When it comes to Cape Town, the reality is just as good as the fantasy. Cape Town has long been a favourite destination for the business events markets from the UK and Europe, but is yet to attract regularly large-sized groups from Asia and mainland China.

However South Africa Tourism is trying to change this perception, having just opened an office in Beijing to introduce the country as a destination for international conferences and incentives.

GLOBAL AWARDS
In 2008 Cape Town was voted fourth-best city in the world in the Conde Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice awards, and third best by Travel and Leisure readers in the US.

World-class sites and must-visit attractions include half-day trips to Table Mountain, local wineries, the Cape of Good Hope where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet, and the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town.

Yet the physical environment is just part of the difference according to Bradley Brouwer, South African Tourism’s regional manager for Asia Pacific.

“International delegates will be pleasantly surprised by the African way of conducting meetings. One local element is the imbizo, which is the Zulu word for ‘meeting’," he says. "This is how tribes traditionally solve controversies. There is a stick at the meeting and whoever holds the stick is the only one allowed to talk. For foreigners, it is a unique way of approaching controversial topics and can help navigate a new pathway to solutions.”

Brouwer says many other unique elements are on offer too, including breakout sessions in the bush and teambuilding programmes with tribal elements involved.

AFRICAN STYLE
Business events groups will really know they are somewhere different upon arrival. The city is a pleasant mix of smiling faces, exotic sights and varying styles – a legacy of the blended cultures of Europe and Africa.

“Cape Town is great for Asian MICE groups,” says Liu Yi Na, a Chinese national who has lived in the city for the past 10 years and who is general manager of Walk Through Africa Tours. “Apart from its friendly vibe and great scenery, its key benefits for MICE groups are that it is a hassle-free city with easy transport routes and plenty on offer for a four- or five-day programme.”

Cape Town is blessed with great options for meetings, accommodation and off-site venues. There are 20,000 hotel rooms available, ranging from five-star to bed and breakfast accommodation. This includes the city and Western Cape area. Cape Town Convention Bureau has also secured eight international events between 2011 and 2014.

CONVENTION SPACE
Cape Town International Convention Centre is undergoing a renovation to double its exhibition space to 20,600 sqm. The two largest meeting spaces hold 1,500 delegates and 620 delegates respectively, while its 2,000 sqm grand ballroom can seat up to 1,200 people. It also offers 33 breakout rooms that can seat from 25 to 330 people each and a rooftop terrace with great city views that can also be used for after-hours functions.

Directly across the road is Westin Grand Cape Town Arabella Quays. The hotel offers 483 guestrooms and a ballroom that can host 600 theatre style and 400 for a banquet. Its rooms also offer great views of either Table Mountain or the ocean.

Nearby is The Cullinan, at the entrance to the V&A Waterfront. The 410-room hotel has an old-world feel with its marble foyer and metal railings. Its six meeting rooms range in capacity from 12 to 160 people.

Taj Cape Town is in the centre of the city and has 177 guestrooms, some of which have balconies. Small-scale meeting rooms are also available at this exclusive property.

Table Bay Hotel offers 329 classic guestrooms on par with some of the great colonial hotels of Asia. It also has an unbeatable location right on the harbour. Its stylish ballroom can seat 200 for a dinner, but the main highlight is the Pavilion, a private area that can hold 160 for a cocktail function.