Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1039775
B M & T ••• September/October 2018 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 43 water sources, such as the installation of the desalination plant at The Westin Cape Town that has helped provide potable water to the city's three major hotels including The Westin Cape Town, Southern Sun Waterfront and Southern Sun Cullinan, together with a broader swing towards water-sensible lifestyles for local residents and busi- nesses. Unparalleled destination continues to entice The industry is firm on the need for resource management; however, they concur that visitors should definite- ly continue to visit Cape Town and the Western Cape and enjoy all the amaz- ing experiences it has on offer. The city and province remain world-class desti- nations that entice and inspire the glob- al traveler, as well as locals looking to explore the unparalleled attractions and experiences. "We have acted with urgency to ensure that our businesses are visitor- ready," states Danny Bryer of Protea Hotels by Marriott, "so it's time to come and see for yourself that the Cape is waiting. Throughout this period, we have coordinated as an industry to share the latest, expert information, and our cur- rent status is that the Cape is thriving. Whether you're looking to investigate trade and investment opportunities, business travel or simply enjoy a break, now's the time to do it," Bryer states. This consensus view is echoed by Michael Tollman of Cullinan Holdings as well as Keith Randall, CEO of the Hospitality Property Fund and ()Martin Wiest, CEO of Tourvest Destination Management. "We've adapted to our new normal and we are pressing ahead both as individual businesses and collectively as an industry to ensure all-round sus- tainability," Bryer concludes. Wesgro CEO, Tim Harris praised both locals and tourists who had con- tributed towards building a sustainable, water-smart destination: "Cape Town and the Western Cape is setting a new global standard for water-wise tourism. Climate change is a reality in many places around the world, and we have shown that it is possible to adapt and grow, by working together and being sustainable. We encourage tourists from around South Africa and the world to experience our beautiful region - all of our jaw-dropping attrac- tions and experiences are still here waiting for you." Harris added: "Tourism helps sup- port over 300,000 jobs across the Western Cape, and your visit to our province will make a real difference in the lives of so many people in our province. Thank you for being part of our water-wise tourism movement, and for boosting our economy and creating jobs in South Africa." Cape Town: the jewel in South Africa's crown.Cape Town Internat- ional Airport has been voted the top air- port on the continent (2018) and wel- comes more than 5 million arrivals each year. Approximately half of all arrivals during peak travel times are internation- al visitors, top source markets include Germany, the US, France, the UK, Brazil, Sweden, Turkey, Italy and Turkey, as well as the Middle East, India and China. Africa's most popular attraction, the V&A Waterfront enjoyed almost 3 million visitors in December 2017, and the other big attractions including the Table Mountain Cableway, Robben Island Museum, Cape Point, Groot Constantia, the Two Oceans Aquarium and Chapman's Peak Drive are immensely popular with the global traveller. Cape Town has been voted "best food city in the world" and "best city for restaurants and bars" and offers exten- sive wine farms producing world-class wines. The city's beaches are renowned, with several gaining the cov- eted "Blue Flag" status. For more information about the Cape's popular features, please visit: www.wesgro.coza/tourism. Cape Town city centre buildings and dock area Photo Credit: Peter Titmuss