Western Cape Places :: Cape Town           Home to the South African parliament, Cape Town played a significant role in the establishment of the 'new' South Africa and has subsequently become accustomed to visits by numerous world leaders and politicians. The city is undoubtedly enjoying the benefits of having been welcomed back into the world community.	Places International Convention Centre   Airport

          It also owes its fame, as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, to its extraordinary natural environment and landscape. Dominated by an imposing mountain spine, it is characterised by spectacular valleys, panoramic views, lush vegetation, sandy beaches, two oceans, magnificent bays and a temperate climate. However, Cape Town is also a modern developing city with advanced infrastructure and a cosmopolitan atmosphere. It is often noted among the top ten really attractive cities in the world on a list that includes Rio de Janeiro, Hong Kong and San Francisco. In fact, according to New York real estate firm Corcoran International, it was more expensive to buy a luxury two-bedroomed flat in Clifton at US$754 000, than in San Francisco’s Pacific Heights, where a similar flat cost $750 000.  

          Major sporting events (the opening ceremonies for the IRB Rugby World Cup in 1995 and the Cricket World Cup in 2003) and major conferences are being staged in Cape Town at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. Cape Town is considered fresh and unspoilt with a first-class infrastructure. As well as becoming a convention and event centre, the city has become a hotspot for the production of commercials and feature films. The scenic beauty and variety complemented by good infrastructure makes it ideal for film crews from around the world. The film industry is now the second largest industry sector in the Western Cape. Plans to establish a major film studio in Cape Town are already in an advanced stage.

          Creativity and culture in Cape Town takes many forms. There is an easy cross-over of cultures which is the product of the new democracy. With live music, theatre, cinema, clubs and lifestyle festivals, Cape Town has an air of tolerance and a laid back atmosphere that makes visitors feel at home and return for a second and even third visit. Whether you visit the museums, Robben Island, Table Mountain or enjoy the beauty and climate, Cape Town has something for everyone. Almost one million people visited Cape Town in 2003, making it the world’s most desired long haul destination.

          A relatively mature demographic structure, comparatively high literacy and school attendance rates and a superior higher education infrastructure - five residential universities/technikons and a wide range of technical and other public as well as private colleges - have enabled the region to participate with some confidence in the increasingly competitive global economy. The natural beauty of the region and its attractive living environment are key factors to attract skilled and entrepreneurial people from within South Africa, and from all over the world. Good schools and health facilities, a vast array of sports and recreational facilities, a relatively low cost of modern living and vibrant cultural expressions add to the attractions.

A Variety of Names . . .

• The Mother City - Cape Town is South Africa's oldest city.
• The Cape of Storms - Bartholomew Diaz used this name in 1486 after he and his three ships battled storms for 13 days.
• The Cape of Good Hope - A term used by King John II of Portugal and Diaz, 'from the great hope it gives of discovering the Indies' . It also refers to a rocky cliff near Cape Point, situated between Maclear's Beacon on one side and Cape Maclear and Diaz Beach on the other side.
• Sir Francis Drake, on his round-the-world voyage in the 16th century, after seeing the Cape recorded in his log: " . . A most stately thing, and the fairest Cape we saw in the whole circumference of the earth . . "
  Carl Linnaeus, in a letter to Governor Ryk Tulbagh, wrote: '" . . that paradise on earth, the Cape of Good Hope, which the Beneficent Creator has enriched with His choicest wonders. ."

The Cape Town International Convention Centre

The city's natural splendour, cultural diversity and colourful history, have made it increasingly attractive for international conferences and meetings of global leaders. The Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), which opened in June 2003, will further help Cape Town cement its leading edge position on the continent. Set in the heart of one of the most beautiful cities in the world, the CTICC offers a purpose built, state-of-the-art convention facility with hi-tech infrastructure. Facilities at the CTICC include:

• One raked seating auditorium for 1 500 people
• One raked seating auditorium for 620 people
• One roof terrace meeting room seating 400 people with independent foyer and spectacular views of Table Mountain
• Thirty three more breakout rooms varying in size from 25 to 320 people each
• State of the art 10 000 m2 exhibition and trade show space
• Spacious and deluxe banqueting and function rooms of varying sizes including magnificent ballroom (2000 m2) with majestic city views
• 3 different restaurant facilities (1 a la carte & 2 day restaurants), one of which will be open 365 days per year
• A 483-room five-star Arabella-Sheraton Grand Hotel integrated with the centre
• 1 400 secure parking bays under and adjacent to the centre and good transport links.

International Airport

          Cape Town International Airport is approximately 17km from the city centre - about a 15 to 20 minutes´ drive. The airport is served by direct flights from 9 countries, a number of international flights are routed to Cape Town via Johannesburg International Airport. Cape Town International Airport offers a number of services including a Tourism Office, car hire, restaurants and coffee shops. It has been judged the best airport of its size in the world by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).