The enormous potential of business tourism and its far-reaching economic advantages for the Stellenbosch region gained further momentum with the announcement that the first Rapport Cape Holiday Show will be held at Sandringham near Stellenbosch from 29 September to 1 October 2017 in partnership with Stellenbosch 360.
The Show was launched at an inaugural cocktail for the media and travel professionals at L’Avenir Wine Estate with the Shadow Minister of Tourism Mr. James Vos MP as keynote speaker.
In his speech, Mr. Vos stated: “It’s my absolute pleasure to give my support to the Rapport Holiday Show and to welcome the country’s top tourism industry buyers, travel advisors, trade visitors and exhibitors to our region.
I’m convinced that the Show will provide the industry with great opportunities to advance business-to-business trading, create massive travel and marketing exposure for products and services, lead to numerous new job opportunities and ultimately contribute to the tourism economy of our region and country”.
Western Cape’s leadership
He added: “We are fortunate that the Western Cape – with both Cape Town’s and Stellenbosch’s latest ICCA rankings – is considered one of the world’s leading tourism destinations, further strengthened by a new, focused approach to growing tourism, and a surge in private sector investment in hospitality infrastructure.
Business events create a long-term economic development platform that enables the country to develop its intellectual capital and showcase areas where South Africa demonstrates global leadership, providing exceptional networking opportunities which could lead to further investment”.
Upgrading of Airport
Mr. Vos said that optimizing tourism growth necessitates investing in infrastructure at the attractions themselves to match the capacity of tourists coming into the country and upgrading infrastructure so that attractions are not negatively affected by congestion.
The upgrading of the Cape Town International Airport that will facilitate unrestricted air access into the region and enable growth of air traffic, stimulating tourism and economic activity has been prioritized. Depending on all the required approvals, construction is estimated to begin mid-2018. The most noticeable upgrade will be a new and realigned runway amounting to R3.18 billion with extensive additions to existing facilities. The re-aligned primary runway will cater for aircraft like A380’s and other Code F aircraft to land at the airport.
He stated: “This runway project is not only about the growth of the airport; it’s about unlocking the growth potential of Cape Town and the Western Cape”.
Biggest income driver
Mr. Vos concluded: “Tourism is undoubtedly the biggest income driver in the Western Cape with conferences alone contributing to more than R1.5 billion to GDP over the past five years. The good news is that the Western Cape government will invest in new tourism attractions and address congestion at existing popular attractions in the coming months to attract more visitors.
I am therefore delighted to be associated with and to give my support to the Rapport Cape Holiday Show which I am certain will become an annual event. Projects such as these highlights the critical role that business tourism plays in reinventing cities and towns. South Africa has a wonderful diversity of people, fauna, and flora. I know it also has the potential to make itself the country of choice for travel and trade”.
JAMES VOS, MP
Shadow Minister of Tourism Member of Parliament
Mobile 0762773351 Email [email protected]
The West Coast Way will be at the Rapport Cape Holiday Show
Packed with over a hundred leading and independent tour operators, tourist companies, from across the country, cultural entertainment, world flavours, travel celebrities and destinations. Taking place at Sandringham estate, the Rapport Holiday Show is the essential event for travel inspiration and is a brilliant opportunity to indulge your passion for travelling.
Visiting the Rapport Cape Holiday Show? Our team will be there to offer you information about the Cape West Coast, road trip ideas, accommodation tips and so much more!
Date: 29 September – 1 October
Where: Sandringham Estate, Stellenbosch
Stand Number: P17 & P18
Tickets: R50 – R80. For your convenience, tickets will be available via Webtickets, online or at Pick n Pay stores, 24-hour convenience stores, as well as PnP clothing and PnP Liquor.
Directions: Follow the R304 from Stellenbosch towards N1, Past Bottelary Road, past Old Paarl turn off on left, over railway line left into Sandringham Rd. From N1 – take R304 turn off ramp (exit 39) direction Stellenbosch, less than 1km turn right into Sandringham road.
West Coast Way is Your Route To Nature
West Coast Way is your ultimate gateway to experiencing the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Cape West Coast of South Africa. As a premium tourism brand, we offer six uniquely themed trip plans that promise an unforgettable journey: Cape, Culture, Foodie, Tractor, Berg, and Wild.
Discover over 101 incredible things to see and do with West Coast Way:
Savour the delights of wine, craft beer, olives, and Rooibos tea tastings. Indulge in authentic Weskus cuisine and the traditional braaivleis (barbecue). Feel the thrill of swinging into Citrusdal on a zipline or challenge yourself with Cederberg bouldering. Rejuvenate in natural warm pools and embark on serene cruises across lagoons and rivers. Explore the diverse landscapes of nature reserves and a National Park, or embark on exciting game drives. Hone your skills in archery and angling, or amp up the excitement with sandboarding and quad-biking. Enjoy horse riding, immerse yourself in the unique San culture, and experience the vibrant Riel dancing. For water sports enthusiasts, kite- and windsurfing, surfing, and kayaking trips await. Go beach hopping, learn about bees and whales, and delight in birdwatching in a twitcher’s paradise – all within South Africa’s renowned wildflower reserve.
For more information on the best places to visit on the West Coast, road tripping routes, hikes, tours, and trails, explore westcoastway.co.za or call West Coast Way on 0861 321 777. Follow us on on Instagram, Facebook, X and LinkedIn @WestCoastWaySA.West Coast Way is South Africa’s road trip with the most twists. South Africans and visitors can explore a unique collection of themed routes to do adventure-filled Cape West Coast self-drive trips or a West Coast Holiday. The new West Coast Way “basket” of free routes on offer include the West Coast Way Tractor Route, the West Coast Way Berg Route, the West Coast Way Foodie Route, the West Coast Way Cultural Route – as well as the newly launched West Coast Way Wild Route, all of which are designed to showcase the many attractions and activities that are already on offer on the Cape West Coast and inland areas – but may be unknown to many. For more information on West Coast Way’s #WestCoastTwist and the list of 101 Things to Do on the West Coast visit www.westcoastway.co.za or call West Coast Way on 0861 321 777. Connect with West Coast Way on Facebook and Twitter at WestCoastWaySA.