Wesgro

18/02/2025

🗞️ By Wesgro | 𝗘𝗱𝘂 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁, 𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝗴𝗿𝗼, 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗹 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲’𝘀 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱

‘‘The expansion of Christel House South Africa is a shining example of how collaboration between public and private sectors can drive meaningful change in education. This project represents hope, opportunity, and a commitment to ensuring that every child in our province has access to quality education” commented Provincial Minister of Education, David Maynier.

Read the full piece here: https://t.ly/7yRcn

Western Cape Government

17/02/2025

𝗪𝗲𝘀𝗴𝗿𝗼 𝗟𝗲𝗶𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻

Calling all event organisers in the Western Cape! Applications for Wesgro Leisure Tourism Event Partnerships are now open from the 17th February to 7th March 2025.

We will again be running an online application process, and only applications received via our online platform will be considered.

Event partnerships allow Wesgro to collaborate with various niche and smaller leisure events around the province, creating an opportunity to promote the broader Western Cape tourism destination offering, and the variety of tourism experiences for young and old.

Events are a catalyst for economic impact and job creation and can put smaller towns, townships and communities on the tourism map, combating seasonality whilst creating a sustainable events pipeline.

Together we can position the Western Cape as a world class events destination.

Please note the focus will be on events covering the following themes:
✅Culture and Heritage
✅Active Adventure (Outdoor activities & sport)
✅Sustainability (including community-based tourism)
✅Gastronomy (Food and Wine)
✅Halal

All information related to the events application process can be found here https://t.ly/Pe78h

If you have additional inquiries, contact us at [email protected]

14/02/2025

𝗚𝟮𝟬 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮

With South Africa holding the G20 Presidency this year, a number of important meetings will be hosted around the country. Under the theme: “Solidarity. Equality. Sustainability”, 19 of the world’s largest economies, as well as the EU and AU, will descend on South Africa to address critical economic and financial challenges.

❓

✅G20 member countries together represent 85% of global GDP and 75% of global trade.
✅The G20 was formed in 1999 and began as a forum for finance ministers and central bank governors to discuss global economic stability.
✅The focus has since expanded to trade, climate change, sustainable development, health, agriculture, energy, and anti-corruption.
✅A number of engagement groups will also meet around the G20. This includes the B20, which connects the business community from G20 countries and beyond.
✅The B20 first convened at the 2010 Toronto Summit, strengthening private sector engagement in global economic reform.

Hosting these engagements presents a unique opportunity for the Western Cape and South Africa to showcase the many opportunities for tourism, trade, and investment – contributing to economic growth and job creation.

To find out more about why Cape Town and the Western Cape is a leading regional economy, click here: https://t.ly/RXvro

13/02/2025

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗲𝘀! ⌛

In just two weeks, we’ll be welcoming buyers from around the world to experience the very best of Cape Town and the Western Cape’s homegrown excellence.

that our virtual marketplace, the Cape Trade Portal, connects global buyers with sellers from Cape Town and the Western Cape? It already has over 599 registered international buyers!

If you're an international buyer looking to source Cape-made goods and services through the Cape Trade Portal, follow our step-by-step guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8CFRp72iAg

Welcome to the Cape Trade Portal A trusted virtual marketplace, connecting buyers across the globe to Cape Town and the Western Cape. Did you know you can cu...

11/02/2025

🌍 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲 & 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗧𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗨

We were honoured to host the European Union Trade & Investment Breakfast this morning, which convened city and provincial leadership, the EU Ambassador to SA, the EU Diplomatic Corps, as well as senior business leaders.

The engagement demonstrates our commitment to strengthening our relationship with the EU, as we look to grow the economy and create jobs.

In 2024 the EU invested in 14 projects in the province, with a significant growth in the capex value. Exports from the Western Cape to the EU increased by 11%, and importantly, two-way airline seat capacity between the EU and CPT increased by 8.4% vs 2023.

To drive sustainable, export-led growth and resilience in a fast-changing world, Wesgro CEO Wrenelle Stander highlighted our strategic interventions, which include:

✅ Driving Export-Led Growth – Attracting investment into key export sectors, including the green economy, life sciences, logistics, manufacturing, food, and services.

✅ Leveraging Technology – Expanding global market reach through the Cape Trade Portal, connecting exporters with buyers faster and at scale.

✅ Diversifying Export Markets – Growing trade into new markets, while strengthening existing ones.

