Two Oceans Aquarium 2012 IAC bid document - International ...
Two Oceans Aquarium 2012 IAC bid document - International ...
Two Oceans Aquarium 2012 IAC bid document - International ...
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
Proposal to Host the<br />
8 th <strong>International</strong><br />
<strong>Aquarium</strong> Congress<br />
9-14 September <strong>2012</strong><br />
Cape Town, South Africa<br />
CAPE TOWN<br />
& Western Cape<br />
www.tourismcapetown.co.za
Proposal to Host the<br />
8th <strong>International</strong><br />
<strong>Aquarium</strong> Congress<br />
9-14 September <strong>2012</strong><br />
Cape Town, South Africa
TABLE OF CONTENTS<br />
1 INVITATION TO HOST THE 8 TH INTERNATIONAL AQUARIUM CONGRESS 9 -14 SEPTEMBER <strong>2012</strong><br />
2 ENDORSEMENTS<br />
3 OVERVIEW: TWO OCEANS AQUARIUM, YOUR HOST AQUARIUM<br />
4 OVERVIEW: SOUTH AFRICA, YOUR HOST COUNTRY<br />
5 OVERVIEW: CAPE TOWN, YOUR HOST CITY<br />
• Top Tourist Attractions<br />
6 THE CONFERENCE, LOGISTICAL SUPPORT<br />
• Travel To Cape Town<br />
• Infrastructure Support<br />
• Flights to and from South Africa<br />
• Accommodation in Cape Town<br />
• Accompanying persons Programmes: Day Tours<br />
• Social Programme<br />
7 THE VENUE: THE CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE<br />
8 PRE-AND POST TOURS<br />
9 CONCLUSION
your host aquarium
The mission of the <strong>Two</strong> <strong>Oceans</strong> <strong>Aquarium</strong> is to remain a financially viable and prominent<br />
visitor attraction in the Western Cape, in order to continue to raise ocean awareness<br />
through our quality exhibits, our conservation programmes and our education outreach.<br />
Further, we aim to:<br />
• become one of the leading environmental education centres in the southern hemisphere;<br />
• promote conservation and sustainable use of the environment, building public<br />
awareness and promoting advocacy;<br />
• build on our uniqueness;<br />
• be a fun place for the children of today and the children of tomorrow;<br />
• be a place of learning through discovery.
HISTORY AND GENERAL<br />
For many years the people of Cape Town yearned for a new,<br />
modern aquarium that would give them a window into the<br />
wonders of the two mighty oceans that meet at the southen<br />
tip of Africa.<br />
Nothing ever came of their dreams, however, until two<br />
brothers decided to turn their dream into reality. Their<br />
enthusiasm attracted like-minded individuals and soon there<br />
was a small group of highly motivated people scouting for<br />
possible funders. For several years their endeavours bore<br />
no fruit, but their perseverance finally paid off and, in 1994,<br />
Transnet Pension Fund and Norwich Life SA (now Investec<br />
Bank) became partners in the <strong>Two</strong> <strong>Oceans</strong> <strong>Aquarium</strong>.<br />
A team of architects and planners travelled the world and<br />
visited leading aquariums. They returned to Cape Town with<br />
ideas that would suit an aquarium to be built in the Victoria<br />
& Alfred Waterfront. At that time Monterey Bay <strong>Aquarium</strong><br />
was considered to be the best in the world and the team<br />
incorporated many of its design features into our facility. In<br />
terms of overall visitor experience, the result was one of the<br />
finest aquarium designs ever produced.<br />
The <strong>Two</strong> <strong>Oceans</strong> <strong>Aquarium</strong> opened in November 1995 and,<br />
whilst it is neither big nor massively impressive by world<br />
standards, its ambience is magical, its exhibits are beautiful<br />
and its staff and volunteers are friendly, enthusiastic and<br />
dedicated. Within a few years of opening, people around<br />
the globe were talking about us and we became a ‘mustsee’<br />
destination in Cape Town.<br />
The <strong>Aquarium</strong> was built on three cornerstones: excellent<br />
exhibits, innovative education programmes and meaningful<br />
conservation initiatives.<br />
To date the <strong>Two</strong> <strong>Oceans</strong> <strong>Aquarium</strong> has received over 5 million<br />
visitors and we have excelled in the education arena.<br />
Considering that we have, in the year 2007/8, taught 36,600<br />
pupils in our classrooms; visited 17,000 pupils with our<br />
Outreach Unit; received over 10,000 school children on selfguided<br />
tours and given courses to thousands of teachers,<br />
technikon and university students, matriculants and ‘young<br />
biologists’, we can be justly proud of our achievements.<br />
There is no doubt that we are contributing significantly to<br />
the upliftment of our communities and that we are playing a<br />
pivotal role in helping the National Department of Education<br />
achieve its goals in environmental education in the region.<br />
We have also conducted exciting work in the fields of<br />
conservation and research.<br />
Our endeavours with ocean sunfishes, finfish culture and most<br />
recently shark conservation have caught the attention of local<br />
and overseas scientists, resulting in some fascinating<br />
collaborative work.<br />
Since opening we have evolved into one of the most attractive<br />
aquariums in the world and we are now a valuable asset to both<br />
the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and the City of Cape Town.<br />
Some of our more notable events.<br />
’95 • The City of Cape Town, the original maritime gateway to<br />
southern Africa, is an obvious site for a world-class<br />
aquarium. Few places in the world are in a more favourable<br />
position to feature the rich diversity of life found in two<br />
oceans, particularly in such contrasting oceans as the<br />
Indian and Atlantic. After eight years of research and 18<br />
months of construction, the long-awaited <strong>Two</strong> <strong>Oceans</strong><br />
<strong>Aquarium</strong> opens on 13 November 1995.<br />
• Longfin tuna Thunnus alalunga and snoek Thyrsites<br />
atun are displayed for the first time in the world.<br />
’96 • The Minister of Trade and Industry, Trevor Manuel,<br />
officially opens the <strong>Two</strong> <strong>Oceans</strong> <strong>Aquarium</strong> on 10<br />
February 1996.<br />
’97 • Professor Kader Asmal, the Minister of Water Affairs<br />
and Forestry, opens the Old Mutual Environmental<br />
Education Centre. The Centre has been upgraded over<br />
the years and now boasts two fully equipped wet<br />
laboratories.<br />
• In recognition of fishing company Irvin & Johnson’s<br />
continuing contribution to the upkeep of the animals<br />
in the <strong>Aquarium</strong>, the largest exhibit, the ‘Open Ocean<br />
Exhibit’, is renamed the ‘I&J Predator Exhibit’.<br />
• The <strong>Aquarium</strong>’s Adventure Dive Programme is launched<br />
– sport divers take the plunge with our ragged-tooth<br />
sharks, turtles, rays and fishes in the I&J Predator<br />
Exhibit.<br />
’98 • The Alpha (now Holcim) Activity Centre in the Lower<br />
Seal Gallery is officially opened by the Minister of<br />
Environmental Affairs & Tourism, Pallo Jordan, on 11<br />
June 1998.<br />
• On 2 December 1998 the Strategic Fuel Fund (SFF)<br />
Sunfish Rehabilitation Centre opens. This facility<br />
provides an ideal opportunity to help ocean sunfishes<br />
in distress and to gain much needed knowledge about<br />
these mysterious fishes.<br />
’99 • The <strong>Aquarium</strong> opens its first large-scale temporary<br />
exhibit, ‘Fangs’, which features a global collection of<br />
writhing eels and slithery sea creatures, including deadly<br />
sea snakes. A themed experiential attraction reveals<br />
the ‘Guardians of the Lost <strong>Oceans</strong>’.<br />
• The ‘Fangs’ marketing and advertising campaign claims<br />
the annual Marketing Organisation of the Year Award<br />
presented by the Institute of Marketing Management<br />
(IMM).
’00 • With generous sponsorship from BoE Limited, visitors<br />
to the <strong>Aquarium</strong> are given the opportunity to appreciate<br />
the vast size of southern right whales Balaena glacialis<br />
in the form of a skeleton, loaned to the <strong>Aquarium</strong> by<br />
the Marine Environmental Education Trust.<br />
’01 • The Sappi Eco-Theatre opens and features a short,<br />
yet powerful cinematographic experience entitled<br />
‘The Web of Life’. We join a young boy on a journey<br />
during which he is reminded that human actions can<br />
have disastrous consequences for our environment.<br />
The presentation ends with the statement ‘If one<br />
person can make a difference, imagine what six billion<br />
of us can do – a thought to take home’.<br />
• On 8 December 2001 the <strong>Aquarium</strong> opens its second<br />
large-scale temporary exhibit, ‘The Living Dead –<br />
travelled in time, locked in rock’. The exhibit includes<br />
‘living fossils’ such as crocodiles, iguanas and giant<br />
deep-water isopods. Many of the animals on display<br />
have remained virtually unchanged over millions of<br />
years.<br />
• The first African penguin Spheniscus demersus chick<br />
to hatch in the Sappi River Meander Exhibit is tagged<br />
and sent to SANCCOB before being released into the<br />
wild.<br />
’02 • The first fully equipped wet laboratory opens in the<br />
Old Mutual Environmental Education Centre. This<br />
exciting new facility, complete with aquariums,<br />
terrariums, microscopes and other laboratory<br />
equipment, provides opportunities for hands-on<br />
experiential learning and close inspection of a range<br />
of animals and plants.<br />
• Eighteen smooth-hound sharks Mustelus mustelus<br />
are born in the I&J Predator Exhibit on 17 August<br />
2002.<br />
’03 • In partnership with the City of Cape Town, the<br />
<strong>Aquarium</strong> opens the Children’s Puppet Theatre on 10<br />
March 2003. This fully automated three-act marionette<br />
presentation depicts a young boy, Tshepo, who learns<br />
about various water-related dilemmas. Using humour<br />
and music, a cast of vibrant, colourful characters<br />
conveys important environmental messages to the<br />
audience in an unusual and positive manner.<br />
• An African Black Oystercatcher chick Haematopus<br />
moquini hatches in the Sappi River Meander. As far<br />
as we know this is the first time this endangered<br />
species has bred in captivity.<br />
’04 • On 18 March 2004 the <strong>Aquarium</strong>, in collaboration with<br />
Afri<strong>Oceans</strong> Conservation Alliance, releases Maxine,<br />
a large (197kg) ragged-tooth shark Carcharias taurus,<br />
back into the oceans. Maxine is the iconic ambassador<br />
for the Save our Seas Foundation M-Sea (Maxine<br />
Science, Education and Awareness) Programme. With<br />
assistance from South Africa’s leading shark experts,<br />
the M-Sea Programme provides a unique opportunity<br />
to learn more about the lifestyle of ragged-tooth<br />
sharks and to raise public awareness of the plight of<br />
sharks worldwide.<br />
• President Thabo Mbeki and Zanele Dlamini visit the<br />
<strong>Aquarium</strong> on Christmas Eve.<br />
’05• Baroness Margaret Thatcher & the Prince of Denmark<br />
visit the <strong>Aquarium</strong> in January 2005.<br />
• In collaboration with Afri<strong>Oceans</strong> Conservation the<br />
<strong>Aquarium</strong> releases its second ragged tooth shark, Val,<br />
back into the oceans as part of the ongoing Save our<br />
Seas Foundation MSea Programme entitled “Rethink<br />
the Shark”.<br />
• Extensive renovations to accommodate a larger more<br />
defined tropical gallery to differentiate more clearly the<br />
unique features of the Atlantic and Indian Ocean<br />
Galleries.<br />
• Start of the sponsored pensioner programme, which<br />
to date has enabled over 5 000 disadvantaged<br />
pensioners to visit the <strong>Aquarium</strong> for free and the<br />
introduction of the Adopt A School programme enabling<br />
the corporate sector to assist the <strong>Aquarium</strong> in bringing<br />
in over 11 000 previously disadvantaged school children.<br />
• On 13 November 2005 the <strong>Aquarium</strong> celebrates its<br />
10th birthday in style.<br />
’06• July 2006 marks the beginning of 5 months major<br />
renovations to the East Wing of our building including;<br />
• Opening of the Shoreline Café, our new restaurant with<br />
the first dedicated children’s area in the Waterfront, in<br />
December 2006 under <strong>Aquarium</strong> management;<br />
• Relocation and complete refurbishment of the <strong>Aquarium</strong><br />
Shop by the Tiger’s Eye (Part of the Tourvest Group).<br />
• Relocation of the Membership Centre adjacent to the<br />
new ticket office;<br />
• Several improvements to the Visitor Services desk,<br />
ticket office and foyer to improve visitor flow;
• Establishment of an Adventure Booking Centre to take<br />
eco-tourism bookings for our visitors and the<br />
establishment of a tuck shop to cater to our take away<br />
market.<br />
• Relocation of the City Sightseeing Bus offloading<br />
terminal and establishment of a ticket office directly in<br />
