The Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI) has applauded the appointment of two South Africans to the board of the International Congress and Convention Association's (ICCA's) Africa Chapter.

South African Tourism's Business Tourism Portfolio Manager, Angeline Lue and Editor of the Southern African Conference, Exhibition and Events Guide, Irene Costa have been appointed chairperson and deputy chairperson, respectively.

"South Africa already accounts for more than 63 percent of all conference activities in Africa, with the industry producing more than R21 billion per year. Furthermore, ICCA currently ranks South Africa in 27th place internationally. To enhance the development of this industry to the benefit of Africa, the appointment of South Africans was an obvious choice," says SAACI chairperson Denise Kemp.

ICCA is the most representative organisation in the world of international meetings. Its 750 member companies and organisations in almost 80 countries represent the main specialists in handling, transporting and accommodating of international events. It has offices in the Netherlands, Malaysia, the USA and Uruguay.

ICCA was founded in 1963 by a group of travel agents with the aim to involve the travel industry in the rapidly expanding market of international meetings. Today international meeting planners rely on the ICCA network for, among others, venue selection, technical advice, assistance with delegate transportation and convention planning. ICCA members represent the top destinations worldwide and the most experienced specialist suppliers.

SAACI's approximately 800 members have access to the latest international information and trends in the conference industry through its affiliation to ICCA.

[18 Jun 2006 13:57]

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