Moves are afoot for closer co-operation between Berlin and the Western Cape.

Wesgro, the province’s tourism, trade and investment promotion agency, is working to build a stronger relationship between the Western Cape and Berlin “to maximise the complementaries across tech, tourism and the creative economy”, confirms CEO, Tim Harris.

VisitBerlin, the German capital’s tourism promotion agency, confirms it is talking to Wesgro regarding intercultural exchange between Berlin and Cape Town. “Why should two of the coolest cities in the world not work together?” says VisitBerlin CEO, Burkhard Kieker.  He says the cities are a good match as they share a similar culture of life and mindset. “We are already working together on conventions, both being part of the Best Cities global alliance.”

Kieker says the lack of a direct flight between Cape Town and Berlin is no obstacle to closer co-operation, “although Cape Town would definitely be amongst the top five international cities on our wish-list”.

Cape Town is served by Lufthansa via Frankfurt and Munich; and seasonally by Condor (Thomas Cook Group) from Frankfurt.  Lufthansa Group GM, Dr André Schulz says the airline group receives strong support from Wesgro, which includes a Joint Marketing Agreement by which Wesgro supports the airline group’s local marketing activities.