Cape Town among the top global destinations for this kind of event
Home » Cape Town among the top global destinations for this kind of event
Cape Town continues to grow in popularity with visitors. Image via Pixabay.
Cape Town is growing in popularity with business travellers. In fact, a new report shows that the city is now one of the world's top destinations for international conventions.
That's according to the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) GlobeWatch 2024 Business Analytics Report. The report provides insight into global association meetings, including the favourite destinations for such conferences.
Cape Town has risen 15 spots in the ICCA GlobeWatch 2024 rankings for international association meetings. It now ranks 35th globally.
The city also ranks in the top 10 globally for average attendance per event. 717 delegates attend the average event in the city.
Cape Town hosted 58 international meetings in 2024, up from 42 in 2023. Smaller towns like Stellenbosch also hosted multiple events, reflecting a province-wide trend.
South Africa as a whole remains the top country in Africa for international meetings. The country hosted 98 international meetings in both 2023 and 2024. The business events industry generated over R2 billion for the national economy in that period.
The rise is attributed to strategic bidding, strong public-private partnerships, and increasing interest in the region as a hub for knowledge-sharing and innovation.
Wesgro, the official tourism, trade, and investment promotion agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape, welcomed the news. In a statement on Bizcommunity, CEO Wrenelle Stander said:
'This ranking shows that Cape Town and the Western Cape stand shoulder to shoulder with global conference hubs such as Dubai, Barcelona, and Melbourne. We are particularly pleased that smaller towns across the province are experiencing the benefits of business events.'
Stander added that Wesgro secured 36 new conference bids for 2024/25, projecting an impact of R745 million and over 27 000 delegates through 2028.
Cape Town's rise in the rankings was also celebrated by Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer. Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, also welcomed the news.
The Mother City's popularity is by no means slowing down. Cape Town will host a plethora of conventions in the next few years, including: International Communication Association Congress (2026)
World Congress on ADHD (2027)
World Congress of Entomology (2028)
Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
17 hours ago
- The South African
Extensive upgrades on the cards for major South African airport
Lanseria International Airport, South Africa's only privately owned airport, is gearing up for a major transformation this year. According to BusinessTech , these major upgrades are aimed at increasing capacity at the airport, improving infrastructure, and establishing itself as a key regional hub. The South African airport is also positioning itself for long-term growth through an ambitious expansion plan. CEO Rampa Rammopo outlined a bold future for the Gauteng-based airport, BusinessTech revealed. Handling 1.9 million passengers annually, Lanseria aims to more than double that figure by 2032 and reach six million by 2037. By 2050, the goal is a staggering 18 million passengers a year. 'Our vision is to be a regional airport catering mainly to the SADC and sub-Saharan Africa,' Rammopo said. To support this growth, Lanseria is investing heavily in infrastructure. This will include: Terminal and parking expansion : A new three-storey parkade, costing R250 million, will add 1 000 bays, addressing long-standing complaints about parking costs and boosting the total to 4 000 bays. : A new three-storey parkade, costing R250 million, will add 1 000 bays, addressing long-standing complaints about parking costs and boosting the total to 4 000 bays. Fuel farm upgrade : The airport will also increase fuel storage from 1 000 to 6 000 cubic metres to prevent future supply issues. : The airport will also increase fuel storage from 1 000 to 6 000 cubic metres to prevent future supply issues. Technical relocation and runway plans : The existing fuel farm and technical areas will be relocated, and a second runway – costing between R1 billion and R2 billion – is under serious consideration. : The existing fuel farm and technical areas will be relocated, and a second runway – costing between R1 billion and R2 billion – is under serious consideration. Taxiway rehabilitation : Alpha Taxiway, which is over 20 years old, will undergo a major overhaul beginning in early 2026 to enhance efficiency and maintain safety standards. : Alpha Taxiway, which is over 20 years old, will undergo a major overhaul beginning in early 2026 to enhance efficiency and maintain safety standards. Cargo precinct : A ten-year project will also launch in late 2025 to create a full-scale cargo logistics hub, positioning the South African airport as a central player in regional freight transport. : A ten-year project will also launch in late 2025 to create a full-scale cargo logistics hub, positioning the South African airport as a central player in regional freight transport. Land development : With 90 hectares of available land, the airport has signed a lease with Bionic Aviation for a state-of-the-art hangar and office complex. : With 90 hectares of available land, the airport has signed a lease with Bionic Aviation for a state-of-the-art hangar and office complex. Hangar upgrades: A five-year modernisation programme is underway, with six hangars already revamped and more planned, including digitised systems and enhanced access control. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
eNCA
a day ago
- eNCA
R730-million of looted VBS money recovered
JOHANNESBURG - At least R730-million out of billions of rands looted from the defunct VBS Mutula Bank has been recovered, according to the Prudential Authority's last report. The bank was liquidated in 2018 after 'The Great Bank Heist' report uncovered financial mismanagement. Around R2,3-billion was siphoned. The Prudential Authority says its focus is to claw back the remainder of the money for the benefit of creditors. Municipalities and pensioners had invested in the bank. Twenty-nine cases have been initiated as a result of criminal activities at VBS.
The South African
2 days ago
- The South African
POLL: Should Starlink operate in SA, without abiding by BEE laws?
Elon Musk's Starlink is reportedly set to invest over R2 billion into South Africa's economy, as a means of 'working around' Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) policies, which requires a stake in local shareholding for foreign investors. Instead, the internet satellite service could offer equity equivalent investment programmes (EEIPs), as recently gazetted by the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies. Elon initially slammed the transformative legislation as a 'racist law', as he was 'not black'. According to reports, Starlink, which falls under SpaceX, is looking to invest over R2 billion in South Africa as part of its prospective deal to operate in the country. Business Day reports that the company would finance infrastructure to support the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which is made up of 16 countries. The move is thought to be a way to 'work around' local BEE policies, which require 30% local shareholding for foreign investors. Is Elon Musk's Starlink getting the greenlight to operate in SA? This follows a new policy direction offering 'alternatives' to BEE. Images via X: @starlink In May, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi gazetted a policy direction for his department on EEIPs, which are considered 'alternatives' to transformative legislation. Without mentioning Starlink, the minister claimed that the policy would 'attract investment,' specifically in operating licensing. The minister revealed that current legislation for foreign investments 'did not allow companies to contribute to transformation goals in ways other than traditional ownership'. The news that Starlink could operate in South Africa, and potentially 'bypass' BEE requirements, has seen mixed reactions on social media. @PrayerTmos: 'Elon Musk tried to tank the South African economy, and create boiling racial tensions, and never apologized. It means he still plans to continue with the sabotage of SA, and with such communications business, espionage and spying will become easier.' @XnBoeremeisie: 'With a 75%+ debt-to-GDP ratio, the government better accept Elon's investment offer!' @Squirrel1980021: 'We have a BEE policy and is not it going away. The Chinese and Russians will comply.' @stallionheat02: 'Starlink is a game changer for rural and underserved areas. Just imagine having internet everywhere in the world with one subscription for less than 1K. Bring Starlink, and let those who want to use it use it'. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
