The Western Cape’s 2015 events season is in full swing.
Alan Winde, MEC of Economic Opportunities, said according to the latest figures, the events economy generated R1.6 billion in the previous financial year.
This is up from R1.3 billion in the 2012/13 financial year.
Between now and April, the Western Cape will host a series of signature events.
MEC Winde said the Stellenbosch Wine Festival kicked off this weekend with the Harvest Parade.
“The festival is ideal entertainment for the whole family. With sporting events, wine and food pairing and art exhibitions, it’s an excellent addition to our events calendar,” said MEC Winde.
The Stellenbosch Wine Festival runs until 1 February.
On Saturday (31 January 2015), the J & B Met takes place at the Kenilworth Race Course.
“The Met is one of our signature events. Attracting over 50 000 visitors and generating over R60 million, it’s a great boost for domestic tourism and job creation. Our local fashion sector will benefit as well. It has been estimated that the event generates R14 million in fashion sales alone.”
MEC Winde said the Western Cape would welcome thousands of international and local visitors over the next two months as the province prepared to host a range of government, entertainment and sporting events.
“The opening of national parliament in February is always a busy period for our hospitality industry. In that same month, the Mining Indaba will be hosted, drawing delegates from across the globe. In March, we have the Cape Rouleur, the Cycle Tour and the Absa Cape Epic. These world-class events earn our economy over hundreds of millions.”
The Cape Town Cycle Town’s estimated economic impact is R450 million, the Absa Cape Epic is R218 million. The Mining Indaba generates over R400 million.
At the end of March, jazz lovers throng to the region for the annual Cape Town Jazz Festival. Starting on 27 March, over 35 000 people traditionally attend the event which generates over R500 million. The Western Cape Government and Wesgro, the province’s official destination marketing, investment and trade promotion agency, will invest R650 000 in the Cape Town Jazz Festival this year.
“If we look at the past two years, the events economy generated over R1 billion annually for this region. The events economy created scores of temporary and permanent jobs for our residents. It’s an important economic driver and I’m confident events will make another signature contribution to our economy this year,” said MEC Winde.
For media queries, kindly contact:
Bronwynne Jooste
Tel: 021 483 3550
Cell: 060 970 4301
Email: bronwynne.jooste@westerncape.gov.za
