Cape Town is set to focus on boosting incentive travel over the next 12 months, as it looks to send out the message that the region is open for business.
Cape Town is currently suffering one of the worst droughts in recorded history – and could be set to become the first city in the world to run out of water
However, Wesgro – Cape Town and the Western Cape’s official promotion agency – has set out its plan to boost the Cape economy in 2018/19, with incentive travel at its heart.
At an event attended by businesses and senior government representatives, the destination marketing team identified three opportunities for the new financial year. These included promoting incentive travel, through the convention bureau, which is a key driver in the Asian market.
Wesgro will also target emerging markets – with joint programmes such as its Angola Wine Project – and promote niche tourism experiences. These experiences include cycling, culture, heritage and food and wine tourism.
Wesgro will also continue to send out the message that Cape Town and the Western Cape are open for business and that tourists are welcome, but should be mindful of the drought and help save water.
Wesgro CEO Tim Harris said: “We will look to take advantage of the global opportunities to benefit local companies with the objective of growing the Cape’s economy and creating jobs. Cape Town has positioned itself as a pioneer in addressing water scarcity and we must continue to build a climate change resilient destination that the rest of the world can aspire to emulate. We are open for business and our team is ready to assist you in investing in the Cape.”
