An independent analysis by I&M Futureneer Advisors Pty Ltd of the economic impact created by AviaDev Africa – the premier forum dedicated to growing connectivity to, from and within the African continent, indicates that it generated R3.3 million of direct expenditure with R525,000 in tax income to the government. This figure considers the deals and new routes that Cape Town and South Africa secured and derives the estimated value on the country’s GDP.
The Cape Town Air Access and ACSA teams who were responsible for hosting the event in Cape Town recognised the investment towards the event would pay long term dividends. Tim Harris, CEO, Wesgro said, “Hosting AviaDev Africa over 2 consecutive years has allowed us to represent ourselves as a truly African destination, looking to expand our network domestically, regionally and internationally. These figures cement the fact that new routes and further expansions will be delivered as result, benefiting the economy of the Western Cape and South Africa.”
Further analysis of the figures also suggests that the event helped to sustain 16 full time and part time employment opportunities. Jon Howell, CEO and Founder, AviaDev commented, “The results of the economic impact illustrate the huge impact hosting AviaDev can have on a destination – not only is there an immediate impact with the attendees expenditure on flights, accommodation and tourism but more importantly the lasting effect as a result of meeting new partners, suppliers and establishing new routes to your destination through the meetings had at AviaDev.”
Later this year, AviaDev is holding its 2nd Air Service Development training workshop on 23-24 September in Addis Ababa. This workshop will deliver hands on knowledge and enable participants to effectively market their destination to new airlines and suppliers. The 2-day course is designed to increase understanding, learn new techniques and ultimately aid the improvement in connectivity to, from and within the African continent.
