Dirk Elzinga, Managing Director of the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) has been appointed as the new Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (FEDHASA) Chairperson for the Western Cape and Northern Cape region.

The announcement, which was made yesterday at the organisation’s Annual General Meeting, will see Elzinga fulfil this position for the next two years. Elzinga who will step down as CTICC Managing Director in June, when the Amsterdam RAI management contract comes to an end, is looking forward to this new role amongst many others. “I am excited to be able to lend my expertise and knowledge to strengthen and grow the local hospitality and tourism industry” said Elzinga.

Elzinga highlighted the urgent need for the relevant industry bodies to work together to promote the region. “For the past few years the hospitality and tourism industry has focused its efforts on 2010 and the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. As a result we have seen growth in the accommodation sector of over 30%.  The challenge for the industry going forward post 2010 is to maintain and enhance tourism growth” he said.

Elzinga added that it is essential that entities such as FEDHASA, Cape Town Tourism, Cape Town Routes Unlimited and South African Tourism work towards the same goal and pool their resources and synergies. 

Elzinga also holds the position of Deputy Vice Chairperson for EXSA, Western Cape, the trade organisation for the exhibition and events industry.