Cape Town - More than 20 000 regional and overseas visitors have arrived in Cape Town to take part in major events over the next few weeks, which will boost the province’s economy to the tune of hundreds of millions of rand.
Grant Pascoe, the City of Cape Town mayoral committee member for tourism, events and marketing, said the world’s best athletes, creative thinkers and musicians were in the city for sports, entertainment and cultural events.
Events this month include the Design Indaba, the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour, the Absa Cape Epic, the Cape Town Carnival, the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon and the Cape Town International Jazz Festival.
“On March 10, riders line up for the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour,” said Pascoe.
“It’s well supported by leading local cyclists and it’s estimated that 3 000 international cyclists will compete in the race.
“A few days later, on March 16, it’s time for Fan Walk to come alive for this year’s Cape Town Carnival. This celebration is growing in popularity and last year around 80 000 people attended.”
Pascoe said the events brought in millions of rand for the local economy and employed residents, either for the duration of the event or in long-term positions.
Last year the Design Indaba contributed R362 million to the Western Cape’s GDP and the jazz festival contributed R29.6m in direct visitor spend.
This year’s jazz festival will take place at the beginning of next month. Last year it attracted 33 000 visitors.
The Design Indaba, which started last Wednesday and ended at the weekend, was the first event on the packed calendar for the next few weeks.
This year 156 international buyers attended the indaba at Cape Town International Convention Centre. It showcased the work of city designers and people from elsewhere in the country.
According to the event organisers, 10 500 visitors and delegates came from outside Cape Town, and the event provided 1 151 permanent and temporary jobs.
The Cape Epic starts on March 17, taking bikers through one of the sport’s most challenging endurance tests.
Last year, there were 1 208 riders and this year participants will come from 49 countries.
The Two Ocean Marathon at the end of the month had 26 432 participants last year, of whom 2 113 came from outside South Africa.
Runners also arrive from across the country, with Gauteng and Kwa-Zulu-Natal providing the highest number apart from the Western Cape. - Cape Argus