Devoted to great experiences

that every year, a wide spectrum of stakeholders, across age and class, are identified as beneficiaries for the skills-transfer engagements. These engagements facilitate access to the labour market and participation in the local economy. The skills transfer extends from technical, hospitality, media and marketing through to training and development, office support and fashion.

The CTIJF partnership with the Cape Town International Convention Centre gives more local suppliers the opportunity to provide services such as catering, printing and audio-visual requirements, which enable job opportunities. We are pleased that the festival in 2016 pumped R61.8 million (direct spend) into our local economy in addition to the indirect spend, and helped to create 298 direct jobs and 3 244 indirect jobs.

The training and development workshops created a platform for jazz and industry maestros to impart their knowledge, skills and valuable experiences to further develop the local jazz industry, but also to empower communities across the Cape. The development arm of the CTIJF is as strong as its concerts.

Also worthy of mention is the Design Indaba, which goes beyond just being an expo. It is an opportunity to create employment for design and craft entrepreneurs. The exposure to local and international buyers makes this event an excellent launch pad for up-and-coming design entrepreneurs, an aspect which forms part of our vision to make progress possible, together. The expo is the ideal platform for our local creative minds to showcase their talents, and there are many success stories of local entrepreneurs getting their “big break”, either locally or in overseas markets.

Cape Town is increasingly staking its claim as a destination to live, work, play and do business. While the city is well known as a leisure destination, additionally, we have set ourselves the goal of establishing Cape Town as a forward-looking, globally competitive business city. There is no better opportunity to realise this goal than at the Africa Travel Week, the continent’s largest international travel industry event.

Some 4 500 travel and tourism professionals leverage real business opportunities and engage in valuable business conversations, meet new contacts, exchange ideas, share best practices and network in a fresh new environment during the event. Suppliers and buyers have praised the event as an excellent opportunity for the city’s business development, knowledge enhancement and exclusive networking locally, with global relevance.

The economic benefits of large events that attract international participants and spectators have been incredible. The ripple effect by way of job creation during the events and after, and the increased spending at our tourist attractions and across the hospitality industry drive a firm stake into the ground that we are indeed on the right path for events to be an integral part of the City’s growth strategy. It has indeed paid off, with immense benefit to the city and its residents.

Alderman Neilson is the executive deputy mayor of the City of Cape Town.

PICTURE: DAVID RITCHIE The Cape Town International Jazz Festival is a popular event which draws thousands of music lovers to the city.