A feasibility study is reportedly under discussion in South Africa as the Western Cape government and George Municipality explore the idea of developing an international convention centre (ICC) for George, the second largest municipality in the Western Cape. Currently there is a lack of infrastructure on the Garden Route to support large-scale MICE events for which there appears to be demand.
The municipality first drew up plans for an ICC in 2022 as part of its 5th Generational Integrated Development Plan (2022-2027). George and the coastal town of Knysna both entered the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) destination rankings for 2024, having hosted one qualifying meeting each.
CMW understands George Municipality is now preparing a call for proposals for a convention centre to be built. A joint committee from the municipality and province is due to meet before the end of July to finalise specifications for a feasibility study.
Ilse van Schalkwyk, chief director for economic sector support at the Western Cape’s Department of Economic Development and Tourism, has said research into business tourism opportunities in secondary cities highlighted Stellenbosch and George as having good potential. Such an initiative for an ICC, the South African authorities have agreed, would significantly expand the tourism and events offering of this region and could catalyse further expansion of George Airport to serve growing demand.
The likelihood is that any convention centre project would have to be private sector-led.
Photo: Outeniqua Mountains backdrop to the Kingswood Gold Estate in George, SA, by SkyPixels
