Latest news with #InternationalCongressandConventionAssociation
IOL News
2 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Cape Town's impressive leap in global conference rankings highlights economic growth
Cape Town's status as a global meetings destination has improved in the world rankings. Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers Cape Town and the Western Cape have solidified their status as Africa's premier destination for international association meetings, as revealed by the recently released International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) GlobeWatch 2024 Business Analytics Report. The city has surged to an impressive 35th position globally, a leap of 15 places from the previous ranking. The report highlighted that Cape Town hosted 58 international association meetings in 2024, a notable increase from 42 in 2023, and places the city among the top 10 worldwide for average attendance per event, with an average of 717 delegates per meeting. Stellenbosch, a key player within the Western Cape, has also demonstrated ongoing success in the rankings, hosting seven meetings last year. Over the past decade, it has become a welcome fixture in the international conference landscape, having successfully hosted 100 meetings from 2013 to 2024. Smaller towns like George, Grabouw, Knysna, and Paarl are beginning to carve out their niches as attractive venues for international events, further spreading the benefits of business tourism across the province. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Nationally, South Africa continues to dominate as the top-performing country on the continent, with an increase in international meetings from 84 in 2021 to 98 in both 2023 and 2024. This growth is projected to deliver over R2 billion in revenue to the national economy, validating the significance of international meetings in contributing to economic development. 'This ranking shows that Cape Town and the Western Cape stand shoulder to shoulder with global conference hubs such as Dubai, Barcelona, and Melbourne. We are particularly pleased that smaller towns across the province are experiencing the benefits of business events," said Wesgro CEO, Wrenelle Stander. She noted that the Cape Town and the Western Cape Convention Bureau secured 36 new conference bids in the 2024/25 financial year alone, which is expected to generate R745 million in economic impact and attract over 27 000 delegates through to 2028. The impact of these international meetings was further underscored by Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism MEC, Ivan Meyer. 'These outstanding results reflect the Western Cape's global competitiveness and the tangible economic impact of business events. Every international meeting we host fuels job creation, investment, and innovation - while positioning our region as a hub of knowledge and expertise,' he said. Supporting the positive narrative, mayco member for Economic Growth, James Vos, said Cape Town's impressive rise in global rankings reflects the city's world-class infrastructure and skilled workforce, buttressed by public-private partnerships. 'Business tourism remains a key pillar of our economic growth strategy - each international meeting not only boosts hotel bookings and restaurant traffic, but also significantly enriches our local economy. "This is why we proudly fund the Convention Bureau, as we recognise how strategic support can unlock tremendous benefits for our communities,' Vos said. With Cape Town climbing the ranks as a desired global venue for international meetings, its future as a thriving business tourism hub shines bright, paving the way for economic prosperity and community enrichment across the region. Cape Argus
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur rise in ICCA global rankings
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur have strengthened their global standing in the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) 2024 Country & City Rankings, reaffirming their position as premier destinations for international business events. The country hosted 129 international association meetings last year, moving up two spots to 31st in the global country rankings and holding firm at 9th place in the Asia Pacific, remaining within the region's Top 10. Kuala Lumpur also made impressive gains, jumping six places to 26th in the World City Rankings. "Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur's growing reputation reflects their compelling value proposition," said Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre's (the Centre) general manager John Burke. With Kuala Lumpur International Airport served by 79 airlines and visa-free access for 175 countries, Malaysia provides the great connectivity that global business events demand, he said in a statement. "On top of that, we have a mature supply chain aligned with global standards, wide English proficiency and a favourable exchange rate. Combined with its rich cultural heritage and natural assets, Malaysia is a competitive choice." According to the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), business events are projected to contribute RM42.12 billion to the economy by 2030 and attract 5.9 million delegates. These events are expected to drive trade, boost tourism, and support job creation. The Centre was a key venue last year, hosting many of the city's 78 international association events. Owned by KLCC (Holdings) Sdn Bhd, a Petroliam Nasional Bhd subsidiary, the Centre is located beneath the Petronas Twin Towers in the KLCC precinct. It offers 34,000 sqm of flexible, purpose-built space with integrated facilities. Burke noted that with sustainability becoming a growing priority in global events, responsible and long-term growth will be vital.