front of the <strong>Two</strong> <strong>Oceans</strong> <strong>Aquarium</strong> which has had a<br />
significantly positive impact on visitation.<br />
’07• Purchase of 65% shareholding held by Transnet pension<br />
Fund of the <strong>Two</strong> <strong>Oceans</strong> <strong>Aquarium</strong> by Waterfront<br />
Holdings.<br />
• Subsequent sale of the Waterfront to London and<br />
Regional and Dubai World and a smaller BEE<br />
consortium in January 2007 includes transfer of this<br />
ownership to new shareholders.<br />
“The <strong>Two</strong> <strong>Oceans</strong> <strong>Aquarium</strong> continues to grow from strength<br />
to strength in all its areas of operation and our future is looking<br />
very positive indeed. The recent acquisition of the V&A<br />
Waterfront by London and Regional Properties and Dubai<br />
World will result in a mammoth expansion and upgrading of<br />
the Waterfront and along with this , the <strong>Two</strong> <strong>Oceans</strong> <strong>Aquarium</strong>.<br />
We look forward to hosting our international <strong>Aquarium</strong><br />
colleagues in <strong>2012</strong>.”<br />
Dr Patrick Garratt<br />
Managing Director
“The living animals that we are able<br />
to see and come to know in<br />
aquariums are ambassadors for<br />
their species. They are messengers<br />
and teachers and, because of<br />
them, I have become an ambassador<br />
for the environment, caring deeply<br />
about the future of natural<br />
populations and delighting in seeing<br />
their kind in the wild.”<br />
Helen Lockhart, Communications Manager, <strong>Two</strong> <strong>Oceans</strong> <strong>Aquarium</strong><br />
Dwarfed by Giants - A diver feeds one of our giant<br />
stingrays in the I&J Predator Exhibit - a breath-taking sight.<br />
Photo: Geoff Spiby
EXHIBITS AND RESEARCH<br />
Situated in Cape Town, at the southern tip of Africa, the <strong>Two</strong><br />
<strong>Oceans</strong> <strong>Aquarium</strong> is ideally positioned to showcase the<br />
incredible diversity of marine flora and fauna off the southern<br />
African coast.<br />
Our Exhibits<br />
The <strong>Aquarium</strong> presents South Africa’s rich ocean and aquatic<br />
life in six galleries, which include the Indian Ocean Hall, the<br />
Atlantic Ocean Hall, the Holcim Activity Centre the Sappi<br />
River Meander; the Kelp Forest Exhibit and the I&J Predator<br />
Exhibit.<br />
The Indian and Atlantic Ocean Halls - a kaleidoscope of<br />
marine life<br />
These Halls introduce to our visitors a kaleidoscope of marine<br />
life. It is here that they come face to face with translucent,<br />
fragile jellies; alien-like giant spider crabs; the shy octopus,<br />
master of camouflage; beautiful, yet venomous devil firefish;<br />
and many other colourful and varied life forms. The exhibits<br />
in these galleries are perpetually changing and, in 2004 alone,<br />
we brought in juvenile ragged-tooth sharks; increased the<br />
size of the Knysna seahorse Hippocampus capensis exhibit;<br />
added juvenile yellowtail Seriola lalandi (hatched from eggs<br />
collected in the I&J Predator Exhibit), and opened ‘Denizens<br />
of the Deep’, which features kingklip, horse fish, jacopevers,<br />
deep-water crabs and spiny lobster. We also introduced<br />
unique exhibits which include acrylic magnifiers in the design.<br />
These displays offer enlarged and sometimes quirky views<br />
of the exhibit inhabitants.<br />
Our volunteers at the Touch Pool and Microscope play a vital<br />
role in the Diversity Hall, providing visitors with fascinating<br />
snippets of ocean information, substantially enhancing the<br />
quality of their visit.<br />
The Holcim Activity Centre – a hive of excitement and<br />
energy<br />
The Centre is always buzzing with the excitement and energy<br />
of children. Their gleeful laughter filters through other areas<br />
of the <strong>Aquarium</strong> as they are entertained and informed through<br />
puppet shows featuring delightful shark, octopus, penguin,<br />
eel, turtle and sunfish hand puppets. Children are encouraged<br />
to create fishy artworks to take home to their families.<br />
The Sappi River Meander Exhibit – The Story of a River<br />
The Sappi River Meander traces the journey of a pristine river<br />
from its mouth, back through a freshwater reedbed (complete<br />
with a bird-hide), to its origin as a stream high up in the<br />
mountains. Over the years this exhibit has matured into one<br />
of our most inspiring exhibits and now boasts a ten year old<br />
milkwood forest; a breeding colony of African penguins (from<br />
which we have released 13 juveniles into the wild); rockhopper<br />
penguins Eudyptes chrysocome and a wide selection of<br />
freshwater fishes, both indigenous and alien, to our Western<br />
Cape rivers. The recent addition of the bird-hide overlooking<br />
the wetland offers people a place to sit and relax in this<br />
peaceful riverine environment.<br />
The connection between land and sea was identified as a<br />
key component in ocean conservation at the <strong>International</strong><br />
<strong>Aquarium</strong> Congress held in Tokyo in 1996. We have responded<br />
to this challenge in many areas of our operations, including<br />
our interpretative materials. We recently introduced an<br />
impressive 6-metre aerial photograph, housed in the birdhide,<br />
of the local Lourens River as it tumbles through the<br />
Hottentots Holland Mountains and then meanders through<br />
the town of Somerset West on its way to False Bay. Here we<br />
emphasise the point that, since all our rivers run to the sea,<br />
whatever we do on land affects the sea.<br />
The Kelp Forest Exhibit – an enchanted forest<br />
Kelp forests are displayed in only two aquariums in the world<br />
- Monterey Bay <strong>Aquarium</strong> (arguably the best aquarium in the<br />
world) and the <strong>Two</strong> <strong>Oceans</strong> <strong>Aquarium</strong>. In our <strong>Aquarium</strong> three<br />
species of giant kelp provide shelter for an array of local<br />
fishes which drift amongst the kelp fronds. Our visitors are<br />
mesmerised by the gentle hypnotic sway of the tall kelp plants<br />
and the play of dappled sunlight on silver fishes. Central to<br />
the ‘two oceans’ theme, this enchanting forest remains one<br />
of our biggest draw cards, and many visitors return time and<br />
again to its beauty and tranquility.<br />
I&J Predator Exhibit – a feast of ocean predators<br />
Without a doubt, the most popular animals in the <strong>Two</strong> <strong>Oceans</strong><br />
<strong>Aquarium</strong> are our large ragged-tooth sharks, housed in the<br />
I&J Predator Exhibit. This two million-litre exhibit also<br />
showcases an impressive collection of predatory fish from<br />
the South African coast. Many of these animals have been<br />
with us since we opened and have grown considerably. The<br />
sharks, which weighed approximately 90kg when they arrived<br />
10 years ago, are now in excess of 200kg and yellowtail and<br />
kob Argyrosomus japonicus in this display have grown to<br />
sizes rarely seen in today’s catches! The sight of a 180kg<br />
stingray swimming up the main window whilst being handfed<br />
by a scuba diver is a breath-taking sight which leaves a<br />
lasting impression on our visitors.<br />
Conservation and Research<br />
In addition to our many inspiring exhibits, we are also involved<br />
in a number of conservation and research programmes.<br />
Sunfish<br />
In the early years of the <strong>Aquarium</strong> we displayed several ocean<br />
sunfish Mola mola in the I&J Predator Exhibit, but always with<br />
limited long-term success. These gentle open ocean giants<br />
feed almost exclusively on jellyfish and can attain over 3m in<br />
length and weigh over 2,000kg. Although we have no sunfish<br />
on display, we remain committed to assisting injured or
OVERVIEW<br />
stranded fish and to contributing to research on these<br />
enigmatic animals. We currently support Dr. Tierney Thys<br />
from Monterey Bay, California, who is conducting research<br />
on sunfish on a global scale. We have supplied her with tissue<br />
samples for DNA analysis, helped her to tag sunfishes in our<br />
waters with satellite tags and collected observer data from<br />
fishing boats. In the future, we plan to increase our involvement<br />
in her research on this fascinating, but little known giant.<br />
Finfish Aquaculture<br />
Several species of fish displayed in the I&J Predator Exhibit,<br />
including kob, yellowtail, geelbek Atractoscion aequidens and<br />
leervis Lichia amia, have spawned naturally in the exhibit<br />
since the <strong>Aquarium</strong> opened. This successful breeding<br />
behaviour attracted the interest of scientists researching the<br />
culture of these highly-prized fishes and we gladly supplied<br />
eggs for their pilot studies. The decline of local finfish stocks<br />
in recent years is of great concern to us at the <strong>Two</strong> <strong>Oceans</strong><br />
<strong>Aquarium</strong> and we feel that, in the interests of our fishing<br />
communities and wild fish stocks, more emphasis should, in<br />
future, be placed on fish farming rather than fishing. To this<br />
end we have established our own culture laboratory and<br />
continue to assist organisations such as I&J, Espadon Marine<br />
Hatcheries, Global Ocean and Marine and Coastal<br />
Management's research aquarium in Sea Point with the supply<br />
of fertilized eggs for initial growth trials, and the capture and<br />
transport of large fish for brood stock.<br />
Shark Conservation and Awareness<br />
In 2003 we joined forces with Afri<strong>Oceans</strong> Conservation Alliance<br />
(AOCA) and the Save our Seas Foundation to raise awareness<br />
of the plight of sharks worldwide and the desperate need for<br />
their conservation. The Save Our Seas Foundation M-Sea<br />
(Maxine Science, Education and Awareness) Programme<br />
consists of three components:<br />
i) Science - tagging of <strong>Aquarium</strong> and wild ragged-tooth<br />
sharks with satellite and ultrasonic tags;<br />
ii) Education and Awareness - including teacher workshops,<br />
children’s activity books and information boards placed<br />
at strategic points along the South African coast, and<br />
iii) Documentary Films – including a one-hour <strong>document</strong>ary<br />
on South Africa’s ragged - tooth sharks.<br />
Central to the launch of this high profile public awareness<br />
programme is Maxine, a large female ragged-tooth shark,<br />
which was released from the <strong>Aquarium</strong> on 18 March 2004.<br />
The exposure generated by this exercise has been substantial<br />
and far-reaching and, with the release of our other raggedtooth<br />
sharks at intervals in the future (our second raggedtooth<br />
shark, Val, was released on 4 April 2005), we hope to<br />
contribute significantly to our knowledge of ragged-tooth<br />
sharks in the wild and change perceptions of sharks in general.<br />
The beauty of this programme is that it allows us to extend<br />
our conservation reach far beyond the <strong>Two</strong> <strong>Oceans</strong> <strong>Aquarium</strong>,<br />
and this is imperative if we are to contribute effectively to the<br />
well-being of all sharks in the oceans.<br />
<strong>International</strong> collaboration<br />
There has always been good collaboration between aquariums<br />
globally. From the day the foundations of the <strong>Two</strong> <strong>Oceans</strong><br />
<strong>Aquarium</strong> were laid, to the present, we have received<br />
tremendous support from international aquariums. We, in<br />
turn, have assisted many aquariums around the world with<br />
the exchange of ideas and/or the supply of animals. We have<br />
established close associations with Tokyo Sealife Park, Japan;<br />
Underwater World, Singapore; Ocean Park, Hong Kong; The<br />
Scientific Centre, Kuwait; Valencia <strong>Aquarium</strong>, Spain; Lisbon<br />
<strong>Aquarium</strong>, Portugal; Zoo-<strong>Aquarium</strong> Berlin, Germany; Pittsburg<br />
Zoo and <strong>Aquarium</strong>, USA; Newport <strong>Aquarium</strong>, USA and<br />
Monterey Bay <strong>Aquarium</strong>, USA.<br />
Michael Farquhar<br />
Curator
“Tell me, and I forget.<br />
Teach me, and I may remember.<br />
Involve me, and I learn.”<br />
Benjamin Franklin<br />
Mythical Creatures - Seahorses are the<br />
favoured mounts of the sea-gods in Greek Mythology<br />
Photo: Sven Lennert
EDUCATION INITIATIVES<br />
The southern tip of the African continent is the meeting place<br />
of the two bountiful oceans, the Indian and the Atlantic. These<br />
waters, together with over 3,000 km of magnificent coastline,<br />
are an invaluable economic resource, providing employment<br />
for thousands of South Africans in the fishing and tourism<br />
industries.<br />
Environmental Education at the <strong>Two</strong> <strong>Oceans</strong> <strong>Aquarium</strong><br />
The <strong>Two</strong> <strong>Oceans</strong> <strong>Aquarium</strong> has established itself as a key<br />
