When bigger is better

The Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) has added R20bn to national GDP in the past nine of its 11-year existence

Organisers of conventions breathed a sigh of relief in July when the first sod was turned in a project to double the capacity of Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) by 2017.

Keith Burton, MD of conventions firm African Agenda, says the fight to secure a slot in three years’ time has begun.

What sets the CTICC apart is its strong international reputation as a convention destination, he says. Durban’s International Convention Centre and Gauteng’s Gallagher Convention Centre are larger, but their focus is on domestic and African events, says Burton.

It has added R20bn to national GDP in the past nine of its 11-year existence. Western Cape MEC for economic opportunities Alan Winde says its performance is “way beyond our expectations”.

“Expansion of the CTICC will put it in another league. It will enable us to pitch for international conventions of up to 35000 delegates.” It is also a “catalytic investment” in Cape Town’s lower CBD development. Hotel groups want to invest. And airlines are stepping up direct flights to Cape Town. “BA introduced three new weekly flights in May. Edelweiss (Swiss) and Delta (US) Airlines are potential new entrants,” Winde says.