Conference to explore SA business tourism issues

South Africa's second business tourism conference, encompassing all sectors of the industry, will set the tone at Meetings Africa 2007 by taking an in-depth look at the issues currently affecting business tourism locally. It will be opened by Environmental Affairs and Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk on 27 February 2007 at the Sandton Convention Centre.

13 Oct 2006

The conference will be presented by Meetings Africa - one of South Africa's annual business tourism exhibitions - in conjunction with the Johannesburg Convention Bureau and the City of Johannesburg. The expo will be held on 28 February and 1 March and is arranged by the Thebe Exhibitions and Events Group.

Group managing director Carol Weaving says although the conference is aimed at members of the local business tourism industry, delegates will have the opportunity to interact with the international buyers hosted at Meetings Africa at a series of round-table discussions. Topics of these discussions include 'How does South Africa work collectively to sell the destination?' and 'Associations - what are they looking for?'

Delegates will be addressed by a number of international business tourism professionals.

Weaving says South Africa is becoming increasingly visible as a potential business tourism destination. "With this conference we hope to ensure that role players and industry members all share the same reference and goals when conducting future business and embarking on marketing campaigns.

"It should also be a definitive networking opportunity for industry members. In the evening of 27 February South African Tourism will host a ball for delegates and local and international visitors. Delegates will also have entry to industry breakfast seminars on 28 February and 1 March where, among others, they will be able to interact with South African Tourism's business tourism managers that work in specific overseas markets."

For more information, go to www.meetingsafrica.co.za.