player in raising environmental awareness through its high<br />
quality exhibits, conservation and education programmes.<br />
In recent years we have rapidly gained recognition as a leading<br />
environmental education centre in South Africa. The degree to<br />
which we are recognised within the environmental education<br />
community was highlighted recently when Phillip Ivy, the<br />
Environmental Education Advisor to the previous Minister<br />
of Education, was willing to join our education team for a short<br />
period. Mr Ivy continues to contribute to our programmes on an<br />
ad hoc basis.<br />
A further acknowledgement of our capabilities and resources<br />
is our selection as the Western Cape's teaching centre for the<br />
World Wildlife Fund's national Sustainable Seafood Initiative.<br />
This programme is in response to dwindling marine resources<br />
and we eagerly await its development and launch.<br />
Our Environmental Education Programmes<br />
Discovery Centre Programmes<br />
At present no other environmental education centre in the<br />
country can match our facilities. Our two discovery centres<br />
were designed by our staff specifically to enable stimulating<br />
and relevant hands-on experiences. Laboratory benches fitted<br />
with aquariums allow learners to closely observe, touch and<br />
hold the animals or plants. We also have an excellent array of<br />
AV equipment, including microscopes linked to video monitors,<br />
which are used to describe the lives and functions of many<br />
microscopic animals not normally seen with the naked eye.<br />
Our teaching staff have developed over thirty topics for handson<br />
experiences in the discovery centres, covering a broad<br />
selection of ecosystems from catchment areas to the oceans.<br />
The topics for the natural sciences include invertebrates;<br />
reptiles; amphibians; coastal birds; marine food chains; kelp<br />
forest ecology; river ecology; wetlands; water conservation<br />
and fynbos. We also offer courses which go beyond the<br />
natural sciences and into the fields of maths, physics,<br />
languages and art.<br />
Other education initiatives<br />
In addition to our discovery centre-based programmes we also<br />
offer the following:<br />
• In the Holcim Activity Centre we cater mainly for pre-school<br />
children, concentrating on activities such as interactive<br />
puppet shows and arts-and-crafts. Our puppet shows are<br />
written and produced by two of South Africa's top<br />
puppeteers, Cheryl Abromowitz and Janni Donald, both of<br />
whom trained our staff in puppeteering skills. The Centre<br />
is recognised for the fact that children are involved in healthy<br />
pursuits which encourage innovation and a sense of<br />
achievement and pride - a rarity in an age where electronic<br />
entertainment is increasingly pervasive.<br />
• Our Outreach Programme aims to reach people from<br />
communities who cannot visit the <strong>Aquarium</strong>. By visiting<br />
schools in these communities with our fully equipped mobile<br />
aquarium trailer, we offer children an unforgettable experience<br />
with live marine animals. In particular we focus our<br />
programmes on those children who are likely to depend on<br />
the sea for their livelihoods in the future. Coastal towns<br />
such as Saldanha on the west coast and Hawston and<br />
Gansbaai on the south coast are a high priority, as well as<br />
traditionally disadvantaged areas such as Langa, Gugulethu<br />
and Khayalitsha.<br />
• Our Matric Biology Winter Revision Programme focuses on<br />
assisting historically disadvantaged students with potential.<br />
Last year's revision course, which involved 60 matric pupils,<br />
resulted in an average increase of 12% among students<br />
who had all failed their Biology exam in June. One student<br />
achieved a distinction at the end of the year.<br />
• Our Young Biologist Programme is offered to a selection of<br />
students who show leadership potential and an interest in<br />
marine life. These students are introduced to a range of<br />
freshwater and marine animals as they explore the exhibits<br />
in the <strong>Aquarium</strong>, nvestigate these animals in our classrooms<br />
and discover the ocean and its inhabitants whilst snorkelling<br />
on a weekend field trip.<br />
• We offer Matric teachers the opportunity to use our<br />
equipment, facilities and expertise to cover practical sections<br />
of the syllabus.<br />
• Our Teacher Enrichment Workshops focus on teaching<br />
school teachers how to incorporate marine life and<br />
environmental conservation themes into their lessons<br />
at school.<br />
• The facilities in our discovery centres allow us to invite<br />
tertiary lecturers to use our facilities to expose their students<br />
to living marine animals. For some zoology students<br />
this has been their first opportunity to observe living<br />
marine animals.<br />
We are confident that, in the future we will cast our net even<br />
wider and empower our children to become the future guardians<br />
of South Africa's ocean legacy.<br />
Russell Stevens<br />
Head of Education
ediscover<br />
south africa<br />
your host country
SOUTH AFRICA<br />
South Africa has the perfect blend of ingredients to provide<br />
the ideal backdrop for any event: value, adventure, wildlife,<br />
magnificent scenery, an efficient infrastructure and rich cultural<br />
diversity. Few regions in the world can match the diversity, beauty<br />
and excitement you’ll find in South Africa.<br />
South Africa has already demonstrated an outstanding track<br />
record of global significance such as the Commonwealth Heads<br />
of Government Conference and the Non-Aligned Movement<br />
Summit, <strong>International</strong> Aids Conference, the World Conference on<br />
Racism, and various medical congresses, and was host country<br />
to the World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002.<br />
EXCEPTIONAL SOUTH AFRICANS<br />
Among the more famous sons and daughters of South Africa<br />
are:<br />
NELSON MANDELA<br />
South Africa’s most famous son, Nelson<br />
Rolihlahla Mandela, is also a world icon of<br />
statesmanship and national reconciliation.<br />
Nelson Mandela is best known for his long<br />
struggle against the Apartheid government<br />
- a system of white domination and racial<br />
segregation. A co-founder of the African National Congress<br />
Youth League, he also founded the Defiance Campaign of 1952,<br />
based on Ghandi’s principles of non-violence. In 1964 he was<br />
sentenced to life imprisonment by the Apartheid government and<br />
sent to Robben Island.Released in 1990, Nelson Mandela was<br />
central to the multi-party negotiations that led to democratic<br />
elections in 1994. On May 10 of that year, he was inaugurated<br />
as South Africa’s first black president. To this day, the Nobel Peace<br />
Prize laureate continues to work for the children and the povertystricken<br />
masses of South Africa.<br />
PRESIDENT THABO MBEKI<br />
In the post-Mandela era, President Thabo<br />
Mbeki has been a champion of the concept<br />
of African Renaissance - a far-reaching vision<br />
for the continent at large. After the initial<br />
process of reconciliation, his government<br />
was tasked with the job of implementing<br />
much needed reforms like poverty alleviation, job creation and<br />
nation-building in the new South Africa.<br />
ARCHBISHOP DESMOND TUTU<br />
Another Nobel lareate, Desmond Tutu is<br />
more recently famous for his chairing of the<br />
ground- breaking Truth and Reconciliation<br />
Commission in the late 1990s. Known<br />
throughout his long career as a vocal,<br />
charismatic antiApartheid spokesman and<br />
former head of the Anglican Church in Southern Africa,<br />
Archbishop Tutu is one of South Africa’s most-loved citizens.<br />
NADINE GORDIMER<br />
Described by her peers as a “colossus of<br />
South African literature”, Nadine Gordimer<br />
was the first South African to win the Nobel<br />
Prize for Literature. A prolific writer of novels,<br />
short stories, essays and journalistic articles,<br />
Gordimer was the first South African to win<br />
the Nobel Prize for Literature. Gordimer was one of the voices<br />
of protest during the Apartheid years - and continues to practise<br />
her elegant craft in the modern era.<br />
ERNIE ELS<br />
Affectionately nicknamed “The Big Easy”<br />
due to his calm demeanour, Ernie Els took<br />
the international golfing world by storm when,<br />
as a 24 year old, he won the 1994 U.S. Open.<br />
He has since evolved into one of the world’s<br />
top-ranking golfers, boasting a total of 35<br />
international crowns, including two US Open<br />
titles and the 2002 British Open. He follows in the footsteps of<br />
other sporting greats like the renowned Gary Player or our great<br />
swimmers Ryk Neethling and Pennie Heyns.
SOUTH AFRICA<br />
THE SOUTH AFRICAN PEOPLE<br />
South Africa is fondly known as the “Rainbow Nation”, due to<br />
its cultural diversity comprising people of the San (or Bushman),<br />
Nguni, Sotho-Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Indian, Afrikaner, English<br />
and mixed origins, as well as immigrant communities from all<br />
corners of the world. South Africa is a true melting pot of cultural<br />
richness.<br />
The South African people have managed a remarkable transition<br />
from a racially divided society to one that is founded on<br />
democratic principals. The way South Africans have overcome<br />
historical racial divides is lauded throughout the world. The<br />
people of South Africa continue to work together to develop<br />
and promote their country which recognizes and celebrates<br />
difference in diversity of cultures, languages and religion.<br />
EXCEPTIONAL LAND<br />
• South Africa has the oldest meteor scar in the world,<br />
just across the Vaal River near Parys, called the<br />
Vredefort Dome. The meteor plummeted to Earth<br />
nearly two billion years ago (Earth is said to be 4,5 billion<br />
years old), predating the heady days of oxygen and<br />
multi-celled life.<br />
• The rocks around Barberton in Mpumalanga are some<br />
of the most ancient in the world - over three billion<br />
years old. Because they are also the most accessible<br />
such formations, NASA scientists come here to gain an<br />
idea of how life might form on distant planets. South<br />
Africa also is home to many ancient hominid fossil<br />
remains and the area just north of Johannesburg is<br />
known as the “Cradle of Humankind”<br />
• There are only 12 countries in the world that supply<br />
tap water that is fit to drink, and South Africa is one<br />
of the top three in terms of quality<br />
• Where else is an entirely new species being recreated<br />
from scratch? The kwagga, an extinct Zebra species,<br />
vanished in a frenzy of hunting in the 1800s, but after<br />
finding that the DNA is almost identical to the common<br />
Burchell’s zebra, the species is being brought back from<br />
beyond the brink by careful breeding of stripe-challenged<br />
zebras.<br />
• Blyde River Canyon is the third largest canyon in the<br />
world and the largest green one. The Grand Canyon<br />
in the US is the biggest.<br />
• South African grasslands have 30 species per square<br />
kilometre, greater than the biodiversity of rainforests.<br />
The Cape Peninsula has greater floral diversity than<br />
the whole of Europe.<br />
• South Africa has pioneered the principle of Transfrontier<br />
Parks in Africa far beyond the simple Waterton-Glacier<br />
model, and is a primary agent in focusing world attention<br />
on sustainability and the need for trans-frontier parks that<br />
preserve our continent’s richness for all future generations.<br />
• South Africa pioneered heart transplant surgery in the world.<br />
• South Africa leads the world in diamond production, and<br />
is a world leader in precious metal supplies – gold, platinum,<br />
palladium, vanadium and of course many other metals such<br />
as iron, chrome, tin, zinc and copper<br />
PEOPLE AND CULTURE<br />
• Our country is home to two of the world’s most profoundly<br />
compassionate philosophies - Ubuntu and Gandhi’s notion<br />
of “passive resistance” (Satyagraha), which he developed<br />
while living in South Africa. Ubuntu stresses the fact that all<br />
people are fundamentally connected; that we are human<br />
because of each other: “I am because you are”.<br />
• At least half of South Africa’s population is now officially<br />
urbanized. Interestingly though, a huge trend is developing<br />
where young urban families move from big cities to rural<br />
towns to live life on a more sustainable scale and get in touch<br />
with the Earth, simultaneously revitalizing the countryside.<br />
• The Cederberg Mountain range in the Western Cape is called<br />
the biggest art gallery in the world, thanks to hundreds<br />
upon hundreds of ancient San/Bushman paintings. Bushman<br />
paintings make up the earliest rock art on the planet - some<br />
are tens of thousands of years old.
