MARKET NEWS

RX Africa makes sizeable contribution to R4-billion revenue from Cape Town events

RX Africa, the continent’s premier exhibition organiser, is proud to announce its ongoing commitment to creating event environments that foster thriving business ecosystems. Through a strategic digital transformation aimed at elevating the power of face-to-face, RX Africa continues to be a trailblazer in the events industry by remaining dedicated to facilitating the sustained growth of businesses across Africa.

This follows the release of event statistics by the City of Cape Town’s Event Permit Office, stating that impressive economic growth took place in 2023 in the city as a direct result of innovative events.

In Cape Town alone, some of RX Africa’s events contributed to the R4-billion of revenue generated from events across the city last year. With an impressive 400 events in 42 sectors and 22 countries, RX Global is making an impact through its diverse portfolio of exhibitions, conferences and trade shows around the globe. Events are crucial in driving economic growth and development by promoting various sectors such as tourism, hospitality and local businesses.

RX Africa is steadfast in its commitment to enhancing tourism and travel in Africa, which are a vital contribution to the continent’s economy. Africa Travel Week is a highlight of the company’s event schedule for 2024 and has proven to be instrumental in growth in the tourism and travel industry and hosts sister events World Travel Market Africa (WTM Africa) and International Luxury Travel Market Africa (ILTM Africa).

WTM Africa is one half of ATW, taking place from 10-12 April 2024, in the host city of Cape Town. 2024 marks the event’s 10-year anniversary and the show promises to be bigger and better than ever before. WTM Africa also hosts niche bolt-on conferences that reflect RX Africa’s dedication to the likes of sustainable tourism practices, WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards; inclusion and diversity, EQUAL Africa conference; and investment and economic growth, Tourism Investment Forum Africa at WTM Africa.

ILTM Africa, hosted at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens in Cape Town from 7-9 April 2024, draws in an impressive international market. ILTM Africa is a specialist invitation-only event, where buyers from across the globe are introduced to a collection of high-end African travel experiences. In 2023, ILTM Africa facilitated more than 1,250 unique pre-scheduled appointments and welcomed 88 per cent new buyers.

RX Africa’s conferences and exhibitions provide opportunities for professionals from all spheres to share insights, showcase new products and services and forge partnerships. This exchange of ideas not only contributes to the growth of individual businesses but also enhances the overall competitiveness of the economy. The company’s pivotal events serve as platforms for knowledge exchange and networking and for promoting innovation and collaboration within industries.

Carol Weaving, managing director of RX Africa, emphasised the importance of diversity in all sectors. “Powered by a wealth of talent, tech and intelligence, we’re broadening our reach to cover the richest diversity in people, industries and markets. It’s about helping our customers to flourish and open more doors, in more places, than ever before.”

Furthermore, over 26,000 job opportunities were created in the City of Cape Town, through events in 2023, and RX Africa places vital importance on using local suppliers for various services, which leads to local economic growth.

Comic Con Africa (27 April to 1 May 2024 at Cape Town International Convention Centre and 26-29 September 2024 at Johannesburg Expo Centre), is an annual attendee favourite, bringing in over 70,000 visitors.

Decorex Africa is another highlight of the RX Africa event schedule and takes place in Cape Town in June and Johannesburg in August 2024.

Additional event highlights in 2024

100% Design Africa

Date: 1-4 August 2024

Venue: Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg

Key Features: Africa’s only international design show for eight years, a platform for contemporary designs from across the continent. 100% Design Africa brings in an impressive 30,022 visitors (67% consumer, 33% trade).

Mzansi Food & Drink Show

Date: 15-17 June 2024

Venue: Kyalami International Convention Centre, Johannesburg

Key Features: Mzansi Food & Drink show will deliver a beautiful melting pot of Mzansi’s most-loved food and beverages and provide a comprehensive view of the latest trends, products, and innovations in the food and beverage industry, and offer opportunities for education, networking, and discovery.

FAME Week Africa

Date: 2-4 September 2024

Venue: Cape Town International Convention Centre

Key Features: FAME Week Africa is a global stage, connecting audiences worldwide and fostering inclusivity while catalysing positive change in Africa’s creative industries. The gathering saw an increase of 15% from 2022 in attendees last year for one of its major events, MIP Africa.