10 reasons to choose the Northern Cape for your business event

The Northern Cape provides the event planner with fantastic opportunities. Here are 10 good reasons why we believe the Northern Cape offers unique experiences in the MICE sector.
1. ENRICHING JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY

Renowned for innovative ways of solving problems, the Northern Cape, and South Africa, is a launch pad for ingenious creativity. Not only will event participants be inspired by the limitless possibilities reflected in the province’s natural beauty, but encounters with our people and the culture of ubuntu will also make life-changing impressions on all.

2. EVENTS THAT EXCEED EXPECTATIONS

Each event hosted in the Northern Cape is extraordinary. This is not only because we have the most incredible settings, world-class facilities and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. It’s also because South Africans pride themselves on their can-do attitude and will go out of their way to not only deliver an event that meets your specific needs, but one that will exceed your every expectation.

3. SUCCESSFUL HOSTING OF MAJOR WORLD EVENTS

South Africa is an enthusiastic and well-respected sporting nation, so it’s no wonder we successfully hosted the 2010 Fifa World Cup™. The Northern Cape hosted several matches during the 2020 Under-19 Cricket World Cup, as well as the 2019 Kimberley Diamond Cup Skateboarding World Championship, the Under-20 European and Africa Waterskiing Championships in 2011, and the European African Barefeet Skiing Championships in 2013, among others. Other major events hosted in the Northern Cape include the International Kimberley Process Intersessional Meeting and a Brics Summit with attendees from 38 countries in 2013.

4. WORLD-CLASS FACILITIES AND SERVICES

The Northern Cape has a world-class international convention centre, as well as conference venues, meeting and incentive facilities and services. A variety of five- and four-star hotels, lodges, guest houses, and bed and breakfast accommodation is available, with conference and meeting facilities throughout the province. To assist you in making a choice, accommodation is graded by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa. Our events industry is well established and your every need will be met with efficient and welcoming service.

5. ANY SIZE, ANY BUDGET

There is a wide variety of options to cater for conferences, events and incentives of all sizes and budgets. The Northern Cape is as adept in hosting mega-events of 5 000-plus delegates as well as intimate corporate team-building activities for as few as five people. You are guaranteed quality accommodation, and meeting venues and tours that fit your group and budget.

6. DIVERSE, UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES

The Northern Cape offers a powerful combination of experiences – traditional cultures mixed with modern urban rhythms; ecotourism in harmony with adrenaline-fused adventure; being transported from our common human origins right through to cutting-edge scientific discoveries and technologies. The options are as endless as the starry night sky or the open grass plains. Let us ignite your senses and reward your group with unforgettable memories.

7. WARM, WELCOMING PEOPLE

There is no better way to experience a country than through its people. The distinct cultural groups that make up the Northern Cape are as rich as the province’s history. Meet the oldest inhabitants of Southern Africa, the San Bushmen, the Nama and the Setswana, as well as the Afrikaners of the Northern Cape. Feel our heartbeat and explore our rural villages, and our art and craft markets. Enjoy our traditional cuisine and, most of all, listen to the stories of Africa!

8. OUTSTANDING INFRASTRUCTURE AND EASE OF ACCESS

Two commercial airports are located in Kimberley and Upington, with numerous graded aerodromes and airfields and smaller airports dotted throughout the province, connecting it with the rest of the country. The extensive, modern road network within the Northern Cape makes it easy and affordable to access and experience a wide range of activities.

9. AFFILIATIONS, AWARDS AND ACCOLADES

The Northern Cape Tourism Association is proudly affiliated to the respectable industry association, SAACI (the Southern African Association for the Conference Industry). Furthermore, through our relationship with South African Tourism, we have access to international associations ICCA, SITE, EXSA, MPI and UIA. As a business tourism and leisure destination, the Northern Cape remains at the forefront of global quality standards. Whether you’re looking for a choice conferencing facility, ultra-luxurious accommodation, wines “to dine for” or the ultimate adventure, the Northern Cape should be your choice within Southern Africa.

10. RESPONSIBLE TOURISM LEADERSHIP

In 2002, South Africa, a global pioneer in responsible tourism, co-initiated and hosted the first-ever conference on responsible tourism – the World Summit on Sustainable Development – which resulted in the highly influential Cape Town Declaration. South Africa also applies the Fair Trade accreditation to tourism products, which promotes sustainable tourism development and ensures ethical, socially and environmentally responsible tourism experiences. Similarly, in the Northern Cape, you can host a green event, explore our protected areas, contribute to social and conservation projects, buy recycled art and include any of a variety of social upliftment initiatives in your meeting agendas, team-building activities, incentive trips, and pre- or post-tours.