Tshwane anticipates tourism boost as musical festival looms
The global music festival is a major boost in uplifting the city’s tourism industry and local economy, providing a platform for artists to publicly flaunt their talents to a wide range of audiences and attract sponsors from all walks of life.
Tshwane recently secured the right to host a global music festival.
The ACCES event (Music in Africa’s Conference for Collaborations, Exchanges and Showcases) is set to be hosted later this year.
The conference will bring together artists, record labels, promoters, booking agents and music professionals from across the globe.
According to MMC for Economic Development and Spatial Planning, Sarah Mabotsa the international gathering will contribute to the local economy.
“We aim to steeply increase economic growth and add at least 80 000 jobs to the economy of Tshwane between now and 2029,” she said.
She said the tourism sector, and specifically the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events (MICE) sector, has been identified as a key priority area that can increase job creation and economic activity in the city.
Research shows that business tourists, such as those linked to the MICE sector, tend to spend more on average than recreational tourists.
Mabotsa emphasised the need for more spending. “More spending means more jobs for the service sectors, for example, the hospitality, local tour operators and restaurants that look after these visitors and ensure they have a great time.”
She highlighted Dinokeng Game Reserve as a major drawcard for international and local visitors.
“We have several other parks and reserves within our city, as well as important historical, adventure and cultural attractions. Tshwane is also very multi-cultural, hosting the most embassies and foreign missions of any city in the world after Washington DC,” Mabotsa said.
“We have several other parks and reserves within our city, as well as important historical, adventure and cultural attractions. The city is also very multi-cultural, hosting the most embassies and foreign missions of any city in the world after Washington, DC.”
Chairperson of the Tshwane Tourism Association (TTA) Susan Marais relayed support for the city’s successful bid to host the ACCES music conference and festival.
“Events of this scale are invaluable in positioning Tshwane as a vibrant, globally relevant destination, not only for leisure tourism but particularly in growing our MICE sector,” she said.
She said hosting ACCES has the potential to generate significant economic outcomes for local businesses and showcase creativity and cultural products on the international stage.
An official delegate from the office of the MMC said the conference organisers will need to confirm and announce their exact dates now that they have selected Tshwane as the host city.
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