Last year was Cape Town’s best year for hosting events since before the COVID-19 pandemic, contributing nearly R4bn (€195m) to the economy with a total of over 1 200 events.
The City hosted Africa’s first Netball World Cup, the ICC Women's T20 World Cup, the first Formula E race in Sub-Saharan Africa, Loeries Creative Week, and many more.
Research studies on three key events hosted in the City during this period revealed a substantial R2bn (€97.5m) in economic impact. This includes direct and indirect economic impact and destination marketing, among others.
A further R1.9bn (€92.6m) in economic activity was generated by just 20 events hosted in the calendar year. This is the actual direct spend by event attendees, participants and event organisers in Cape Town.
In addition, over 1.3 million people attended or participated in the top 40 events in 2023.
“The importance of these economic spin-offs from events cannot be overstated. Over the last couple of years, we have seen how events can become catalysts for growth for other sectors in the value chain, including accommodation and food, travel, local retail and tourism attractions here in Cape Town.
“We have also seen that an overwhelming majority of event organisers use local suppliers for logistics, equipment rental, security, production, staffing and hospitality. Additionally, hosting a number of local and international events has helped tremendously in promoting Cape Town as a premier tourism destination to a global audience,” said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith.
The City’s top 20 events in 2023 created over 26 000 job opportunities for people in the greater events ecosystem, including security, catering, logistics, production and transportation.
In 2024, the City has already hosted the Tweede Nuwe Jaar Minstrel Street Parade, with the SA20 Final at Newlands, the Cape Town Carnival, Africa Travel Week, Comic Con Cape Town and a Springboks game against the All Backs at DHL Stadium still to come.
