“Ready to welcome the world.” That’s the motto of the Cape Town International Convention Centre East Expansion, also known as CTICC 2. Officially launched in January 2018, CTICC 2 isn’t just an addition. It’s a statement. It declares Cape Town’s ambition to be a leading business events destination.
The City of Cape Town invested R550 million in this expansion. Why? Because CTICC 2 strengthens the city’s reputation. It enhances the socio-economic benefits the center produces. Think of it as an economic engine.
The numbers are impressive. CTICC 2 adds 31 148 square meters to the complex. This includes 10 000 square meters of conference and exhibition space. There are also an additional 3 000 square meters of formal and informal meeting space. This translates to six exhibition halls. Four meeting suites and five meeting pod rooms are available. An executive boardroom is also part of the facility. Not forgetting the three open-air terraces including a rooftop venue.
CTICC 2 boasts environmentally sustainable design. It also features high-tech venue control systems. High-caliber IT infrastructure and free public WiFi add to its appeal. Three production kitchens cater to every type of event. A service tunnel connects CTICC 2 with CTICC 1.
One of CTICC 2’s coolest features is the sky bridge. This bridge links the two buildings across Heerengracht. It symbolizes connection and seamless integration.
Did you know that CTICC 2 can operate as an independent facility? This provides greater flexibility. It allows the center to host multiple large events simultaneously. The design received a four-star Green Star rating. This underlines its commitment to sustainability.
Patricia de Lille, former Mayor of Cape Town, emphasized CTICC’s role. She said it positions Cape Town as a globally competitive business city. The center secured 10 major international events up until 2022 even before it opened.
Julie-May Ellingson, CTICC CEO, saw CTICC 2 as a catalyst. It fosters socio-economic growth in Cape Town and the Western Cape. It is a place where ideas are shared. Investments are planned. The CTICC provides a platform for creativity and innovation.
Since 2003, the CTICC has hosted nearly 7 000 events. These events brought over 16 million visitor days to the city. The center sustained 107 000 jobs directly in the Western Cape. It contributed billions to the national GDP.
Consider CTICC 2 as more than just a building. It’s a hub of activity. It is a symbol of Cape Town’s ambition. It is a driver of economic growth. The Cape Town International Convention Centre 2 is ready.