The City of Cape Town has secured 10 conferences and conventions – expected to bring 16 300 business tourists to the city and contribute R166.3-million to Cape Town’s economy – to be held during the 2010 Soccer World Cup.

Cape Town wants to position itself as a world-class business tourism destination and, by securing bids to host most of the international conferences to be held in Africa, has become the number one ranking convention destination on the continent. The city is currently ranked 29th in the world as a conference destination.

According to Cape Town Routes Unlimited acting chief executive Calvyn Gilfellan, the 2010 soccer tournament would provide the Western Cape, the country and the continent with a never-before opportunity to market themselves as unique tourism destinations.
 
Gilfellan is of the opinion that with conferences and events running parallel to the World Cup, visitors here during that time can be encouraged to return with their families and friends.

Among the conferences scheduled for 2010 are:

• Lausanne III, International Congress on World Evangelisation – expected to draw 5 000 delegates with an economic impact of approximately R77.4-million
• International Union of Food Science and Technology World Congress – expected to draw 2 000 delegates with an economic impact of approximately of R23-million
• At least 1 000 delegates are expected to attend the International Communication Conference (IEEE ICC), which will have an economic impact of approximately of R14.5-million.