Fashion and all that Jazz
Fedhasa and music event role players welcome influx of city business
ROUGHLY 60% of all guests currently staying at Foreshore and Waterfront hotels are Cape Town International Jazz Festival goers, says a spokesperson for the Federated Hospitality Association of SA (Fedhasa) Cape said.
Jeff Rosenberg said yesterday that accomodation closest to the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) filled up first, as most festival-goers preferred to be within walking distance of their hotels.
“At Southern Sun Waterfront alone, the guests attending the festival will account for approximately 60% of the hotel’s occupancy,” he said.
The economic spin-off of the musical extravaganza is “extremely positive”, he said. “All hospitality establishments benefit hugely from the festival due to the demand and the increase for accommodation, as well as food and beverage requirements within the city,” added Rosenberg.
A spokesperson for festival organisers espAfrika said the demand for food at the venue tonight and tomorrow was being met by a number of vendors. These include: Pancake Affaire, Bacini’s, Brainwave, Durban’s Finest Curry, Eziko, Hippo’s Diner, Stack That, Spur, Runaway Dogs and Schwarma Express.
Cultural Affairs and Sport MEC Anroux Marais said events like the Jazz Festival promoted the province as a cultural and diverse destination.
Economic Opportunities MEC Alan Winde added that the provincial government supported the event.
“This is important because events are economic drivers, and the Cape Town Jazz Festival creates 3 500 direct and indirect jobs,” said Winde.