatherings serve as platforms for industries to showcase their strengths, exchange ideas and build relationships that can result in valuable deals and investments.”
'Biz events are the cornerstones of economic resilience'
Western Cape Minister for Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer said: “Business events are not just about drawing delegates. They serve as the cornerstone for economic resilience and innovation. They have the potential to attract trade and investment opportunities that are in sync with our growth sectors.”
One of these has been a R15m investment by the Century City Conference Centre and Hotel. CEO, Gary Koetser, said the investment in upgrading spaces and launching a new venue had been driven by growing demand and increased confidence in the sector in Cape Town.
"This investment demonstrates our support in positioning Cape Town as a leading business tourism and events destination, and we are grateful to Wesgro, Air Access and Cape Town Tourism for their efforts in working alongside us and our industry peers to further elevate Cape Town and the Western Cape as a preferred business and leisure destination.”
Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth in the City of Cape Town, James Vos, said: “A variety of organisations across industries and sectors choose Cape Town because of the high standard of services offered as well as the diversity of experiences delegates can enjoy during their stay.”
Dayle Theunissen, Marketing, Digital and Communications Manager for the Radisson RED Hotel at the V&A Waterfront, said Cape Town's scenic beauty was another drawcard for business meetings and conferences.
“For busy travellers who might not get a chance to explore the city, mixing conferences with a nature-filled experience helps them to feel that they’ve experienced at least a part of their travel destination.”
Among the meetings on the agenda for 2024 are the Open edX conference which wrapped up at Stellenbosch University last week, The International Astronomical Union General Assembly in August, and the International Congress on Infectious Diseases in December.
