Cape Town has done it again. By securing the bids for no less than four association conferences, the destination has cemented its reputation as the no. 1 conference destination in Africa and the Middle East.

The bids secured are for the:

· IGPA Annual International Generics Conference in 2011

· IFIP Conference on Human-Computer Interaction (Interact) in 2013

·    World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) World Congress in  2014

·    Congress of the International Society of University Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ISUCRS) in 2014

Securing these bids comes after close collaboration between the associations’ local organising committees, the Cape Town & Western Cape Convention Bureau, the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) and in some cases Professional Conference Organisers.

“Cape Town remains the jewel in Africa’s business tourism crown. Our improved infrastructure combined with excellent service and our world-renowned hospitality will ensure that the delegates of these conferences have an experience they will never forget. By conservative estimations these conferences will give the Western Cape economy a R72.25 million injection. In addition to the 31 conferences already taking place after the World Cup, these conferences give credence to the belief that there is life after the 2010 World Cup,” says Calvyn Gilfellan, CEO of Cape Town Routes Unlimited (CTRU), destination marketing organisation for Cape Town and the Western Cape.

According to CTICC Managing Director, Dirk Elzinga, “Securing these conferences is no mean feat in an increasingly competitive international meetings market. One of our challenges is lead times that are becoming notably shorter. These challenges have, however, not stopped the destination from retaining the 35^th position in the ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) global ranking. This shows that the destination remains relevant despite stiff competition.”