Business events are proving to be a vital agent for post-pandemic economic recovery, with 11 bid wins secured by tourism and trade facilitation agency, Wesgro’s Cape Town & Western Cape Convention Bureau in the first quarter of this financial year (2022/2023).

The bids are estimated to contribute almost R100 million (€5.8m) over the next five years into the business events value chain.

The majority of the bids won are within the medical sector, with four medical conferences scheduled to be hosted in the destination between 2022 and 2024. The rest of the secured bids span agribusiness, aviation, entrepreneurship, environmental, politics and the tourism sector.

Among the 11 bid wins are prominent large conferences predicted to attract over 1 000 delegates from across the globe. These include the African Agri-Investment Indaba 2022, the Regional Conference for the International Symposium of Blood Transfusion 2023, and the International Epidemiology Congress, scheduled to take place in 2024.

“The Western Cape is not just one of the world’s most beautiful and iconic regions, but it is also home to key higher education institutions and is fast becoming the knowledge-sharing hub for South Africa and the wider continent. Hosting key conferences and meetings in the province not only attracts talents, but also stimulates key investments,” said Wesgro CEO, Wrenelle Stander.

Welcoming the positive signs of recovery for business events, Stander, said: “Business events are a vital component of our regional economy. Not only do they result in a positive halo effect for the local hospitality industry, but are catalysts for investment into the province.

“The Western Cape is a place that leads in innovation, technology, sustainability, and excellence, driven by sound research and thought leadership that is testament to the intellectual capital available within the Western Cape.”

With a full recovery for the sector being a top priority, Wesgro is still accepting applications for funding assistance through its Business Events Support project, which can be accessed here.

“The Western Cape is a destination of choice and provides visitors with so many options, no matter what they are looking for. Which is why Cape Town is the top destination for business events, according to the 2021 ICCA destination performance index,” said Stander.

“These business events bring benefits across the entire tourism and hospitality sector, contributing millions to the economy and creating much-needed jobs, which is why we fought so hard for the removal of the COVID-19 restrictions, particularly on travel and event capacity.

“We are seeing very promising signs not only of recovery but also of a great rebound and we will continue to work closely with and to support Wesgro’s efforts to secure many more events that bring in more visitors,” said Western Cape Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger.