Cape Town will, in the coming months, be a hive of activity, with various international medical conferences and numerous interesting exhibitions taking place in the city.

The biggest association conference this year is The World Veterinary Congress. This conference, which will be taking place at The Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) from 30 September-3 October 2011, is projected to attract 3 000 delegates, contribute R30 million to the local economy and generate 9 000 bed nights.

International medical conferences being hosted here include the fourth Pan African Pain Congress 2011 (500 delegates), World Congress of the World Federation for Mental Health 2011 (800 delegates) and the Global Forum for Health Research Forum 2011 Meeting (1 500 delegates). Conferences related to education include The World Conference of the International Association for Educational and Vocational Guidance (600 delegates) and The Southern African Association for Learning and Educational Differences Congress (500 delegates). This year the destination will also host the World Economic Forum on Africa at CTICC.

Trade fairs of special interest are Propak Cape 2011 and IPPV 2011 – Indian Pumps Pipes & Valves (28–30 September 2011). Propak Cape 2011 is a gathering on 25–27 October 2011 of 5 000 stakeholders in the packaging, food processing, printing, labelling and plastics industries. IPPV 2011 will draw Indian manufacturers, exporters and importers, distributors, traders, suppliers, consultancies, service and solution providers, and specialists in the pumps, pipes, and valves technology Industries to our shores.

“It was striking that both the president and premier in their opening addresses highlighted conventions and events as major contributors to economic growth and job creation. The Cape Town and Western Cape Convention Bureau is playing a significant role in ensuring that we not only increase our impact in this sector, but also benefit the tourism industry as a whole,” commented Alan Winde, MEC of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism.

“Trade in the business tourism sector is brisk this year. Not surprising, considering that we hosted what was arguably the best World Cup in living memory. This year and for years to come we will keep on reaping the benefits of that singularly spectacular event,” says Calvyn Gilfellan, CEO of Cape Town Routes Unlimited.

For more information on the Cape Town and Western Cape business tourism experience, click here or visit   stand 615.

Issued by CTRU