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In a major win for business tourism to the Western Cape, Cape Town will become the first African city to host the World Ophthalmology Congress (WOC).
It is the biggest conference to be hosted in the region and is set to take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre in 2020.
Ophthamology focuses on eye and vision care.
Over R200 million for the economy
Alan Winde, Minister of Economic Opportunities, congratulated the CTICC as well as Wesgro’s Cape Town and Western Cape Convention Bureau and the Ophthalmology Society of South Africa (OSSA)for securing the bid.
“Throughout the year we actively pursue major international conferences. Annually, Wesgro secures conference bids worth more than R300 million. This conference will earn over R200 million for the economy and attract 15 000 delegates. We know that business tourists usually return to the destination with their families and this event will have a significant impact on jobs and growth in our tourism sector.
Read: One in three open to medical tourism
“The expansion of the CTICC is set to double the centre’s existing exhibition capacity. We will see an increase in the number and size of conferences, resulting in more business travellers to our region.
Minister Winde said Project Khulisa had identified the tourism sector as a major focus area for the province for the next five years.
“Tourism is our fastest growing sector, employing over 204 000 people in formal jobs and generating R17 billion for our local economy. Over the next five years, under a high growth scenario, this sector has the potential to add a further 100 000 formal jobs. To reach these targets we have to stay competitive so we can continue to increase tourist numbers.”
For media queries, kindly contact:
Bronwynne Jooste
Spokesperson: Alan Winde, Minister of Economic Opportunities, Western Cape Government
Tel: 021 483 3550
Cell: 060 970 4301
Email: bronwynne.jooste@westerncape.gov.za
Website: www.westerncape.gov.za
Twitter: bronwynnejooste