IOL News
3 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Cape Town climbs global rankings, establishing itself as a premier destination for international meetings
Cape Town's status as a global meetings destination has improved in the world rankings. Image: Unsplash Cape Town and the Western Cape have solidified their status as Africa's premier destination for international association meetings, as revealed by the recently released International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) GlobeWatch 2024 Business Analytics Report. The city has surged to an impressive 35th position globally, a leap of 15 places from the previous ranking. The report highlighted that Cape Town hosted 58 international association meetings in 2024, a notable increase from 42 in 2023, and places the city among the top 10 worldwide for average attendance per event, with an average of 717 delegates per meeting. This upswing not only strengthens Cape Town's presence in the global arena but also boosts its economic prospects and reputation as a vibrant hub for business events. Stellenbosch, a key player within the Western Cape, has also demonstrated ongoing success in the rankings, hosting seven meetings last year. Over the past decade, it has become a welcome fixture in the international conference landscape, having successfully hosted 100 meetings from 2013 to 2024. Smaller towns like George, Grabouw, Knysna, and Paarl are beginning to carve out their niches as attractive venues for international events, further spreading the benefits of business tourism across the province. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Nationally, South Africa continues to dominate as the top-performing country on the continent, with an increase in international meetings from 84 in 2021 to 98 in both 2023 and 2024. This growth is projected to deliver over R2 billion in revenue to the national economy, validating the significance of international meetings in contributing to economic development. 'This ranking shows that Cape Town and the Western Cape stand shoulder to shoulder with global conference hubs such as Dubai, Barcelona, and Melbourne. We are particularly pleased that smaller towns across the province are experiencing the benefits of business events," said Wesgro CEO, Wrenelle Stander. She noted that the Cape Town and the Western Cape Convention Bureau secured 36 new conference bids in the 2024/25 financial year alone, which is expected to generate R745 million in economic impact and attract over 27,000 delegates through to 2028. Moreover, bid submissions for events extending into 2032 are already in progress, suggesting a robust pipeline for future opportunities. The impact of these international meetings was further underscored by the words of Dr Ivan Meyer, Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism. 'These outstanding results reflect the Western Cape's global competitiveness and the tangible economic impact of business events. Every international meeting we host fuels job creation, investment, and innovation - while positioning our region as a hub of knowledge and expertise,' he commented. Also supporting the positive narrative is Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth in the City of Cape Town. He emphasised that Cape Town's impressive rise in global rankings reflects the city's world-class infrastructure and skilled workforce, buttressed by public-private partnerships. 'Business tourism remains a key pillar of our economic growth strategy - each international meeting not only boosts hotel bookings and restaurant traffic, but also significantly enriches our local economy. "This is why we proudly fund the Convention Bureau, as we recognise how strategic support can unlock tremendous benefits for our communities,' Vos added. With Cape Town climbing the ranks as a desired global venue for international meetings, its future as a thriving business tourism hub shines bright, paving the way for economic prosperity and community enrichment across the region.
Hi Dubai
29-04-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
UAE Tourism Leaders Highlight Impact of Major Events on Economic Growth at Arabian Travel Market
Tourism leaders from across the UAE opened the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) today with a clear message: major events and festivals are vital engines for economic and social growth in the region. Speaking on the Business Events Stage, officials from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah joined forces with the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) to explore how strategic event hosting is boosting destination appeal and driving lasting economic benefits. The panel was moderated by ICCA CEO Senthil Gopinath. Ahmed Al-Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, emphasized the transformative role of iconic events like the Dubai Shopping Festival in shaping the city's global reputation and economic success since 1996. Highlighting Abu Dhabi's approach, Mubarak Al Shamsi, Director of the Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau, said the capital's strategy focuses on creating a sustainable legacy aligned with Vision 2030, with events supporting sectors such as healthcare, innovation, and energy. Iyad Rasbey, VP of Destination Tourism Development at Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, noted that MICE events contributed to a 40% growth in tourism last year, with events like the Global Citizen Forum and Arab Aviation Summit significantly raising the Emirate's international profile. Elsewhere at ATM, executives from dnata Travel Group, and Airbnb discussed emerging travel microtrends such as sleep tourism and dark tourism, urging tourism providers to adapt strategies to evolving traveler behaviors. ATM 2025 is hosting 2,800 exhibitors and expects 55,000 attendees from over 161 countries, offering over 70 conference sessions and numerous networking opportunities across its expanded Business Events Stage. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Trade Arabia