✅ Trade Advocacy & Advisory – Helping businesses navigate trade barriers, adapt to climate regulations, and leverage agreements like AfCFTA.

05/02/2025

𝗨𝗻𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗡 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁

Wesgro is on a mission to unlock access to new markets and new buyers. As part of this effort, we were honoured to host a high-level diplomatic delegation from the ASEAN grouping this morning.

ASEAN states have a combined GDP of US$3.8 trillion, and are an important trade partner for the Western Cape, serving as a market for citrus, apples, pears, and quinces.

This meeting reinforces our commitment to strengthening tourism, trade and investment ties with the region over the year ahead.


Western Cape Government City of Cape Town

04/02/2025

📢 TENDER NOTICE ❗

Wesgro invites service providers to submit proposals for a combined Human Resource (HR) and Payroll Software System for three years.

🗓️Closing Date: 21 February 2025 | 🕰️ 11h00

Find the full tender details here ➡️https://www.wesgro.co.za/uploads/files/SCM004-2024-Combined-Human-Resource-HR-and-Payroll-Software-System-over-a-three-3-year-period_2025-01-31-094458_rhft.pdf

Western Cape Government City of Cape Town

03/02/2025

🌍 ⛏️ 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝗴𝗿𝗼 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗯𝗮 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱

Wesgro welcomes the start of the African Mining Indaba taking place in Cape Town from the 3-6 February 2025. This major business event will include Ministers & Heads of Delegation, mining leaders, investors, and policymakers from over 115 countries.

Held under the theme: “Future-Proofing African Mining, Today!”, the event will focus on key topics including:

➡️ Industrialising Africa
➡️ Future-Proofing Our Communities
➡️ Delivering Effective Net Zero & Just Energy Transition Strategies
➡️ Maximising Africa's Critical Minerals Endowment
➡️ Giving a Voice to Future Generations
➡️ Adopting Game-Changing Technologies
➡️ Prioritising Health & Safety

As discussions unfold on ESG, technological advancements, and investment prospects, we look forward to many rich insights being shared.

31/01/2025

🌍 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱

Business events play a key role in driving economic growth and positioning Cape Town and the Western Cape as a global knowledge hub.

While the business events landscape continues to evolve, here are 6 key trends identified by Cape Town & Western Cape Convention Bureau, powered by Wesgro, that are set to shape the sector in 2025:

1️⃣ Sustainability: Green initiatives, circular economy principles, and the integration of local culture are set to dominate event planning.

2️⃣ Growth Sectors: In 2025, the Convention Bureau will prioritise attracting business events into key sectors, including the Green Economy, Life Sciences & Health, Logistics, Food & Beverages, Manufacturing, and Services.

3️⃣ AI Integration: Generative AI will transform event design and destination marketing with personalised experiences and enhanced efficiency.

4️⃣ Customer Experience: Hyper-personalised, immersive events will thrive in the experience-driven economy.

5️⃣ Local & Immersive Events: Economic and sustainability considerations will shift focus to regional, flexible venues.

6️⃣ Resilience: The industry will prioritise adaptability to navigate global economic and security uncertainties.

To find out more, visit: https://lnkd.in/dUw8Fkzi



City of Cape Town Western Cape Government

📷 : iStock

28/01/2025

📢 Attention Cape-based export businesses!

Wesgro invites all Cape-based businesses to join our virtual Export Advancement Programme, running from 17 to 26 February 2025. This programme, tailored specifically for businesses in the Western Cape, is designed to boost your global competitiveness in export markets.
Offered as a free 5-part series over seven sessions, the programme covers key topics such as export trade fundamentals, financial risk management, and logistics. It’s a valuable opportunity to gain the knowledge and tools you need to navigate international trade with confidence.

🗓️ 17 – 26 February 2025
🕘 Time: 09:00 - 13:00
📍 Virtual, via Zoom

For more information, and to secure your spot visit: https://forms.office.com/r/fYMjemwLzP before 10 February 2025 as spaces are limited.

27/01/2025

✈️ 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐭 𝐆𝐞𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐀𝐢𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭

Cape Town Air Access, powered by Wesgro, celebrates George Airport's strong performance in December 2024.

The airport recorded a remarkable 11% growth and nearly 93,000 two-way passengers that month.

Over 817,000 two-way passengers passed through the airport in 2024, reflecting a 3% year-on-year increase compared to 2023.