SOUTH AFRICA<br />
The country is a rich tapestry of European and African peoples<br />
blended into a single whole, but retaining the richness of their<br />
heritage and past within the mould of a vision for the future. Apart<br />
from great musicians like Hugh Masakela, Miriam Makeba and<br />
Johnny Clegg, our country boasts poets and writers like Laurens<br />
van der Post and Credo Mutwa, to visionaries for peace and Nobel<br />
peace-prize winners.<br />
TASTY TITBITS<br />
There are some South African specialities that visitors to our<br />
shores won’t find anywhere else in the world. Here’s a taste<br />
of what to expect:<br />
Kingklip - no other country consumes as much kingklip as<br />
South Africans do. A sturdy fish with beautiful flakes, it absorbs<br />
flavours well and is a local delicacy.<br />
Karoo lamb - by all accounts most chefs agree that we have<br />
something special in Karoo lamb. The animals feed on fragrant<br />
shrubs and wild herbs that lend the meat its unique flavour.<br />
Grilled, gourmet-style, barbequed or basted, it’s a sure-fire<br />
winner.<br />
Biltong and boerewors - these must be our national icons in<br />
the food arena. In the early days before refrigeration the Dutch<br />
preserved excess meat from the hunt by rubbing it with salt,<br />
pepper, coriander, vinegar and saltpetre and hanging it out to dry.<br />
Meat treated in this manner lasted indefinitely as long as it was<br />
kept dry. Boerewors is a robust farmer’s sausage sold in coiled<br />
ribbons. The meat is spicy and redolent of coriander and sizzles<br />
and splatters companionably when slapped on the coals or dropped<br />
into a hot skillet.<br />
Bobotie – a traditional Cape Malay dish of spiced mince.<br />
Braaivleis – at the heart of the South African outdoor life –<br />
the ubiquitous barbecue. Try “pap and wors”, two unusual<br />
combinations that are uniquely and quintessentially South<br />
African.<br />
Samoosas - these triangular savoury pastries are the Indian<br />
South African answer to the English meat pie (although we<br />
have those too). The filling can be made of either chilli-laden<br />
mince or a spicy vegetable mix.<br />
So what’s to drink around South Africa?<br />
If you’re looking to find something non-alcoholic, here are a<br />
few suggestions:<br />
Liquifruit and Ceres: these 100% fruit juices are so highly<br />
valued that delis in New York and Paris stock them. No<br />
preservatives, no added sugar - just concentrated fruit juice<br />
that tastes like the real deal. Then there are canned drinks that<br />
are unique too – Appletizer and Grapetizer.<br />
Rock shandy - this is the sportsman’s thirst quencher of<br />
choice, but has proved to be equally popular in restaurants.<br />
It’s a mixture of club soda, carbonated lemonade, a splash of<br />
bitters<br />
On the alcoholic front we serve:<br />
Cane spirits - made from distilled sugar cane, where it is<br />
mixed into cocktails and combined with tropical fruit juices.<br />
South Africa’s answer to Vodka…<br />
Brandy - we make some of the best brandy (cousin to the<br />
Cognacs of France) in the world - a fact not widely known.<br />
Drunk traditionally with Coca-Cola it should actually be enjoyed in<br />
a crystal snifter after a good meal with a cigar to match.<br />
Beer - every country has its beers and South Africa is particularly<br />
partial to its brew in view of the warm climatic conditions that<br />
prevail here.<br />
Wine and sparkling wines - this is where you can expect to<br />
be truly spoilt. South African wines are excellent and very,<br />
very affordable when compared to overseas products. Try the<br />
robust local reds (like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinotage<br />
(a variety unique to this country). For something special at no price<br />
at all, order a bottle of local bubbly like Cap Classique or Krone<br />
Borealis. Fermented in the bottle in the French tradition, it makes<br />
for light, easy drinking with a festive air.
SOUTH AFRICA<br />
FACTS ABOUT SOUTH AFRICA<br />
South Africa has three international airports: Cape Town,<br />
Johannesburg and Durban. Other airports include Port Elizabeth,<br />
East London, Bloemfontein, Kimberley, George, Pilanesberg<br />
and Lanseria.<br />
The South African currency is the Rand, which is made up of 100<br />
cents. Notes issued: R10, R20, R50, R100 and R200. Coins<br />
issued: 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2 and R5. Foreign currency<br />
can be exchanged at commercial banks and at various foreign<br />
exchange bureaux. Banks are open from 09:00 – 15:30 weekdays<br />
and 08:30 – 11:00 on Saturdays. Most banks have Automatic<br />
Teller Machines (ATMs), which are open 24 hours a day for<br />
statements, cash withdrawals and deposits.<br />
South Africa has a modern and sophisticated banking and<br />
commercial system and most shops and hotels will accept all<br />
major international credit cards.<br />
South Africa has adopted a Value Added Tax (VAT) system of<br />
14% on purchases and services. Foreign visitors to South Africa<br />
can reclaim their VAT on purchases if they have spent more<br />
than R250.<br />
Shopping and business hours: Most shops in the city centres and<br />
suburbs are open between 09:00 and 18:00 on weekdays and<br />
until 14:00 on Saturdays and Sundays. Generally major shopping<br />
malls usually open at 09:00 and close at 18:00.<br />
South African Time is set at GMT +2. There are no time zone<br />
differences within South Africa and the country has not adopted<br />
a daylight time saving system in summer.<br />
Cellular phones (mobile phones) can be rented at the airport or at<br />
Visitor Information Centres. Blue public phones work with the<br />
use of coins, while green public phones work with local Telkom<br />
phone cards. <strong>International</strong> roaming is possible depending on<br />
your service provider.<br />
Driving: An international driver’s license is required in SA and<br />
the license must include a photograph as well as the signature<br />
of the holder. Driving is on the left-hand side of the road and<br />
speed limits are in kilometres. Cash is required to pay for fuel.<br />
Duty-free shops are situated at Cape Town, Johannesburg and<br />
Durban <strong>International</strong> Airports.<br />
There are 11 official languages in SA. English is the language<br />
of administration and is widely spoken. Other languages are:<br />
Afrikaans, Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi,<br />
Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa and Zulu.<br />
Customs: Personal effects (used) are admitted duty free. The<br />
allowance for visitors to South Africa is as follows (free of duty<br />
per adult):<br />
1 litre of spirits<br />
2 litres of wine<br />
400 cigarettes<br />
50 cigars<br />
50ml perfume<br />
250ml eau de toilette<br />
Gifts and souvenirs to the value of R3 000<br />
Permits are required for firearms and are available at the<br />
entry points.<br />
Health Requirements: No vaccinations are required for cholera<br />
or smallpox. If arriving from a yellow fever zone, you must have<br />
a valid international yellow fever inoculation certificate. Due to<br />
the threat of malaria, preventative medication is necessary for<br />
the Northern Province, Mpumalanga and the north of KwaZulu-<br />
Natal. It is obtainable from all pharmacies in South Africa.<br />
Malaria preventative medication is not necessary for Cape Town<br />
and the Western Cape.<br />
In most cities / towns / game reserves the tap water is purified<br />
and 100% safe to drink.<br />
Visas are issued by the South African missions abroad and<br />
must be affixed in the applicant’s passport before departing<br />
to South Africa. Visas are not issued on arrival at South African<br />
ports of entry.
ecreation<br />
cape town<br />
your host city
CAPE TOWN<br />
TOP TOURIST ATTRACTIONS<br />
Cape Town has so much to offer as a tourist destination. It is blessed to have South Africa’s top six tourist attractions within one<br />
hour’s drive from the city centre, the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, Table Mountain, Cape Point, the Winelands, Kirstenbosch<br />
Botanical Gardens and Robben Island, a short boat trip away.<br />
1. Table Mountain<br />
South Africa’s world-renowned icon, the beloved Table Mountain,<br />
was given National Park status in May 1998.<br />
Table Mountain offers something for everyone – magnificent<br />
views, cable car rides, mountain-biking, hiking, serious rock<br />
climbing, cross country running, fascinating botany, birding and<br />
for the more adventurous, abseiling and paragliding. Visitors<br />
are treated to a spectacular view during the ride to the top of<br />
Table Mountain aboard a modern cable car with a revolving floor.<br />
2. Victoria & Alfred Waterfront<br />
Cape Town’s Victoria and Alfred Waterfront has established<br />
itself as a leading world-class waterfront. The unique working<br />
harbour with scenic views of Table Mountain combined with<br />
entertainment options like shopping, street musicians, museums,<br />
an <strong>Aquarium</strong>, boat trips and cinemas promise to make any visit<br />
an unforgettable experience.<br />
3. Robben Island<br />
Robben Island is one of South Africa’s four World Heritage sites.<br />
This barren windswept island was the prison home of former<br />
President Nelson Mandela for many years. Here you can<br />
experience the view that kept Nelson Mandela’s dream of<br />
freedom for his country alive.<br />
4. Winelands/Wine Routes<br />
South Africa and the Western Cape produce some of the<br />
world’s best wines. The first wines in South Africa were<br />
produced at Steenberg in 1695 and Groot Constantia is the oldest<br />
productive wine estate in the country.<br />
5. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens<br />
Kirstenbosch is internationally acclaimed as one of the great<br />
botanical gardens of the world. Situated on the eastern slopes<br />
of Cape Town’s magnificent Table Mountain, the estate covers<br />
528 hectares and includes a cultivated garden and a nature reserve.<br />
Indeed the tiny Cape Peninsula has more floral diversity than the<br />
whole of Europe<br />
6. Cape Point<br />
The Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point form part of the Cape<br />
Peninsula National Park and are managed by the South African<br />
National Parks. Visitors can enjoy the 7 750 hectares reserve of<br />
indigenous flora and fauna and over 150 bird species and can also<br />
travel with the only funicular in Africa to the viewing platform 678<br />
metres above the sea.
CAPE TOWN<br />
Other attractions in Cape Town & Western Cape include:<br />
• The Castle Goede Hoop<br />
• Cape Town Townships<br />
• Whales<br />
• Bo Kaap<br />
• Floral Heritage<br />
• Beaches<br />
• Garden Route<br />
• Cango Caves<br />
• National Parks<br />
• National Reserves<br />
Exchange rate for major currencies<br />
(as at April 2008)<br />
R 7.80 1 US $<br />
R 15.55 1 £<br />
R 12.27 1 €<br />
Estimated costs of consumables in Cape Town Routes Unlimited<br />
(as at April 2008)<br />
Coffee R 8.50 US $ 1.08 £0.54 €0.69<br />
Soda R 6.50 US $ 0.83 £ 0.41 €0.52<br />
Draft beer<br />
Bottle of white<br />
R 12.00 US $ 1.53 £0.77 €1.97<br />
wine in restaurant<br />
Bottle of red<br />
R 75.00 US $9.61 £4.82 €6.11<br />
wine in restaurant R 95.00 US $12.17 £6.10 €7.74<br />
3 course meal<br />
Sandwich in<br />
R125.00 US $16.02 £8.03 €10.18<br />
restaurant R 22.00 US $2.82 £1.41 €1.79<br />
Big Mac burger R 19.95 US $2.55 £1.28 €1.62<br />
CAPE TOWN’S CONFERENCE CREDENTIALS<br />
Cape Town has successfully hosted many top class international<br />
congresses and conventions with the assistance of local<br />
organisers, namely:<br />
PAST EVENTS<br />
2004 Internet Corporation for Assigned Names &<br />
Numbers (ICANN) (500 delegates)<br />
2004 <strong>International</strong> Conference of Principals (3000<br />
delegates)<br />
2005 <strong>International</strong> Electrotechnical Commission<br />
(IEC GM) (1000 delegates)<br />
Repeat Gartner Symposium / IT Expo (1500<br />
delegates)<br />
2006 <strong>International</strong> Diabetes Federation (IDF)<br />
(12 000 delegates)<br />
FUTURE EVENTS<br />
2008 World Congress of Anaesthesiologists<br />
(10 000 delegates)<br />
2009 FIGO World Congress (8000 delegates)<br />
2009 IEEE Geoscience & Remote Sensing Symposium<br />
(IGARSS) (1400 delegates)<br />
2010 IEEE Globecom (1500 delegates)<br />
2011 <strong>International</strong> Conference on Hyperbaric Medicine<br />
(3000 delegates)<br />
<strong>2012</strong> <strong>International</strong> Congress of Psychology<br />
(6000 delegates)<br />
2014 16th IUPHAR World Congress of Basic Clinical<br />
Pharmacology (10 000 delegates)<br />
GLOBAL DESTINATION ACCOLADES<br />
• <strong>International</strong> association of Golf Tourism Organisation’s<br />
best global golf tourism destination for Africa and the<br />
Middle East 2007.<br />
• In 2005, Travel and Leisure Magazine World’s Best Awards<br />
name Cape Town as the best city in the Middle East and<br />
Africa, five years in a row. Cape Town was voted eighth<br />
overall in their top destinations category.<br />
• In 2005, Cape Town won the No. 1 city in Africa and the<br />
Middle East as the 18 th annual Condé'8e Nast Traveller<br />
Reader’s Choice Awards.<br />
• In 2004 and 2005, Cape Town was named as “Favourite<br />
Foreign City” by readers of the United Kingdom’s Daily<br />
Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph, the only non-European city<br />
to achieve this feat for the second year running.<br />
• In the 2004 High Life Travel Awards, British Airways voted<br />
Cape Town the best city to eat out, pipping New York, Sidney,<br />
London and Paris to the post. In the Best Overall Destination<br />
category Cape Town came in second to Sidney, ahead of<br />
New York and Dubai.<br />
• Fifth among all the world cities by Travel & Leisure’s World’s<br />
Best Awards in 2003.<br />
• In 2003, Condé'8e Nast Traveller ranked Cape Town as the<br />
world’s best value-for-money city in the world for two years<br />
in a row and also voted the most hospitable city for the year.<br />
• The World’s Hottest Sunspot by the London Times in<br />
September 2003.<br />
• Fifth on the BBC’s ’50 Places to See Before You Die’ in 2002.<br />
• In 2002, Newsweek nominated Cape Town as one of the top<br />
eight cultural centres in the world, being highly regarded for<br />
its film, advertising and fashion modeling industries, not only<br />
for creativity but also in terms of value for money.<br />
• Third favourite City in the World for United Kingdom Travellers<br />
by the London Observer in 2002.
