Cape Town has been chosen to host the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) World Congress in 2024, following the city’s recently awarded accolade as the top MICE destination in Africa.

The Mother City will play host to thousands of women’s health professionals from across the world for the conference, which provides a global platform to engage in discussions that promise to have a positive impact on the physical, mental, reproductive and sexual well-being of women globally.

The city is in partnership with Wesgro in an initiative to promote Cape Town as an ideal destination for MICE travel. “Given all the wonderful things Cape Town has to offer, by hosting international visitors, we are able to increase the likelihood of them returning, but also staying longer and spending more money,” said the city’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Opportunities and Asset Management, James Vos.

This is in line with national government’s goal to commit R90 million (€5.4m) toward increasing MICE travel to South Africa over the next three years. “The support enables us to bid more aggressively when bidding for international association conferences, meetings, incentives and exhibitions,” said South African Minister of Tourism, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane.

President of the South African Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (SASOG), Professor Greta Dreyer, highlighted how SASOG’s mission of ‘excellence and equity in women’s health’ aligned perfectly with that of FIGO and the strength of their relationship with the international body contributed to the decision to award Cape Town to be the host city.

 “The FIGO Congress will provide an opportunity for South Africa to showcase its potential to be the economic, healthcare and tourism powerhouse of Africa,” concluded Dreyer.