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Home , Free state (polity), Free State (province)

FREE PROVINCE

The Free State is a place of wide open spaces and true South African hospitality. Known as the agricultural epicentre of the , it’s also becoming a key business and tourism destination. The African National Congress (ANC) was formed here in 1912, hence the province is known as the birthplace of liberation in . Today, is the judicial capital of the country. The Free State is situated in the heart of South Africa and offers a mix of colourful cultures, fun urban vibes and a host of natural attractions. KEY INDUSTRIES • The Free State National Botanical Garden in Bloemfontein, a haven for nature and wildlife on African Continent • Agriculture the edge of the • Mining Mangaung – birthplace of the African National Congress (ANC) offering nearby • Production landmarks of the province’s founding fathers • Manufacturing • King’s Park and the Bloemfontein Zoological • Petrochemicals Gardens - for great walks and spending time in • Hi-tech industry nature. King’s Park boasts over 4 000 rose bushes • Tourism • Franklin and Naval Hill – free roaming wild animals and panoramic views KEY ATTRACTIONS of the city • The Loch Logan Waterfront in Bloemfontein – South Africa • Golden Gate Highlands National Park - known for shops, restaurants, pubs and entertainment all its spectacular scenery and a host of outdoor and under one roof adventure activities • Dome – a UNESCO World Heritage Site • Bloemfontein and surrounds, with its historic that boasts the largest meteorite crater and heritage sites – President Brand Street in on the planet Bloemfontein is the only entire street in the • Windmill Casino and Entertainment Centre – for southern hemisphere to have been declared fun and leisure on the outskirts of Bloemfontein a national monument • The Basotho Cultural – interactive displays give insight into traditional Sotho heritage Free State • The of Clarens – known as “The Jewel of the Free State” and home to art galleries, fun eateries and outdoor adventures • and Nature Reserve – the Free State’s largest nature reserve and a popular attraction for nature-lovers and those who enjoy water sports FREE STATE: BLOEMFONTEIN

RISE WITH THE WARM HEART OF • Australia: Perth, Sydney SOUTH AFRICA • Africa: all major Known for its unique blend of rural tranquillity and Bloemfontein is also an easy 3-4 hour drive from home-grown hospitality, Bloemfontein is shaking off its Johannesburg, along the Highway. laid-back persona and is becoming a popular cultural and business city. The city is home to a vibrant mix of ACCOMMODATION Bloemfontein nationalities. It’s also the judicial capital of South Africa. While Bloemfontein literally means “flower fountain”, The list of 1 543 hotel rooms below includes Graded it is also known as the “City of Roses” because of the Establishments only: annual rose festival that takes place here. Bloemfontein • 61 five-star rooms Short flights from is steeped in South Africa’s history and heritage, yet has • 623 four-star rooms Johannesburg a unique take on modern-day living. • 859 three-star rooms The popular Windmill Casino and Entertainment ACCESSIBILITY Centre offers 80 rooms. Home-grown Bloemfontein is easily accessible through South Africa’s hospitality major international airports located in the cities of VENUE CAPACITY Johannesburg, and Durban with: • 10 direct flights a day from Johannesburg The primary meeting venues in Bloemfontein include: • 2 direct flights a day from Cape Town • The Sand du Plessis Theatre – a modern Judicial capital • 1 direct flight a day from Durban performing-arts centre near The Loch Logan Waterfront with a seating capacity of 2 000 Johannesburg is the gateway to South Africa via OR • The City Hall Auditorium has capacity for 1 000 seats • The University of the Free State has 3 plenary Place of wide Tambo International Airport – the largest airport in open spaces Africa. Connecting flights via Johannesburg include: spaces with seating capacity of up to 4 000 each • : Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Istanbul, London, and a large number of meeting rooms Luxembourg, Madrid, Munich, Paris, Zurich • Middle East: Abu Dhabi, Cairo, Dubai, Jeddah Alternate function venues include Loch Logan Island • North America: Atlanta, New York on the Waterfront, the Oliewenhuis Museum, the Oude Kraal Country Estate (known for authentic local Key attractions: • South America: Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo Historical sites, Golden Gate • Asia: Bangkok, Beijing, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Singapore cuisine) and the Fire Brigade Museum. National Park, Clarens, Basotho culture FREE STATE: BLOEMFONTEIN

ORGANISING AND FREE STATE TOURISM AUTHORITY’S BUSINESS EVENTS UNIT IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE SOUTH HOSTING EXPERIENCE AFRICA NATIONAL CONVENTION BUREAU (SANCB) • Brahman World Congress 2014 OFFERS THE FOLLOWING SERVICES: • Pre and post bid support, bid promotion and • ANC’s 44th Annual Conference 2013 handling of request for proposals • Macufe Mangaung African Cultural Festival • Expertise on local products and services; access to Why choose local industry and government contacts • Nampo Agricultural Festival BLOEMFONTEIN • Building attendance and event marketing activities • The annual Cherry Festival 1. Easy access • Convention planning support • Tour de Free State 2. Value for money

• Site inspections (bid and convention planning) 3. Heart of South • Vryfees Art Festival (known previously as the Africa Volksblad Arts Festival) • On-site event services 4. Rich history and • Bloemfontein Rose Festival heritage

• Bloemfontein Show – largest agricultural and 5. Scenic beauty

entertainment show in South Africa 6. Solid track record

• The Clarens Craft Beer Festival 7. Variety of experiences • Retrofest in 8. Pre and post tours Please contact: 9. Home-grown South Africa National Convention Bureau (SANCB) hospitality T: (+27) 11 895 3000 E: [email protected] 10. Exceptional W: businessevents.southafrica.net conference centres