The Forced Cancellation of Four Jewel Events Amidst COVID-19 and Its Probable Influence on the Western Cape Economy: a Literature Review

In March 2020, the CoronaVirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) was identified as a Public Health Emergency. This led to economic disruptions of various countries around the globe either by slowing down or by halting economic activities. These disruptions were induced by measures introduced by world governments such as enforcing prohibitions on travelling (nationally and internationally) and limiting social contact. One industry directly impacted by these imposed measures is that of the Tourism and Events industry, particularly through the forced cancellations and/or postponements of events. In a South African dispensation, the Tourism and Events industry is a major contributor to the national economy and, taking into account the forced cancellations and/or postponements of events, it is highly probable that COVID-19 will have an adverse influence on the South African economy. For this study, the primary objective was to theoretically ascertain the influence of forced cancellations of four jewel events, amidst COVID-19, on the economy of the Western Cape (South Africa). Exploratory research was conducted with a non-empirical approach, while simultaneously utilising a qualitative research methodology. From the research conducted, it appears that the forced cancellations of four jewel events, due to COVID-19, will have dire repercussions on the Western Cape economy.