epositioning<br />
the conference<br />
logistical support
TRAVEL TO CAPE TOWN<br />
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS TO AND FROM CAPE TOWN and<br />
JOHANNESBURG SOUTH AFRICA<br />
When visiting Cape Town, delegates will mostly arrive and<br />
depart by air. Once here, getting around is relatively simple and<br />
convenient, whether by rail, taxi, inner city bus or hired car.<br />
Both Johannesburg and Cape Town have modern airports<br />
with facilities to match. Apart from shops and restaurants,<br />
international arrival halls have banks and foreign exchange<br />
outlets. There will also be business class lounges and many<br />
spots at airports have Internet access, either via wireless<br />
Internet access or “hot spots” where coverage exists. Many<br />
hotels and major cities have extensive wireless coverage.<br />
Allow at least two hours for international check in – but<br />
preferably three for travel to the USA or Israel due to increased<br />
security measures. An hour is normally adequate for domestic<br />
check-in<br />
Foreign visitors leaving South Africa may claim back Value<br />
Added Tax on purchases from the VAT refund administrator.<br />
The goods and proof of purchase slip have to be shown to<br />
the administrator before check-in.<br />
There are public telephones, which use coins or phone cards,<br />
in all terminals, as well as rentals for mobile phones and<br />
SIM cards<br />
The Conference venue and most of its satellite hotels are a<br />
mere 20-minute drive from Cape Town <strong>International</strong> Airport.<br />
Whilst a number of international and national carriers service<br />
Cape Town <strong>International</strong> Airport on a daily basis, the bulk of<br />
carriers stop over in Johannesburg and then carry on to Cape<br />
Town, or terminate their flights in Johannesburg, which<br />
necessitates a short two-hour domestic flight to CapeTown.
TRAVEL TO CAPE TOWN<br />
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS TO AND FROM CAPE TOWN /<br />
SOUTH AFRICA<br />
When visiting Cape Town, delegates will mostly arrive and<br />
depart by air. Once here, getting around is relatively simple and<br />
convenient, whether by rail, taxi, inner city bus or hired car.<br />
CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT<br />
BANKS<br />
<strong>International</strong> Departures<br />
• ABSA has a bank, a bureau de change and an ATM in<br />
<strong>International</strong> Departures.<br />
<strong>International</strong> Arrivals<br />
• You will find a Master Currency bureau de change in<br />
<strong>International</strong> Arrivals.<br />
EXECUTIVE LOUNGES<br />
<strong>International</strong> Departures<br />
• South African Airways<br />
• British Airways – Terraces<br />
• The Premier Lounge (www.Rennies.co.za)<br />
The Premier Lounge is an executive lounge that is open to any<br />
passenger, no matter the airline or ticket class. You can pay<br />
per visit or buy a pre-paid card for six or more visits.<br />
INTERNET ACCESS<br />
ACSA has provided a WIFI (Wireless Internet Access) facility at<br />
the <strong>International</strong> as well as at the Domestic Terminals.<br />
VAT REFUNDS<br />
Foreign visitors leaving South Africa may claim back Value<br />
Added Tax on purchases from the VAT refund administrator.<br />
The goods have to be shown to the administrator before<br />
check-in.<br />
The VAT refund office is on the ground level of <strong>International</strong><br />
Departures. Only after a passenger has checked in and passed<br />
through passport control is the value of the VAT (less the<br />
administrator's commission) paid back. This happens on the<br />
ground level of <strong>International</strong> Departures, between passport<br />
control and the boarding gates.<br />
TELEPHONES<br />
Public telephones<br />
There are public telephones, which use coins or phone cards,<br />
in all terminals.<br />
Cellular (mobile) telephone rentals<br />
In the <strong>International</strong> Terminal you will find VodaShop and MTN<br />
Mobile Phone Rental. There is also a VodaShop in Domestic<br />
Arrivals.<br />
Major Direct and Non Stop Services into South Africa<br />
<strong>International</strong> airlines flying into CapeTown include:<br />
• Air Botswana<br />
• Air Mauritius<br />
• Air Namibia<br />
• British Airways<br />
• Delta ( mid 2008)<br />
• Emirates<br />
• Globespan<br />
• Kenya Airways<br />
• KLM<br />
• LTU<br />
• Lufthansa<br />
• Malaysia Airlines<br />
• Qatar<br />
• Singapore Airlines<br />
• South African Airlines<br />
• Virgin Atlantic<br />
In addition Johannesburg’s international airport services all<br />
major destinations with major feeder services to Cape Town.<br />
8 local carriers service Cape Town with many frequent scheduled<br />
services to other centres.
THE CONFERENCE<br />
FLIGHTS TO AND FROM SOUTH AFRICA<br />
Europe<br />
SAA Cpt direct<br />
British Airways Cpt direct<br />
Virgin Cpt direct<br />
KLM Cpt direct<br />
Lufthansa Cpt direct<br />
LTU Cpt direct<br />
Nationwide Cpt direct<br />
Air France Jnb direct<br />
Iberia Jnb direct<br />
Olympic Airways Jnb direct<br />
Swiss Air Jnb direct<br />
TAP Air Portugal Jnb direct<br />
Far East & Australia<br />
Malaysian Airlines Cpt direct<br />
Singapore Airlines Cpt direct<br />
Cathay Pacific Jnb direct<br />
SAA Jnb direct<br />
Qantas Jnb direct<br />
Middle East<br />
Emirates Jnb direct<br />
SAA Jnb direct<br />
Yemen Airways Jnb direct<br />
QATAR Cpt direct<br />
Africa<br />
Kenya Airways Cpt direct<br />
Air Mauritius Cpt direct<br />
Air Namibia Cpt direct<br />
SAA Cpt direct<br />
Interair Jnb direct<br />
Air Malawi Jnb direct<br />
Air Zimbabwe Jnb direct<br />
Egypt Air Jnb direct<br />
East African Airline Jnb direct<br />
Air Botswana Jnb direct<br />
Cameroon Airlines Jnb direct<br />
Air Seychelles Jnb direct<br />
Ehtiopean Airlines Jnb direct<br />
Air Madagascar Jnb direct<br />
Trans Air Congo Jnb direct<br />
Air Gabon Jnb direct<br />
Air Tanzania Jnb direct<br />
Lignes Aerlennes Jnb direct<br />
Congalaises<br />
Comair Jnb direct<br />
Rwandair Express Jnb direct<br />
Hewa Bora Airways Jnb direct<br />
Angola Airways Jnb direct<br />
Air Austral Jnb direct<br />
USA<br />
SAA (Atlanta) Jnb direct<br />
SAA (New York) Jnb direct<br />
No American airlines, though Delta are pool partners<br />
of SAA<br />
Most European Airlines fly via Europe<br />
South America<br />
Malaysian Airlines Cpt direct<br />
SAA Jnb direct<br />
ESTIMATED FLYING TIMES<br />
Estimated flying time between various destinations<br />
within South Africa<br />
• Johannesburg - Cape Town 1 hr 50 min<br />
• Durban - Cape Town 1 hr 55 min<br />
• Port Elizabeth - Cape Town 1 hr 15 min<br />
• Johannesburg – Livingstone 1 hr 30 min<br />
• Johannesburg – Sun City 40 min<br />
Estimated flying time between destination Cape<br />
Town and <strong>International</strong> cities:<br />
• Atlanta 18 hrs 25 min<br />
• Boston 25 hrs 50 min<br />
• Copenhagen 14 hrs 50 min<br />
• Dubai 10 hrs 10 min<br />
• Edinburgh 12 hrs<br />
• Frankfurt 10 hrs 30 min<br />
• Hong Kong 16 hrs<br />
• London 11 hrs 30 min<br />
• Melbourne 20 hrs 50 min<br />
• Nairobi 6 hrs 10 min<br />
• New York 19 hrs<br />
• Perth 11 hrs 15 min<br />
• Sao Paulo 11 hrs 45 min<br />
• Singapore 13 hrs 35 min<br />
• Vancouver 21 hrs 35 min
ESTIMATED FLYING TIMES<br />
Estimated flying time between various destinations<br />
within South Africa<br />
• Johannesburg - Cape Town 1 hr 50 min<br />
• Durban - Cape Town 1 hr 55 min<br />
• Port Elizabeth - Cape Town 1 hr 15 min<br />
• Johannesburg – Livingstone 1 hr 30 min<br />
• Johannesburg – Sun City 40 min<br />
Our PCO has preferential flight agreements, both in terms<br />
of availability and tariff, on the national carrier, South African<br />
Airways, and should numbers warrant, with the broader<br />
base of the Star Alliance, including such major carriers as<br />
Lufthansa, United and Singapore Airlines. This means that<br />
part of the value-added service to delegates will be access<br />
to cost-effective fares in both economy and business class.<br />
Fig: Location of Airport
THE CONFERENCE<br />
GETTING AROUND<br />
By Taxi or Coach<br />
Cape Town’s metered taxi operators have a proud record<br />
of helping visitors make the most of their stay. Luxury<br />
air-conditioned coaches and shuttle buses will move<br />
delegates between the airport, hotels, the CTICC and their<br />
functions.<br />
By Train<br />
Cape Town station is situated within walking distance of<br />
the Westin Grand South Africa Arabella Quays Hotel, and<br />
the functional Metro Rail system connects the city centre<br />
with the northern suburbs, southern suburbs and Cape<br />
Flats.<br />
By Canal<br />
Cape Town’s newest tourism precinct, the Roggebaai canal,<br />
ferries visitors and locals in water taxis from their hotels<br />
in the world-renowned Victoria & Alfred Waterfront along<br />
a picturesque stretch of water to the front door of<br />
the Westin Grand South Africa Arabella Quays Hotel.<br />
As hotels are within easy walking distance, this offers a<br />
recreational alternative.<br />
Architecturally, the canal and convention centre reflect<br />
the historical heritage of Cape Town. The banks of the<br />
canal are dotted with sidewalk cafes and restaurants,<br />
speciality retail outlets, small boutique hotels and<br />
guesthouses.<br />
… for the Conference<br />
As part of the value-add to the conference, arrival transfers<br />
from Cape Town <strong>International</strong> airport to major conference<br />
hotels will take place on the two days immediately<br />
preceding the opening of the conference. There will be<br />
help desks at the airport with meet and greet services.<br />
Transfers between major conference hotels and the<br />
venue will also be scheduled, as well as to major events<br />
such as the gala dinner.<br />
ACCOMMODATION<br />
Cape Town has a wide selection of superb hotels in all<br />
categories that promise local and international business<br />
visitors a pleasurable stay in the Mother City.<br />
With access to more than 5000 rooms, all within walking<br />
distance, the Cape Town <strong>International</strong> Convention Centre<br />
is ideally located to accommodate the specific needs of<br />
any delegation. The on-site hotel, the 5 star Westin<br />
Grand South Africa Arabella Quays Hotel, has 483 rooms<br />
and suites and provides delegates with immediate access<br />
from the hotel to the heart of the convention centre.<br />
Guests have access to more than 2500 five-star rooms,<br />
3500 four-star rooms and 2200 three-star rooms. There<br />
are an additional 8000 moderately priced rooms in the<br />
city’s excellent guesthouses and lodges.<br />
Cape Town is a value-for-money destination and hotels<br />
offer excellent service to our delegates. Currently,<br />
conference delegates can expect to pay for<br />
accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, twinshare,<br />
inclusive of VAT and 1% tourism levy:<br />
5 Star – from R1700 per person<br />
4 Star – from R800-R1600 per person<br />
3 Star – from R350 – R850 per person<br />
Rates are of course seasonal with a peak towards the<br />
end of year which co-incides with both South African<br />
school holidays as well as the Northern Hemisphere<br />
winter months.<br />
The conference organizers ACI will arrange a broad band<br />
of pre-reserved accommodation for the conference at<br />
a range of hotels to suit all budgets, within close proximity<br />
to the conference venue. The rates will also be negotiated<br />
at preferential tariffs for delegates wherever possible.
