The 2018 edition of Western Cape Business is the 11th issue of this highly successful publication that, since its launch in 2005, has established itself as the premier business and investment guide for the Western Cape.
In addition to the regular articles providing insight into each of the key economic sectors of the province, there are special features on the growth of tourism (spurred by an innovative programme designed to create more direct flights to Cape Town), medical technology as a growth sector and the pursuit of excellence that drives the Cape Winemakers Guild. The journal contains a message from Alan Winde, Minister of Economic Opportunities, and contributions from significant business leaders from Accelerate Cape Town, the Cape Chamber of Commerce and the Western Cape Business Opportunities Forum. An interview with Tim Harris, Wesgro’s CEO, reveals some of the recipe for the province’s economic success.
Updated information on the Western Cape is also available through our monthly e-newsletter, which you can subscribe to online at www.globalafricanetwork.com, in addition to our complementary business-to-business titles that cover all nine provinces as well as our flagship South African Business title.
Cape
Cape Town International Airport Continuously growing to enhance our future As the gateway to an attractive destination such as Cape Town, Cape Town International Airport has an important role to play in the region. We have seen strong growth on both the domestic and international front. With the 10-million passenger mark being surpassed in 2016, the airport’s growth trajectory remains strong and all indications are that 2017 will also show good growth. Although the city and region has always had to deal with seasonality, the gap between the low and high season is closing. Initiatives such as Air Access, which is a Wesgro-led collaboration between Cape Town International Airport (CTIA), the three tiers of government, tourism bodies and the private sector, has been key to the growth success. Since the Air Access initiative started some two years ago there have been 10 new routes and 11 route expansions, adding some 750 000 additional one-way seats in and out of the city. Equally, the pipeline remains strong with some four new routes and three expanded routes under discussion for 2018. This collaborative approach that is being adopted across various industries, is what makes Cape Town such an award-winning city. Airports are catalysts for socio-economic growth. Cape Town International Airport has organically been growing into an Aerotropolis – a concept which sees an airport at the core of extensive economic activity. Together with our regional partners we are actively driving this opportunity to see Cape Town and the WesternCape continue to grow and to leverage off the advantages that comes from a well-run airport. As a business, we have never been more aware of our responsibility to make a meaningful socio-economic contribution to the lives of the people of Cape Town. We take the role of managing airports very seriously, but we are also committed to making a positive and lasting impact on the lives of our neighbours. And we see the airport’s growth as the catalyst to doing just that. As a growing airport it is our responsibility to ensure that our surrounding communities grow with us. We are excited about what the future holds for the airport and the City of Cape Town.
