The Western Cape’s peak events season continues this weekend with the Cape Town Carnival and the Absa Cape Epic.
On Saturday, the Cape Town Carnival, one of the city’s biggest street festivals, is set to attract thousands of visitors to the CBD.
This year, 1 200 local and international cyclists are competing in the Absa Cape Epic.
The 739km race takes place from 15 March to 22 March.
As one of the world’s foremost endurance events, the eight-day race starts at the University of Cape Town and finishes at the Meerendal Wine Estate in Durbanville.
MEC Alan Winde said both events were important economic drivers.
“In the previous financial year, events generated R1.6 billion for our economy. The Absa Cape Epic and the Cape Town Carnival are major assets to our events economy. The Cape Town Carnival promotes cultural tourism in our region and creates economic opportunities for residents. The event also offers a platform for the celebration of the diversity of our province’s heritage.
"As part of the cycling economy, the Absa Cape Epic, along with the Cape Town Cycle Tour and the Cape Rouleur, generates R760 million. The Absa Cape Epic’s contribution is R300 million.”
MEC Winde added that the race further cemented the Western Cape as a diverse cycling destination.
“It is my goal to attract 100 000 cycling tourists to the province each year and premier cycling events are key levers in reaching this goal,” said MEC Winde.
Enquiries:
Bronwynne Jooste, Spokesperson: Alan Winde, MEC of Economic Opportunities
Tel: 021 483 3550
Cell: 060 970 4301
E-mail: bronwynne.jooste@westerncape.gov.za
