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Against an austere economic climate that has had some impact on the meetings, conferences and incentives business globally, Back2Business 2010 was a bold statement to the industry that business tourism in the Western Cape remains fresh, dynamic and in the forefront of innovation. There is something about Cape Town’s history, diverse architecture, natural beauty and culture that radiates confidence in itself, however few delegates at this year’s event expected to see a red topless Sightseeing bus parked along Castle Street in St. George’s Mall. Back2Business 2010 came with a lot of attitude. Shedding its staid reputation as a formal business tourism gathering, dignitaries that included the Western Cape Minister for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Alan Winde and Dr. Platzky (Deputy Director-General of the Western Cape and coordinator of the 2010 programme) arrived kitted out in sunny Bafana Bafana t-shirts – the atmosphere was friendly and inclusive.
“It was an invigorating afternoon. A combination of engaging exhibition booths showcasing new business tourism products, good presentations at the Southern Sun Cape Sun’s conference room, some colourful and energetic entertainment and you have one great party! The icing on the cake definitely came when the MEC officially declared the business tourism year open with the unfolding of a giant Back2Business banner over the side of the bus. Young performers from Afrika Ablaze dance company streamed out of the stationary bus offering a spectacular performance. It is only in the Western Cape that one can kick off the business tourism year with such soul!” reflects CEO of Cape Town Routes Unlimited, Calvyn Gilfellan.
With a theme build around Cape Town Routes Unlimited’s official destination marketing campaign, “Beyond the 90 Minutes”, Back2Business 2010 was a strategic decision to lead the meetings industry in strong support of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Warming up the audience, Dr. Laurine Platzky’s presentation highlighted the province’s priorities leading up the 2010 FIFA World Cup together with its social and cultural legacy post the games. The Western Cape is maturing as a province and punching far above its weight due to unprecedented investment in fast track infrastructural development.
While in Germany ahead of the 2006 World Cup, the country hosted four social upliftment projects with children and young adults. Platzky boasted of the Western Cape’s unprecedented 41 projects it was supporting in local communities across the province. From soccer coaching classes in townships to basket making initiatives, the people of Cape Town are keeping busy with the most obvious benefits felt in the hospitality and construction industries. Back2Business 2010 did its part in partnering with students from UCT RAG to raise funds for an art initiative for disadvantaged children in Manenberg. Guests were invited to buy a piece of recycled plastic for R10 or more to use to complete a mixed media picture depicting Cape Town Stadium with the backdrop of Table Mountain.
With the New Year promising business tourism players much uncertainty, Rachel Colenso, the event’s motivational speaker encouraged the industry to make a resolution to persevere. She likened business to her own life threatening experience climbing a mountain in Switzerland that left her almost dead from hypothermia and frost bite. With a strong resolution to never be defeated, the South African-born adventurer qualified as one of four women ever to have completed the rigorous British Army SAS selection process and her story left the delegates inspired.
The Honorable MEC Alan Winde delivered a tight and passionate speech from the top of the Sightseeing bus, speaking anecdotally about the ease of selling the destination to the world. He encouraged industry players to develop greater confidence when interacting with international clients as a way to counteract the pervasive afro-pessimism that is still evident around the forthcoming 2010 FIFA World Cup. Through collective collaboration, consolidating resources across the industry and cultivating a shared sense of responsibility, the minister reassured the sector of the positive legacy of hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking after the event, Executive Manager for International Marketing and the Cape Town & Western Cape Convention Bureau, David Frandsen had this to say: “The year 2010 offers a watershed moment for the business tourism industry in the Western Cape. It was important for Back2Business 2010 to display that as a destination we are versatile and can engage in business in very unusual ways while still maintaining our excellent delivery. On behalf of the Cape Town & Western Cape Convention Bureau I would like to thank Cape Town Tourism, our partners in destination marketing, for their generous support of this event.”
Tatiana is the news co-ordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes to monitor the hundrends of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skim the most important according to our strategy. She holds a Bachelor degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