THE CONFERENCE<br />
HOTEL CATEGORY AREA<br />
ROOMS<br />
5 STAR<br />
The Westin Foreshore, CBD (in-house hotel – CTICC) 483<br />
Cape Grace V&A Waterfront 122<br />
Table Bay V&A Waterfront 329<br />
RadissonSAS G/Bay Granger Bay (V&A) 182<br />
Mount Nelson Tamboerskloof 206<br />
The Bay Campsbay 72<br />
Le Vendome Sea Point 143<br />
12 Apostles Hotel De Oudekraal 70<br />
Taj Hotel Central City, CBD 180<br />
One and Only V&A Waterfront Opening 2009<br />
Bantry Bay Luxury Suites Bantry Bay 18<br />
Lagoon Beach Hotel Milnerton 272<br />
The Commodore V&A Waterfront 236<br />
4 STAR<br />
Protea Victoria Junction Hotel Green Point 172<br />
Metropole Hotel Central City, CBD 29<br />
Portswood Hotel V&A Waterfront 103<br />
The Vineyard Newlands 173<br />
La Splendida Botique Hotel City Centre CBD 24<br />
Protea President Hotel Bantry Bay 349<br />
RadissonSAS G/Bay Granger Bay (V&A) 181<br />
Cape Heritage Hotel City Centre 15<br />
Capetonian Hotel Foreshore, CBD 167<br />
Cullinan Hotel Foreshore, CBD 410<br />
Holiday Inn Waterfront Foreshore, CBD 546<br />
Cape Sun, Southern Sun Central City , CBD 368<br />
Winchester Mansions Sea Point 53<br />
Ambassador Hotel & Executive Suites Bantry Bay 97<br />
Hippo Botique Hotel Central City, CBD 20<br />
The Cape Milner Central City , CBD 57<br />
Cape Town Lodge Central City , CBD 114<br />
Best Western Cape Suites Central City , CBD 123<br />
The Townhouse Central City, CBD 107<br />
St. Georges Hotel Central City, CBD 139<br />
Fountain Hotel Central City, CBD 270<br />
Victoria & Alfred Hotel V&A Waterfront 94<br />
Protea Hotel North Wharf 68<br />
Adderley Hotel Central City, CBD 28<br />
Leisure Bay Luxury Suites Bantry Bay Opening 2009<br />
FROM R1700<br />
FROM R700 - R1600
THE CONFERENCE<br />
HOTEL CATEGORY AREA<br />
ROOMS<br />
3 STAR<br />
Protea Pier Place Hotel Central City, CBD 56<br />
Breakwater Lodge V&A Waterfront 251<br />
Protea Sea Point Hotel Sea Point 123<br />
City Lodge V&A Waterfront 164<br />
Park Inn Hotel Central City, CBD 165<br />
Eastern Boulevard, Garden Court Central City CBD 292<br />
Newlands, Garden Court Newlands 162<br />
De-Waal, Garden Court Central City, CBD 136<br />
The Cape Manor Sea Point 108<br />
Lady Hamilton Central City, CBD 78<br />
Cape Diamond Hotel Central City, CBD 60<br />
Hotel Graeme Green Point 32<br />
Cape Castle Green Point 65<br />
Tudor Hotel City Centre, CBD 26<br />
Tulbagh Hotel City Centre, CBD 58<br />
V&A Waterfront V&A Waterfront Opening 2009<br />
LOCAL ORGANISER AND CONVENTION<br />
BUREAU SUPPORT SERVICES<br />
Cape Town Routes Unlimited is the official marketing<br />
organisation for Cape Town and the Western Cape. The Cape<br />
Town and Western Cape Convention and Events Bureau is a<br />
strategic business unit of Cape Town Routes Unlimited and is<br />
tasked to promote the region as a premier events and meetings<br />
destination. The Bureau would be able to provide the local host<br />
committee with destination expertise and support which will<br />
make the conference successful.<br />
FROM R350 - R850
Day Tours<br />
Preceding, throughout and at the end of the conference<br />
a number of scheduled day tours will operate. All tours<br />
will collect and drop delegates at their hotels and at the<br />
Cape Town Convention Centre. Here is a sample of tours<br />
on offer:<br />
Cape Winelands:<br />
Cape Point:<br />
Hermanus Whale-Watching:<br />
A full day tour that travels into the Cape mountainlands<br />
and to South Africa’s pre-eminent winelands. Visit several<br />
wineries complete with wine tasting, as well as a local<br />
cheese farm. Savour lunch at a wine estate whilst taking<br />
in the stunning mountain scenery. The tour will visit the<br />
Stellenbosch and Franschoek areas.<br />
A stunning journey into the renowned Table Mountain<br />
National park, travelling via the spectacular Chapmans<br />
Peak before travelling on to Cape Point. And taking the<br />
funicular to the lighthouse that is sentinel to False Bay.<br />
Dramatic scenery and wildlife, not to mention the western<br />
Cape’s incredible floral diversity, which is greater than<br />
that of all of Europe, and which is one of only seven<br />
Floral Kingdoms on the planet. Return to the city with<br />
a stop at a protected penguin colony at Boulders.<br />
A dramatic journey via the Kogelberg biosphere with its<br />
World Heritage status, visiting Henry Porter Botanic<br />
Gardens and sights of False Bay along the dramatic road<br />
towards Cape Hangklip, before heading to the coastal<br />
resort of Hermanus, famed as being one of the top<br />
whale-spotting destinations on the planet. Lunch at the<br />
resort before a return to the city.
White Shark Diving:<br />
City Tour:<br />
Kirstenbosch and Table Mountain:<br />
Robben Island:<br />
The Cape East Coast, and especially Gans Bay, is renowned as<br />
the place to see the Great White Shark close up. A full day<br />
excursion takes you to Gans Bay and out on a dive boat with<br />
a highly qualified team for a close up view of these magnificent<br />
creatures, in the safety of a cage. A truly unforgettable<br />
experience.<br />
See the highlights of Cape Town, its history with a visit to the<br />
Castle and a chance to see the Houses of Parliament, the<br />
culture with views of the Cape Malay quarter and its rich musical<br />
heritage, the stunning scenery of Camps Bay and Lions Head,<br />
the atmosphere of the downtown area and the shopping at the<br />
renowned malls of the V and A Waterfront .<br />
Sheltered at the base of the eastern buttress of Table Mountain<br />
lies one of South Africa’s most famous Botanical Gardens. No<br />
visit to Cape Town would be complete without visiting<br />
Kirstenbosch. Couple that with a trip via the Twelve Apostles<br />
and the dramatic Chapmans Peak, and ending the journey with<br />
a trip up Table Mountain by cable-car, and this will remain as<br />
one of the finest day tours possible on the planet.<br />
Now a living museum and wildlife sanctuary, Robben Island is<br />
an integral part of South Africa’s history, as it was the place<br />
that South Africa’s great leader Nelson Mandela spent many<br />
years in incarceration. Get to relive the sadness of South Africa’s<br />
past before returning to the vibrancy of its future. Tours include<br />
boat transfers but are weather-dependant.
Visit to Big Five Game Reserve:<br />
Accompanying Persons Tour<br />
It is possible to see the famed “Big Five” of Africa in a game reserve situated just<br />
over an hour out of Cape Town. As an introduction to the rich diversity of African<br />
wildlife this tour should not be missed.<br />
It is planned that the Accompanying Persons tours will encapsulate the major tours set out in the day tours above<br />
but will also be amplified to include tours with local flavour, such as an introduction to South African cooking, and<br />
a basic understanding of the beadwork for which Africa is well-known.<br />
Social Programme<br />
Sunday Evening<br />
Monday Evening<br />
A function is planned for delegates and their partners to introduce and welcome<br />
them to Cape Town and South Africa. The function will take place in the Cape Town<br />
<strong>International</strong> Convention Centre, and will consist of a light finger supper combined<br />
with local wines.<br />
The Castle of Good Hope is the oldest surviving building in South Africa. Built between<br />
1666 and 1679, this pentagonal fortification replaced a small fort of timber and clay<br />
built by Commander Jan van Riebeeck in 1652 upon establishing a maritime<br />
replenishment station at the Cape of Good Hope for the Dutch East Indian Company<br />
or better known as the VOC (Verenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie)<br />
In 1936 the Castle was declared a National Monument. As a result of an extensive,<br />
ongoing restoration and conservation programme launched in the 1980's, the Castle<br />
of Good Hope remains the best preserved of its kind built by the VOC in regions<br />
where it had interests in previous centuries.<br />
Today, the Castle of Good Hope house the regional headquarters of the South African<br />
Army in the Western Cape, the famous William Fehr Collection of historic artworks,<br />
the Castle Military Museum and ceremonial facilities for traditional Cape Regiments.
Tuesday Evening<br />
Wednesday Evening<br />
Thursday Evening<br />
The highlight of the <strong>International</strong> <strong>Aquarium</strong> Congress social programme must be<br />
the opportunity to come face to face with the translucent, fragile jellies; alien-like<br />
giant spider crabs; and the master of camouflage, the shy octopus in the Atlantic<br />
Ocean Gallery or become enchanted by the swaying Kelp Forest Exhibit and<br />
awed by the ragged-tooth sharks, graceful rays and shoals of predatory fishes in<br />
the I & J Predator Exhibit. The myriad of exhibits on display at the <strong>Two</strong> <strong>Oceans</strong><br />
<strong>Aquarium</strong> offers a visual delight in an intimate and relaxed atmosphere. Delegates<br />
will be treated to a cocktail party and an exclusive after-hours tour of the <strong>Aquarium</strong><br />
and the secret world of its creatures. Our knowledgeable staff and volunteers will<br />
provide a tour which few have the privilege to experience.<br />
Set in the heart of a working harbor, you can watch the catch of the day being<br />
offloaded, glimpse the famous Cape Fur Seals basting in the sun and experience<br />
the vitality of life on the open seas.<br />
There are so many ways to while away the hours – shopping, movies, a trip to the<br />
<strong>Two</strong> <strong>Oceans</strong> <strong>Aquarium</strong>, festivals, concerts, expos and live entertainment. There are<br />
also over 80 restaurants and taverns to choose from. With more than 450 stores,<br />
trading seven days a week until 9pm, this top fashion destination plays host to<br />
world famous brands such as Gucci including Proudly South African brands. Don’t<br />
forget to visit the Waterfront Craft Market and Wellness Centre, where you can pick<br />
up some exquisite local art, crafts and artifacts.<br />
Under the starlight African sky, set in a garden in the Western Cape Winelands,<br />
Moyo at Stellenbosch is unlike any other restaurant. You will experience the tastes<br />
and flavours of Africa and world class wines. Textures surround you everywhere,<br />
the mosaics and copper, the carved woods, cowry shells and unique water features.<br />
Your sixth sense – your sense of anticipation – will be rewarded at Moyo, with<br />
moments that seem to belong to another world.<br />
Bedouin tents and Gazebos are placed throughout the garden and create an almost<br />
nomad African Village.<br />
Experience Moyo in any way you can and your senses will take you to the oldest<br />
continent in new and memorable ways.
