The Weskus region is fast becoming a very popular choice for event organisers and the film and media industry. There may be a range of factors contributing to the region’s growing events portfolio. The Weskus is known for its vast open spaces, scenic fishing villages and unique activities which all catch the eye of event organisers and film makers.
These events play a pivotal role in local economic growth while also offering the region a great opportunity for destination marketing.
Head of Media and Tourism Marketing at the West Coast District Municipality, Heinrich Robertson, says the fact that the West Coast District borders the City of Cape Town further contributes to the sudden rise in interest from the eventing and film sector. Heinrich, having worked as Project Manager during the 2010 Soccer World Cup, fully understands the spin-offs which major events bring to the region.
“Cape Town and the Western Cape is one of the preferred event destinations in the world. The 2010 Soccer World Cup gave us valuable insight into international norms and standards in relation to major events. While there has been steady progress in streamlining and consolidating the public sector’s approach to events, we still have a long way to go. As municipalities we need to have a strategic intent when hosting events and our event approval process must be user friendly and responsive to the needs of event organizers. In the West Coast district, we have identified key areas such as standardization of event applications, capacity building of personnel at municipal level, and specific event impact assessments to understand how events contribute to the local economy”, said Heinrich.
Some of the flagship events being hosted in the region include the renowned Jazz on Rocks festival in Tietiesbaai, Darling’s Rocking the Daisies Festival, and the Perlemoen Festival in Doringbaai, among others. Apart from these major festivals, the West Coast region hosts various sport and adventure events and numerous television adverts and trailers for movies were produced in the region. One such event is the Saldanha Top 8 Easter Rugby Tournament. From humble beginnings the tournament now draws over 20 000 people to the Easter Weekend and the event is being televised on DSTV’s SuperSport. The Top 8 plays host to South Africa’s biggest and best club rugby teams who come to compete in Saldanha Bay, bringing much-needed investment into the region over the Easter period.
“The West Coast District Municipality is an active participant in reviewing the Event Strategy for the Western Cape. As a region we are open for business and eager to welcome event organizers and film makers to our region”.
Heinrich Robertson
Head: Public Relations and Tourism
West Coast District Municipality
Cell: 0824609262
hjrobertson@wcdm.co.za
tourism@wcdm.co.za
10177 (022) 433 8700
Is the Emergency number for the Fire and Medical Services within the West Coast District.
Is die Noodnommer vir die Brandweer- en Mediesedienste binne die Weskus Distrik.