11-02-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
IBTM@ATM set to be new gateway to business events sector
With the global events industry projected to register a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8% during the period 2024-35, IBTM@ATM will provide a gateway to the lucrative business events sector throughout the 32nd edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from April 28 to May 1. IBTM@ATM has been created in response to stellar growth in the business events industry and significant demand among ATM visitors – more than 7,000 attendees, 1,500 buyers and 400 exhibitors expressed interest in this lucrative sector at last year's show. Debuting at ATM 2025, this dedicated zone is designed to unlock strategic connections, impactful collaboration and data-driven insights, said organisers. In keeping with ATM 2025's theme, 'Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow's Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity', IBTM@ATM will bring together suppliers and buyers through scheduled appointments and business exchange sessions. The brand-new Business Events Stage will host a broad range of sessions on the future of business travel, technological innovation, socioeconomic growth and more, cementing ATM's position as a global hub for networking and collaboration, they said. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: 'This year's theme of enhanced connectivity is particularly relevant to the evolving business events sector, which thrives on strategic partnerships, knowledge exchange, and innovation. Through IBTM@ATM, we are strengthening our commitment to adding value to our exhibitors and attendees by creating a dynamic community where suppliers and buyers can engage in meaningful networking, business exchange sessions, and a high-impact content programme. By leveraging our unique insights, we aim to facilitate connections and unlock new opportunities that drive long-term growth within this thriving market segment.' IBTM@ATM will bring together suppliers and buyers from across the business events sector, connecting meeting planners, association buyers, professional conference organisers, incentive buyers, destination management companies (DMCs), corporate event planners, event technology providers, travel agencies and tour operators with a diverse range of convention bureaus, unique venues and hotels, conference facilities, and airline and transport solution providers, amongst others. The new zone will also feature the brand-new Business Events Stage, which will host a comprehensive programme focused on the latest trends and developments in the business events field. This year's sessions will include: How Global Events and Festivals Drive Socio-Economic Growth in partnership with the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA); The State of the Nation: Navigating the Future of Business Travel in the Middle East in partnership with the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA); and Demystifying Technology in Events - The Human Connection vs AI in partnership with Multilem. According to Allied Market Research, the global events industry looks set to register impressive growth over the coming decade, with the total market value on course to pass $2.5 trillion by 2035. Conferences, trade shows and exhibitions are indispensable for many businesses, offering a vital opportunity to increase their visibility and meet clients and partners face-to-face. Research shows that corporate events, in particular, continue to support millions of jobs worldwide, delivering a staggering $1.6 trillion in global GDP annually. In Dubai alone, the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) segment grew by 25% in 2023, making ATM 2025 the ideal launchpad for IBTM@ATM. Claudia Hall, Exhibition Director, IBTM World, said: 'Dubai has firmly established itself as an international hub for business events, in line with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda, and it's a pleasure to be joining DWTC's incredible line-up of industry-leading events through our collaboration with ATM. Together, I believe we can make a significant contribution to the sector by fostering further trade and innovation.' IBTM@ATM will also welcome an exclusive group of senior-level events industry buyers, as part of its Hosted Buyer Programme, including 50 hosted and 10 association buyers, ensuring high-value meetings and strategic business connections. The introduction of IBTM@ATM also follows the recent announcement of the ICCA as the official Business Events Partner for ATM 2025. The ICCA will lead sessions on the evolving landscape of global business events at this year's show, facilitate the attendance of key international association buyers, and launch an exclusive government meeting ranking report. The 32nd edition of ATM will bring together professionals and industry leaders from the leisure, MICE, luxury and corporate travel sectors, providing a gateway to networking, knowledge sharing and unlocking business opportunities. In addition to the exhibition, international and regional experts will take to ATM's Global and Future stages to deliver an extensive conference programme. Held in conjunction with DWTC, ATM 2025's strategic partners include Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Destination Partner; Emirates, Official Airline Partner; IHG Hotels & Resorts, Official Hotel Partner; and Al Rais Travel, Official DMC Partner. - TradeArabia News Service
