The announcement was made at a red-carpet event hosted at the Durban International Convention Centre, where the worlds industry professionals gathered to celebrate their victories.

In addition to winning this award, Cape Town was also nominated in two other categories: World's Leading City Break Destination 2018: Cape Town, South Africa; and World's Leading City Destination 2018: Cape Town, South Africa.

Earlier in the year, Cape Town was once again crowned as the number one city in Africa for business tourism events by the International Congress and Convention Association; this latest accolade further cements the city’s reputation regionally, across the continent and globally.

Cape Town Tourism CEO Enver Duminy was particularly thrilled to hear the news:
Enver Duminy, CEO, Cape Town Tourism, said, “[…] notable that this accolade, along with others received, has come at a time when we have faced challenges as a city and within the tourism sector. Despite these challenges, there is international recognition that we are not only open for business, but that we are capable of staging world-class events and festivals that cater for a global audience. Well done to each role player whose efforts have paid off in developing a sustainable platform for tourism growth.”

A mammoth industry-wide initiative has seen big events tackling their impact on water resources and reducing consumption accordingly, in some cases, such as the Cape Town Cycle Tour, for example, water was brought in from sources outside Cape Town with this in mind, resulting in a low-impact event enjoyed by participants.
Smaller, community-based events and festivals also aid in contributing to sustainability for local businesses and in creating an engaging environment that stimulates local commerce. These aid in promoting local tourism and encouraging travel in and around Cape Town.