According to Statistics South Africa’s Tourism Satellite Account for South Africa, the tourism sector supported 953,981 direct jobs in 2024, accounting for 5.7% of the country’s labour force. Considering this, Wesgro continues to invest in developing future talent for this critical sector.
The Cape Town & Western Cape Convention Bureau, powered by Wesgro, hosted a student familiarisation (FAM) trip for second-year Extended Curriculum Programme Events Management students from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology offering a dynamic, behind-the-scenes look at the business events industry.
Designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice, the programme gave students the opportunity to engage directly with key industry players across the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) sector.
The day kicked off with a deep dive into the “I” in MICE acronym, as students explored the world of Incentive Travel. Tes from SITE Africa guided the group through the behind-the-scenes work involved in hosting incentive groups, sharing insights into the planning, coordination, and attention to detail required to deliver exceptional experiences.
Students then engaged with different teams from GL Events, where they gained valuable insight into the world of exhibitions. This session unpacked what happens behind the scenes from the planning and design of exhibition stands to logistics, technical setup, and on-site coordination providing a deeper understanding of the scale and complexity involved in delivering world-class exhibitions.
Students also visited the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), where they engaged with various departments across the venue. This experience highlighted how teams work closely together behind the scenes to ensure seamless event delivery. It offered a practical look at the collaboration, precision, and coordination required to host successful large-scale events.
The programme continued with a visit to Southern Sun Cullinan, where students were introduced to the inner workings of the hotel industry. Here, they gained insight into the skills and competencies required to succeed in hospitality, as well as the important role hotels play in supporting business events through accommodation, service excellence, and guest experience.
The FAM trip concluded with an iconic visit to Table Mountain, offering students not only a memorable destination experience but also a reminder of the unique appeal that strengthens Cape Town and South Africa’s global events offering
Initiatives like this play a vital role in shaping the future of the industry. By exposing young talent to real-world experiences and industry networks, the Convention Bureau continues to invest in developing the next generation of leaders who will drive innovation and growth in the business events and tourism sector.