As the business hub and gateway to the Garden Route and Klein Karoo, George Airport plays an important role in connecting visitors and business to the region.



Airports Company South Africa Western Cape Government

📷: George Tourism

23/01/2025

𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐚

Wesgro welcomes the recent announcement of the Department of Home Affairs' Trusted Tour Operator (TTO) Scheme. Sixty-five TTOs have been selected to streamline visa application processes for group travellers from India and China. This marks a crucial first step in facilitating exponential growth from these two key source markets for our destination.

Before the pandemic (2019), South Africa welcomed 93,370 Chinese tourists, with 55,816 visiting the Western Cape. In the same year, India accounted for 95,621 arrivals nationally and 50,157 in the Western Cape.

Streamlined visa processing and expanded air connectivity with high-growth markets like China and India are pivotal steps in unlocking the region's tourism potential.

22/01/2025

Countdown to 2025!

Wesgro is thrilled to kick off the countdown to the highly anticipated B2B programme, taking place this March.

This flagship event offers exporters the opportunity to showcase their exceptional products to 40 international buyers.

Since its inception in 2023, the programme has resulted in 13 export declarations, 505 trade leads and has facilitated R48.7million in export value.

Here’s a looks at our buyers and exporters across various industries who took part in 2024 had to say about last year’s programme.

21/01/2025

🗞️ Op-Ed by Wesgro CEO, Wrenelle Stander | Tapping into private sector power to build a world-class, accessible education system

‘‘South Africa's economic future largely depends on developing a well-educated, skilled, and adaptable talent pool, which calls for comprehensive support for the education sector,’’ says Stander.

‘‘By investing in education now, the private sector will be contributing significantly to the country's long-term stability and progress,’’ she adds.

Read the full piece on our website ➡️:

The official tourism, trade and investment promotion agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape. Let us help you do business in an inspiring place.

20/01/2025

🌍✈️ 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐞 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐀𝐢𝐫 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐞 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐢𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭’𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐧𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬

According to Airports Company South Africa’s statistics, Cape Town International Airport has set a new record by welcoming nearly 3.1 million two-way international passengers in 2024, surpassing the 3 million mark for the first time. This achievement reflects a 10% increase compared to 2023 and marks 24 consecutive months of growth in international passenger numbers since January 2023.

About 10.4 million two-way passengers passed through the airport’s terminals in 2024, marking a significant 7% increase compared to 2023, with the number of domestic two-way passengers increasing by 6%.

This achievement is testament to the strength of our partnership with ACSA, South African Tourism, the Western Cape Government, the City of Cape Town, Cape Town Tourism, as well as private sector partners, V&A Waterfront, Investec and DHL. It also demonstrates the attractiveness of the Western Cape as a global destination for both business and leisure travel.

We are committed to expanding connectivity to our destination further – helping bring the world to Cape Town and the Western Cape.

Click here to read more: https://t.ly/AvX6L



Wesgro Cape Town International Airport DHL V&A Waterfront Investec City of Cape Town Western Cape Government

16/01/2025

ICYMI | Cape Town has been named the Best City in the World for 2025! 🏆

Wesgro celebrates the recent announcement by Time Out, recognising Cape Town as the world’s top city for 2025.

This prestigious accolade reflects Cape Town's exceptional beauty, vibrant culture, and outstanding hospitality, all of which have been key drivers of our thriving tourism sector.

We invite travellers from around the globe to discover Cape Town and the Western Cape by visiting: https://t.ly/qkfKN.

Discoverctwc

📸: SA Tourism

15/01/2025

As the new school year begins, Edu Invest, powered by Wesgro, extends a warm welcome to all learners.

We also congratulate the matric class of 2024 on their impressive results.

Looking ahead to 2025, Edu Invest will be focused on attracting private sector investment into education, especially new school builds. Through strengthening partnerships, and by embracing innovation, this catalytic project aims to enhance access to quality education for learners in the province.

We wish all the learners the best of luck as they start the academic year!

14/01/2025

Wesgro extends a heartfelt congratulations to former Wesgro board chairperson, current CEO of the V&A Waterfront, and chairman of the Zeitz MOCAA, David Green, on being recognised in the King’s New Year Honours List.

Green, who leads the region’s most popular tourist destination, has been awarded the prestigious Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his significant contributions to strengthening UK-South Africa relations.

Congratulations once again to David Green on this well-deserved honour!