econvene<br />
the venue<br />
the CTICC
1. Conservatory<br />
2. Ballroom<br />
3. Auditorium 1<br />
4. Exhibition Hall<br />
5. Auditorium 2<br />
6. Ballroom<br />
2 3<br />
5<br />
1<br />
4<br />
6
THE VENUE
THE VENUE<br />
The 8 TH <strong>International</strong> <strong>Aquarium</strong> Congress (<strong>IAC</strong>) <strong>2012</strong><br />
PROPOSED VENUES<br />
Proposed Dates, 9 th September – 14 th September <strong>2012</strong><br />
REQUIRED SPACE CTICC SPACE MAXIMUM CAPACITY CTICC<br />
VENUE CAN HOLD<br />
Plenary Venue<br />
• Includes Seats with writing tablets,<br />
6 interpreting booths, projector room<br />
• One 3500 ANSI Lumen Data Projector with<br />
Long throw lens and data point on stage –<br />
• 1 AV Technician for an 8 hour shift<br />
• Stage<br />
• Screen<br />
• Lectern<br />
• Basic PA system<br />
• Basic Lighting<br />
• Excludes: All extra security staff,<br />
unscheduled cleaning, additional AV<br />
and lighting<br />
Auditorium 2 620 theatre style maximum<br />
Breakaway Venue Block 1.61 - 162 90 theatre style maximum<br />
Breakaway Venue Block 1.63 – 1.62 90 theatre style maximum<br />
Breakaway Venue Block 2.61 – 2.63 90 theatre style maximum<br />
Breakaway Venue Block 2.64 – 2.66 90 theatre style maximum<br />
Steering Committee Suite 1.71 20 Boardroom maximum<br />
Steering Committee Suite 1.72 20 Boardroom maximum<br />
Steering Committee Suite 1.73 20 Boardroom maximum<br />
Steering Committee Suite 1.74 20 Boardroom maximum<br />
Steering Committee Suite 1.91 20 Boardroom maximum<br />
Audio Visual Room Suite 1.92 20 Boardroom maximum<br />
Office Suite 1.93 20 Boardroom maximum<br />
Exhibition/Internet and Catering area Clivia Conservatory, Jasminium 600 standing lunch with<br />
restaurant and conservatory, Strelitzia<br />
restaurant and conservatory<br />
exhibition component
THE VENUE<br />
CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE<br />
Situated on the outskirts of the Central Business District, the<br />
Cape Town <strong>International</strong> Convention Centre (CTICC) is close<br />
to the vibrant beat of the city’s heart. At its official opening,<br />
President Thabo Mbeki called the development ‘a symbol of<br />
hope, a symbol of our glorious past, a symbol of modernity and<br />
a symbol of future prosperity’.<br />
It is a notion that is as true today as it was then.<br />
Location and setting: a stunning environment<br />
When you visit Cape Town, bring your camera. Table Mountain<br />
presides majestically over the entire city bowl, with landscapes<br />
as diverse as beaches and winelands just a short drive away.<br />
Many of the city’s landmarks – shops, buildings, cultural<br />
attractions – are a few minutes from the Cape Town <strong>International</strong><br />
Convention Centre. The nearby V&A Waterfront, with its<br />
mesmerizing list of restaurants, boutiques, malls, and creative<br />
characters, remains the country’s most visited venue. This is<br />
indeed a city that embraces its ancient and recent history,<br />
fusing it with a sense of cutting edge design, contemporary<br />
fashion, and social chic.<br />
The CTICC has added to this vibrant space. Its arrival has<br />
resulted in the blossoming of the Foreshore precinct – land<br />
reclaimed from the Atlantic Ocean in the 1930s. The Foreshore<br />
now forms a lively link between the Central Business District<br />
(CBD) and the city’s harbour. Hotel and infrastructure<br />
developments abound – and the CBD itself has been infused<br />
with a new sense of purpose.<br />
The new centre of Cape Town<br />
One of the city’s most recent developments is the Roggebaai<br />
Canal, which provides a water-taxi route between the CTICC<br />
and the V&A Waterfront. With an embarkation point in the main<br />
court, Convention Square, the canal offers visitors a unique<br />
view of the city. And it’s just one of the ways the Convention<br />
Centre’s location makes for an unforgettable stay.<br />
Flexibility: the key to multi-use facilities<br />
The Cape Town <strong>International</strong> Convention Centre is designed<br />
to meet the varied needs of its delegates and visitors. Its subdivisible,<br />
multi-use convention facilities – and dedicated exhibition<br />
area – create an environment that allows for any number of<br />
events and functions.<br />
A sublime sense of space<br />
One of the outstanding features of the CTICC is its imposing,<br />
two-storey gallery that extends the full length of the centre.<br />
Move from one venue to the next, and you will soon notice<br />
that the design lends itself to a smooth flow and circulation of<br />
visitors. From major medical and scientific conventions hosting<br />
thousands of delegates, to consumer exhibitions and trade<br />
shows, as well as intimate meetings and events, the CTICC<br />
accommodates them all.<br />
The Auditoria<br />
The two auditoria, which offer excellent technological<br />
infrastructure and superb acoustics, provide tiered seating for<br />
large plenary sessions, lectures, product launches award<br />
evenings and theatre productions. Situated on opposite ends<br />
of the building, both auditoria can be utilized simultaneously<br />
while still allowing delegates breathing space. Design details<br />
such as writing tablets attached to the seats add a final quality<br />
touch.<br />
The sweeping space of Auditorium I seats 1500 guests, and<br />
is equipped with a large stage and screen, six interpreting<br />
booths, an orchestra pit and a projection room. Linked VIP<br />
dressing rooms comfortably accommodate speakers, or the<br />
cast of theatre productions. The auditorium’s spacious foyer<br />
enables delegates to enjoy refreshments, register, network,<br />
or view conference-related exhibits with ease. A designated<br />
exterior smoking terrace leads off from the foyer.<br />
Auditorium II seats 620 delegates and is also equipped with a<br />
stage, screen, six interpreting booths, and a projection room.<br />
This venue is ideally located off the Strelitzia Conservatory and<br />
can be accessed from Level 1 of the centre. The Conservatory<br />
is the ideal pause point between busy conference schedules<br />
– enjoy some refreshments, and relax.<br />
From lectures to live jazz, the CTICC’s auditoria remain<br />
consummate hosts.<br />
Exhibition Halls<br />
The Cape Town <strong>International</strong> Convention Centre provides<br />
10 000m2 of dedicated, column-free exhibition and trade show<br />
space. The exhibition halls are sub-divisible and can be configured<br />
into five separate venues for smaller exhibitions, banquets,<br />
special events or conferences.
THE VENUE<br />
It’s not called the Grand Ballroom for nothing<br />
The magnificent, multi-functional 2000m2 Grand Ballroom is<br />
delicately bathed in natural light. It can also be divided according<br />
to a 60-40 ratio by means of soundproof partitioning. And,<br />
although the aesthetics are designed to take full advantage of<br />
the view, motorised vertical blinds do allow for blackout.<br />
The venue is serviced from two dedicated kitchens situated<br />
on either side of the room. This allows for speed of service<br />
when the entire venue is in use. The 60-40 configuration would<br />
therefore see each individual room with its own kitchen.<br />
More room to move<br />
The Roof Terrace Room situated on Level 2 has spectacular<br />
views of Table Mountain. Natural light flows into the room from<br />
three sides of the venue, and motorised blinds allow for blackout.<br />
The Roof Terrace Room includes a dedicated foyer and exterior<br />
terrace, making this prime space highly flexible.<br />
There are also four flexible Meeting Rooms, each accommodating<br />
up to 330 delegates. The Meeting Rooms are subdivisible<br />
and can be set up for a variety of seating configurations.<br />
The thirteen Meeting Suites are well equipped and vary in size,<br />
accommodating up to 25 delegates. Many of these suites are<br />
glass fronted, and overlook the bustle of the Exhibition Halls.<br />
They double as private viewing boxes or VIP suites, broadcasting<br />
or pressrooms. These venues are most-often used as Speakers’<br />
Preparation rooms and Organizers’ Offices.<br />
A diverse number of dedicated conservatories and landings<br />
complement the meeting requirements of event organisers.<br />
The Convention Centre’s two multifunctional restaurants are<br />
the Strelitzia and the Jasminum. Both are accessible from<br />
several venues and the exhibition halls and are adjacent to the<br />
Clivia, Strelitzia and Jasminum conservatories.<br />
More than just a striking façade<br />
The interior of the Cape Town <strong>International</strong> Convention Centre<br />
reflects the city beyond. Modern, tranquil, and welcoming, this<br />
floating space creates an atmosphere of ‘African Zen’. Generous<br />
conservatories are flooded with natural light and surrounded<br />
by indigenous flora. These relaxing, less formal settings are<br />
perfect for viewing of exhibits, cocktails, light lunches, a meal<br />
on the run, or just a moment of quiet reflection in the course<br />
of a busy conference schedule.<br />
The Registration Foyer is a spacious area dedicated to the<br />
efficient registration of large numbers of conference delegates.<br />
Ideally located off the Main Foyer on the ground floor, this<br />
flexible space can be easily adapted to suit particular needs.<br />
The CTICC’s main foyer leads off Convention Square, a grand<br />
piazza that looks out over the Roggebaai Canal and the<br />
ArabellaSheraton Grand Hotel. Convention Square links the<br />
road network to the centre’s walkways and parking areas as<br />
well as the Roggebaai Canal embarkation point.<br />
Future flexibility<br />
The Cape Town <strong>International</strong> Convention Centre is already<br />
thinking ahead. In 2007 the exhibition area will be expanded<br />
to include a further 1200m2. Adjacent to Hall 4, this additional<br />
space will allow for breakout sessions for large conventions,<br />
dinner and lunch parties or exhibitions. Facilities and services<br />
will naturally match the exacting standards of the CTICC.<br />
The art of conferencing<br />
Bold, distinctive artworks that express African and Cape<br />
essences ensure that the centre is not only technologically<br />
sophisticated but also aesthetically pleasing. The striking 28metre<br />
wide and nearly 8-metre high relief sculpture in the Main<br />
Foyer, entitled Baobabs, Stormclouds, Animals and People, is<br />
a collaboration between the late San artist Tuoi Stefaans<br />
Samcuia and award-winning artist Brett Murray. It reflects the<br />
rich diversity of South African culture and brings into focus the<br />
qualities that make Cape Town historically and culturally unique.<br />
The second major artwork, Reservoir, is a vast two-piece<br />
sculpture by well-known local sculptor Gavin Younge. One<br />
portion comprises suspended vessel-like forms, woven from<br />
wire and metal strapping. The second piece consists of woven<br />
wooden boat hulls situated in the foyer of Auditorium I. Hidden<br />
speakers broadcast the life stories of people from Cape Town,<br />
South Africa, Africa and elsewhere in the world in a telling<br />
reflection of the region’s cultural heritage.<br />
Access for the disabled<br />
The CTICC has been designed around its visitors, including the<br />
disabled. The complex features international standard wheelchair<br />
access, designated drop-off points and parking bays, toilets for<br />
the physically challenged and elevators with Braille inscription.<br />
In fact, in 2004, the centre hosted Access, an <strong>International</strong><br />
Conference on Partnership in Disability, as well as the sixth<br />
General Assembly of the World Blind Union.
