Cape Town and the Western Cape play an important role in attracting global exhibitions and launches. Using an extensive database of key stakeholders including airlines, hotels, exhibition venues and government protocol offices, our Convention Bureau provides quality services and support. In addition, we can help facilitate access to global trade and consumer event organising expertise.
Top reasons to meet in Cape Town and the Western Cape
Business hub
Many companies choose to base themselves in Cape Town and the Western Cape, where they can work in an enabling environment. As a result, the region is a business hub for Africa.
Economic sectors
The biggest economic sector by value in Cape Town in 2018 was the finance and business services sector, contributing R101-billion (35.3% of the GDP), while manufacturing contributed R41.2-billion (14.4%) and community services contributed R48.8-billion (17%). Cape Town’s fuel, petroleum, chemical and rubber products (26%), and food, beverages and tobacco products (25%) subsectors were the largest contributors to the manufacturing sector. It’s really no surprise that the Western Cape represents an immense opportunity for investors from all walks of industry. With an incredibly responsive and supportive regional government and a vibrantly innovative start-up ecosystem, Cape Town is an invigorating and rewarding destination to do business.
Support services
Cape Town and the Western Cape offer a well-established services industry with world-class exhibition management companies, stand infrastructure builders and audiovisual suppliers. In addition, customs and courier service providers are also available to assist international clients.
Modern infrastructure
Cape Town has arguably the most advanced infrastructure in Africa. This is one of the main reasons that businesses set up shop in the Western Cape.
Ease of access
Cape Town International Airport offers direct connections via most global airport hubs and currently offers 182 direct international flights a week. The airport is just a 20-minute drive from the city centre. On arrival, access to ground transport is simple and convenient, with taxis, the MyCiti bus service and a rail network.
Centre of learning
Cape Town and the Western Cape are an intellectual magnet, with four world-class universities and research institutions in fields as diverse as astronomy, science, medicine and social politics. As a result, the region is fertile ground for intellectual dialogue and the exchange of ideas.
Global appeal
Cape Town is consistently voted one of the world’s favourite tourist destinations and the city’s global profile as a modern and convenient city secures large delegate numbers year after year.
Value for money
Cape Town is one of the most affordable business tourism and incentive travel destinations in the world, with an exchange rate that favours the dollar, pound and euro.
Safe and secure
Cape Town is a global tourist destination and the local government takes the safety of all visitors extremely seriously. Substantial investment in safety technology and manpower will further enhance visitor experiences.
Cosmopolitan city
Cape Town offers an exciting experience, with a local population that is diverse and culturally unique. It is a cosmopolitan city where immigrants from Europe and Africa have chosen to make their homes. Culture and creativity are an important way of life here.Featured venues
Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC)
A multipurpose conference and exhibition centre in the hub of Cape Town’s business and entertainment centre, the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) offers an extensive range of premium venues, services and facilities. With 20 000m2 of exhibition halls and 45 meeting rooms, the venue offers a wide variety of options for most events.
Century City Convention Centre (CCCC)
From corporate conferences and product launches to international expos and exclusive cocktail parties, the Century City Conference Centre quite simply transcends convention. Centrally located in the greater Cape Town metropole, up to 1 900 guests can be comfortably accommodated across 20 different venues. It offers flexible conferencing and eventing tailored to suit your brand, theme or decor requirements.Impact and legacy
As like many other cities, Cape Town is greatly affected by the exhibitions industry, which has a tremendously powerful impact on our economy. The destination seeks to align the exhibitions sector with its key priority sectors, which include agri-processing, energy and renewables, real estate and tourism infrastructure, ICT, manufacturing, and health and pharmaceuticals.
Accommodation
Cape Town has a diverse range of accommodation options, with a number that include exhibition. We have both unique and off-the-beaten-path accommodation facilities that can cater to your every need.
How we can help
Pre- and post-bid assistance
- Assess financial requirements
- Source and suggest suitable venue requirements and service providers
- Where applicable, apply for funding
- Identify suitable legacy programmes
- Bid production and presentation
- Bid promotion support material
- Site inspection (flight arrangements on application)
Exhibition planning support
- Introductions to service suppliers
- Business-sector introductions and creating networking opportunities (if applicable)
- Public relations support and building attendance
- Destination weblinks to exhibition website and assistance in marketing the event
On-site event services
- Facilitate airport welcome booths and visitor information booths
- Welcome banners
- Post-event servicing and evaluation
- BestCities network introduction
Inspirational experiences
We aim to promote and market exhibitions that speak to our knowledge economy and that promote a green tourism culture among suppliers, consumers and communities. Some of our niche exhibitions have attracted record-breaking global attendance on the African continent.