RAI beats rivals for Cape Town centre - Oct 00

By Jennifer Creevy The Cape Town International Convention Centre Company (Convenco) has picked RAI Group International Communications to run its R320million (US$44million) convention and exhibition centre. Following a three-way pitch with the UK's NEC Group and French firm Generale Location, RAI will take over when the venue opens in 2002. "The selection of the RAI Group followed careful assessments made to Convenco and was also based on the facilities that RAI manage elsewhere," said Convenco chairman and finance minister Mr Leon Markovitz. RAI Group managing director Mr Fred Minken said: "While our operations have focused on bringing people together in the Netherlands, we have been keenly aware that national borders are becoming less important and trade and industry are operating globally to an ever greater degree. "We are delighted to have been chosen as the preferred operator for the Cape Town International Convention Centre, which will be integral to expanding our international operations." The venue is being built to link the city with the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Its capacity has not yet been finalised, but it is expected to host up to 2,000, theatre-style.