THE VENUE<br />
Technology: at your fingertips<br />
The Cape Town <strong>International</strong> Convention Centre combines<br />
aesthetics with supreme functionality. The highly sophisticated<br />
IT network with its fibre optic backbone, includes some 1800<br />
CAT5e data points located across the exhibition halls, meeting<br />
rooms and public spaces. This infrastructure is used to offer<br />
a host of technology services which include secure broadband<br />
internet. Every corner of the CTICC is also covered by separate<br />
wireless networks.<br />
Remote control touch panels in certain venues allow event<br />
organisers to control light levels, blinds, and projection screens.<br />
Should a power failure occur, emergency back-up generators<br />
guarantee an uninterrupted power supply.<br />
Service and quality: a great Cape tradition<br />
The staff at the Cape Town <strong>International</strong> Convention Centre<br />
are a committed team, aided by a sophisticated infrastructure,<br />
and cutting edge technology. This is enhanced by the excellent<br />
reputation of the operating company, the Dutch RAI Group,<br />
which has extensive international experience in all facets of<br />
the facility’s operation.<br />
The CTICC is supported by the qualified expertise of professional,<br />
preferred suppliers who complement the core services of the<br />
centre. These incorporate a full range of services from audiovisual<br />
and IT, to rigging and security.<br />
A choice of restaurants on the menu<br />
The Cape Town <strong>International</strong> Convention Centre’s catering<br />
division is managed by a team of talented, internationally trained<br />
chefs. They will help customise any menu you can imagine –<br />
and perhaps some you can’t. Running the length of the centre,<br />
the kitchen facilities are the largest and most advanced in the<br />
Western Cape. Dedicated lifts from the kitchen to each venue<br />
allow for every event to be catered for with efficiency, flair and<br />
friendliness.<br />
Delegates and visitors also have the option of visiting the<br />
CTICC’s two informal restaurants, the Jasminum and Strelitzia,<br />
or the privately-owned Marimba Restaurant, a vibrant eatery<br />
offering a combination of African and world cuisine. At the<br />
Marimba, guests can tune in to the vibrant beat of live jazz<br />
music, or take in the commanding city and mountain views<br />
from the outdoor terrace.<br />
The Cape Town Convention Centre has been provisionally<br />
booked for the period 9 - 14 September <strong>2012</strong>, and the following<br />
venues have been secured:<br />
• Auditorium 11<br />
• 25 Breakaway rooms for parallel sessions<br />
• The Roof Terrace<br />
• Executive Boardroom<br />
• Sub-divisible Exhibition Hall 1<br />
• Strelitzia and Jasminium Conservatories<br />
• Foyer areas for registration<br />
Effectively this reservation enables the organisers to cater for<br />
a conference up to 10 000 persons, or to scale down if required.<br />
In addition the adjacent Westin Grand Cape Town Arabella<br />
Quays Hotel has excellent conferencing facilities and would<br />
be available to be booked should additional venue space be<br />
required.<br />
We believe the venue is one of the most modern and suitable<br />
that exists, and its light and airy interior, coupled with ideal<br />
location, make it an ideal venue for the <strong>IAC</strong> conference in <strong>2012</strong>.
pre and post tours
1. Durban Beachfront<br />
2. Drakensberg<br />
3. Cosmopolitan Vibe<br />
4. Lion, One of Big Five of South Africa<br />
5. Kruger National Park<br />
6. Zulu Dancers<br />
3<br />
5<br />
1<br />
2<br />
4<br />
6
PRE AND POST TOURS<br />
South Africa is a long-haul destination for most international delegates. As such it makes sense to combine a trip to South Africa<br />
with a visit to one or more of the magnificent destinations that are on offer. From spectacular beaches to superb wildlife experiences,<br />
from deserts to one of the most stunning waterfalls in the world, Africa beckons with all that is great and wonderful. Here is a<br />
small sample of tours that will be on offer. The organizers will also tailor-make itineraries on request and collaborate closely with<br />
delegates in creating unique and special experiences<br />
The Garden Route:<br />
Kruger National Park and Mpumalanga:<br />
There are direct flights between Cape Town and Kruger <strong>International</strong> airport on the<br />
edge of Kruger Park. Alternately, main tours commence and end in Johannesburg,<br />
which is a major hub for many international flights. Standard tours visit the highlights<br />
of the eastern escarpment with its waterfalls and canyons, rich mining history and<br />
dramatic scenery. The tours then lead on to the world-renowned Kruger National<br />
Park, which exposes travellers to the very best that Africa has to offer in terms of<br />
wildlife experience. Stays can either be in National Park’s accommodation within<br />
the park, or at the luxurious and pampered lodges situated in the private reserves<br />
that adjoin the Kruger. Both experiences are unique and infinitely rewarding, and last<br />
from three days upwards.<br />
Northern Kwa-Zulu Natal:<br />
This tour traditionally commences in either Port Elizabeth or Cape Town and works<br />
equally well in either direction. The tour visits the famed Garden Route of the eastern<br />
Cape, with a dramatic and spectacular coastline of cliffs interspersed with endless<br />
golden beaches, huge natural lagoons, and thick indigenous coastal forest. Inland<br />
there are mountain passes and desert scenery and the famed Cango caves, as well<br />
as the Addo National Park with its large elephant herds. The tour usually lasts three<br />
nights and four days, and it is also possible to do this, and indeed any other tour,<br />
as a self drive.<br />
Port Elizabeth’s Bayworld offers a "must see" attraction of daily seal and dolphin<br />
shows, fish feeding and the interesting, educational Oceanarium and Snake Park.<br />
A Centre Of Excellence which brings together the past and the present in creating<br />
and conserving museum collections and disseminating knowledge in a dynamic<br />
way in order to stimulate a better understanding of humankind and its impact on<br />
the environment. Research and Communication efforts focus on Marine Science,<br />
Herpetology, Marine Archaeology and local history and provide cutting edge<br />
information on the natural and cultural diversity of the Algoa Bay region and beyond.<br />
This tour commences and ends in Durban. The tour encompasses the great park of<br />
Hluhluwe-Umfolozi with the world’s greatest concentration of white and black rhino,<br />
as well as being home to the big five. Then there is a visit to a traditional village to<br />
experience the history and rich tapestry of culture of the proud Zulu nation. There<br />
is also a visit to the World Heritage site of Greater St Lucia wetland park, whilst in<br />
Durban there is a visit to the Sharks Board and to the uShaka Marine World.
PRE AND POST TOURS<br />
Namibian Spectacular:<br />
Botswana’s Okovango Delta:<br />
Tropical Paradises:<br />
Stopovers en route:<br />
At the end of Durban’s Golden Mile is the beginning of a new world of fun,<br />
entertainment and excitement. uShaka Marine World, spanning over 15 hectares<br />
of prime beach front, is Africa’s largest Marine Theme Park. uShaka incorporates<br />
fresh and sea water, lush vegetation, natural materials and the recreation of a 1920’s<br />
cargo ship wreck into a magical world of sea and marine life. Operating as a multifaceted<br />
African Theme Park including Sea World, a retail village, a Wet & Wild Park<br />
and the administrative offices of SAAMBR & ORI.<br />
Namibia is a country of superlatives, from the mighty Fish River canyon to the highest<br />
dunes in the world near Sossusvlei, from cosmopolitan cities like Swakopmund and<br />
Windhoek to extraordinary national parks like Etosha. This is a land of splendid<br />
contrasts, where the overall impression is of vast open spaces and an endless African<br />
sky. Tours are available ex Cape Town, Johannesburg or Windhoek and average<br />
duration is 7-10 days.<br />
Possibly the finest scenery for wildlife in Africa. Pristine and primeval Africa is offset<br />
by superb private lodges where you can experience the best of the African wilderness.<br />
Any trip to the Okovango is unforgettable and life-changing. Packages depart<br />
Johannesburg and Cape Town and normally are a minimum of three days, although<br />
travellers can extend to spend time at a number of distinctly different lodges. The<br />
Okovango is a vast wetland in the Kalahari Desert where the desert is transformed<br />
into a wildlife paradise, and as such water-based and land packages make for a unique<br />
blend of experiences.<br />
South Africans have known for many years of the most wonderful tropical island<br />
destinations on their doorstep, enough to make the Caribbean or Pacific quite<br />
ordinary. These special island destinations are just a flight away from South Africa.<br />
Whether it’s the stunning Seychelles with its wonderful beaches or magical Mauritius<br />
with its pampered five star luxury or the outdoor adventure and French-cuisine of<br />
Reunion with its active volcano, to the underwater coral reefs of the Bazaruto<br />
archipelago in Mozambique, all are easily in reach of South Africa as affordable and<br />
extraordinary tropical getaways. Packages can be tailor-made to suit budget and<br />
length of stay.<br />
Many international flights pass through the gateway of Johannesburg. This is a city<br />
that should not be missed as a stopover package en route to Cape Town. A wide<br />
variety of tours and excursions are possible and these include cultural tours to the<br />
township of Soweto, to the Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill to relive South<br />
Africa’s recent political history, to Gold Reef City for a replica mining village of early<br />
Johannesburg, a city tour to experience the enormouscultural and architectural<br />
richness of the city, a visit to the Rhino and Lion Reserve north of the city or the De<br />
Wildt Cheetah rehabilitation Centre, the Elephant Sanctuary to get up close and<br />
personal with elephants including a ride on the back of an elephant, Sun City with<br />
its Las Vegas feel and great Pilanesberg National Park, or a tour of Pretoria and the<br />
Cullinan diamond mine. Johannesburg is a destination in its own right, cosmopolitan<br />
and up beat. Do not miss it.
1. Drakenstein, Stellenbosch<br />
2. Pezula Golf Course,Knysna<br />
3. Kleingenot, Franschoek<br />
4. Whale<br />
5. Boulders Beach Penguins<br />
6. Postberg, West Coast<br />
3<br />
5<br />
1<br />
2<br />
4<br />
6
BestCities Global Alliance<br />
Best Practices. Best Meetings. BestCities<br />
YOUR CONNECTION TO SERVICE<br />
Make your convention a BestCities.net experience<br />
BestCities is a global convention bureau alliance that delivers the best professional practices and services to congress<br />
planners. In an industry known for its wide range of services and standards, BestCities promises clients quality, expertise<br />
and professionalism. The Alliance has established the industry’s first global client Service Charter to guarantee meeting<br />
planners and association executives service levels built around reliability, assurance, innovation, empathy and responsiveness.<br />
The Alliance comprises 8 members: Cape Town, Copenhagen, Dubai, Edinburgh, Melbourne, San Juan, Singapore, and<br />
Vancouver.<br />
Attractive first-class destinations<br />
BestCities destinations have international recognition, a<br />
rich historical and cultural depth, as well as a high standard<br />
of living. All of these friendly, English-speaking cities are<br />
known for comfort, cleanliness and safety. They are vibrant<br />
destinations that feature great natural beauty, striking<br />
waterfronts, major tourist attractions, lively arts scenes,<br />
first-rate hotels, fine dining, and world-class shopping.<br />
World-class facilities<br />
BestCities destinations all have state-of-the-art convention<br />
facilities, many of which are surrounded by at least 10 000<br />
hotel rooms. Every city’s amenities are within walking<br />
distance complemented by quick, and safe public<br />
transportation systems.<br />
Become a BestCities client and enjoy the benefits of working with eight of the most progressive convention bureaux<br />
in the world!<br />
www.bestcities.net<br />
Easy Access<br />
Delegates have easy access to all BestCities destinations<br />
from major international airports. Our airports are all<br />
conveniently located to the city centres. The destinations<br />
are geographically diverse, yet equal in their ability to offer<br />
congress delegates a variety of interesting and exciting<br />
activities. All eight cities are easy to get around in with<br />
most major attractions, hotels, restaurants, and meeting<br />
venues just a short walk from each other.
Conclusion:<br />
We sincerely hope that our<br />
proposal meets with the<br />
committee’s expectations,<br />
allowing us to host the <strong>2012</strong><br />
<strong>IAC</strong> Congress in one of the most<br />
beautiful cities in the world.<br />
Dr Patrick A Garratt<br />
Managing Director<br />
<strong>Two</strong> <strong>Oceans</strong> <strong>Aquarium</strong>
Should you require any additional<br />
information please contact:<br />
Jillian Grindley-Ferris<br />
Brand & Business Manager<br />
<strong>Two</strong> <strong>Oceans</strong> <strong>Aquarium</strong><br />
P O Box 50603<br />
Waterfront<br />
8002<br />
Tel: +27 21 4183823<br />
Fax: +27 21 4183952<br />
E mail: Jillian.Grindley-Ferris@<strong>Aquarium</strong>.co.za<br />
PRODUCED BY<br />
7th Floor<br />
Waldorf Building<br />
St. George’s Mall<br />
Cape Town 8001<br />
Private Bag X9108<br />
Cape Town 8000<br />
Tel +27 21 487 4800<br />
Fax +27 21 487 4801<br />
convention@tourismcapetown.co.za<br />
www.tourismcapetown.co.za<br />
To the best of our knowledge all information that is included in this communication was correct at time of publication. However, information is subject to change and Cape Town<br />
Routes Unlimited can under no circumstances accept liability for innacurate information conveyed. E&OE. Copyright c 2008 Cape Town Routes Unlimited. All rights reserved.