Cape Town to host 2018 AviaDev, By Andrew Iro Okungbowa

2018 AviaDev, the African aviation development conference, billed for June 12 – 14 at the Southern Sun Cape Sun Hotel.

Cape Town to host 2018 AviaDev, By Andrew Iro Okungbowa

By Andrew Iro Okungbowa (Contributing Editor, Nigeria) Cape Town, South Africa has been named the host city for this year’s AviaDev, the African aviation development conference, billed for June 12 – 14 at the Southern Sun Cape Sun Hotel.

The networking event, which is entering its third year initially took place in Kigali, alongside the African Hotel Investment Forum, (AHIF) and explored the link between aviation and hospitality development.

According to the organisers, Bench Events, between 250 – 300 delegates and 30 airlines are expected at the event. IATA has identified that the top 10 fastest growing aviation economies over the next 20 years will all be in Africa and AviaDev aims to facilitate this growth through its world class conference programme, meeting system and unrivalled networking opportunities.

A major factor behind the move to Cape Town has been the sponsorship of the Cape Town Air Access Initiative. The Initiative has made aviation route development a strategic priority in its own efforts to promote the region as a destination to visit and to conduct business.

In the past year, Cape Town has gained 10 new routes and seen expansion of an additional 11 routes, resulting in a 25% increase in international passenger numbers for 2017. Tim Harris, CEO, Wesgro, said: “I am very pleased that Cape Town will host AviaDev this year, coinciding with the centenary of Nelson Mandela’s birth, the naming, by Skytrax, of Cape Town International as the best airport in Africa and news that Cape Town is Africa’s top destination for business tourism.

‘‘There are many compelling reasons to be excited about our region as a place to visit and do business, including its strategic location at the foot of Africa, its stunning natural beauty, its wildlife and exceptional value for money.”

Alan Winde, Minister of Economic Opportunities, Western Cape Government, welcomed the hosting of the conference in Cape Town, due to the strategic importance of its agenda: “Boosting connectivity between African destinations is good for business and good for tourism, both of which create jobs for residents.”