Alan Winde, Western Cape Minister of Economic Opportunities, which includes the Tourism portfolio, has welcomed the delegates attending the ‘Investing in African Mining Indaba‘, starting at the Cape Town International Convention Centre today and running until the end of Thursday.
Minister Winde said 7 000 delegates from 110 countries are in Cape Town for the Mining Indaba. ‘The Mining Indaba brings the most influential leaders in the continent’s mining sector to the province. This event is an important economic driver for theWestern Cape. Since 2006, the Mining Indaba has generated R522 million for the local economy. Our accommodation establishments have sold 20 000 room nights over this period. Most importantly, it has created 4 500 direct and indirect jobs, added Minister Winde.
The Mining Indaba and other conferences enhance the Western Cape’s reputation as a leading business tourism destination. Last year the Western Cape trade, investment and tourism destination promotion agency Wesgro won conference bids to the value of R347 million, with close to 28000 delegates.
Minister Winde said that the Western Cape is aiming to attract 34000 delegates and to win bids to the value of R 360 million this year. Business Tourism benefits the local tourism industry in that the spend per businessperson is higher than that of a leisure tourist. It also is a means whereby the tourism authorities attempt to counter Seasonality in the quiet winter months.
One hopes that Cape Town will be spared loadshedding as far as possible, with the number and calibre of guests attending the Mining Indaba this week.
Chris von Ulmenstein, Whale Cottage Portfolio: www.whalecottage.com Tel (021) 433-2100, Twitter:@WhaleCottage Facebook: click here
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