Special events are widely recognised as being a growth sector of the tourism industry with potential to generate substantial economic benefit for the city, region or community involved. This wider recognition of ‘events tourism’ has also heralded a continually expanding number of new events in the Western Cape – in all regions particularly the Cape Winelands, Cape Town, Overberg and the Garden Route & Klein Karoo – as these communities have identified opportunities to tap into the visitor market. Special events form part of the ‘attraction’ component of the tourism industry. In certain areas where natural and/or built attractions are limited, special events have proven to draw an increased number of visitors to these places.

In Hessequa, the Municipality aims to support those events which aligns with the goals of the LED & Tourism Department, as well as provincial strategic outcomes for economic development and job creation.

This support can either be non-financial in terms of letters of reference, promotion through our channels, etc. and/or financial in terms of funding or subsidising the cost of Municipal services required for your event. The department also communicates external funding opportunities from other institutional bodies to existing event organisers where possible.

So where do you start?

If you have an idea for an event have a look at our How to Guide: Hosting Events in Hessequa, which will give you more information on the following:

• What goes into the planning of an event
• A brief overview of what to consider in your event plan
• The various services involved in hosting a successful event (and their contact details which you will need)
• An application form should you require support
• An Event Risk Assessment and Action Plan Guide, which is required by law should your event exceed the number of 30 participants/spectators in a public space.

If you would like to add your event in Hessequa to the calendar on this website for free, you can complete a simple online form by clicking here. Your submission will be moderated and added to the calendar within 48 hours.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us should you have any enquiries.