CTICC scores double gold distinction at the Eventex Global Awards - reminder of SA's extraordinary potential

The Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) has been recognised as one of the world’s top international event destinations, scoring a rare double gold distinction at the Eventex Global Awards.

CTICC won gold for both Best African Events Destination, and the International Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions Destination.

Once again CTICC has delivered a South African success story, providing another example of global excellence on our doorstep.

The benefit of a world class Convention Centre cannot be overstated; it is a massive boon to our tourism sector, drawing literally hundreds of thousands of visitors, many of whom extend their stay to sample our many tourist attractions. This year’s Mining Indaba alone attracted over 9 000 delegates.

In our view the CTICC success story is a reminder of South Africa’s extraordinary potential and a timely reminder of the job-creation bonanza that could flow from other world class business ventures. Cape Town regularly reaps accolades as one of the world’s most beautiful and sought-after cities; it is well poised to reap the benefits of its growing stature, particularly in the fast moving new digital world of increasingly mobile entrepreneurs.  Already the City has entrenched itself as a global centre for Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), with approximately 60 000 BPO jobs in the Western Cape generating around R35-billion for the national economy, according to Western Cape government figures.

In recent years we’ve also seen huge strides in the region’s maritime economy, with impressive growth in key economic sub-sectors such as boatbuilding and cruise tourism. Plans to expand the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront will provide further forward momentum.  

Regional initiatives to improve logistics and energy infrastructure add to the Western Cape value proposition, with Cape Town now on the verge of becoming the country’s economic engine room.

The CTICC illustrates what South Africa, given the correct enabling environment, can achieve. 

The Cape Chamber commends all who have helped make this possible. 

John Lawson
CEO of the Cape Chamber of Commerce & Industry