Sports & Events Tourism Exchange dates moved

"We know our buyers, exhibitors and all stakeholders involved will gain so much more value from our event now that the dates have been moved," said Sugen Pillay, the business development director of Thebe Exhibitions and Projects. "Key to this event is the support we receive from the SASCOC, and since this year's IOC General Assembly takes place in Argentina over the same time as the event was originally planned for, we knew it made sense to postpone in order to have SASCOC's involvement".

A developmental platform

"We are delighted to still be able to be involved in SETE," commented Tubby Reddy, CEO of SASCOC. "This is a significant year for the International Olympic Committee with the election of a new president and the announcement of the winning city for the 2020 Summer Olympics. The Sports & Events Tourism Exchange is an important event that provides the perfect platform in our country for the development of many issues surrounding tourism, employment, training and recognition of our infrastructure and facilities in South Africa. SASCOC is immersed in those issues and fully endorses all that this event encompasses in fulfilling the country's goals surrounding future events to be held here," concluded Tubby.

SETE is aimed at positioning South Africa as a sports tourism destination. Across the three days, SETE provides the opportunity for businesses from the sports and tourism industries to collaborate during the two-day conference, exhibition and networking event. SETE attracts over 1000 visitors who are decision makers in the sports industry.

This year the conference will not only assess the progress achieved in the implementation of the strategy set in place in 2012, but will also examine the role of local government in supporting major events, understanding global sponsorship trends and accessing finance for major events. A key focus this year will also be to understand the challenges and opportunities with growing sports tourism in Africa. Experts will debate the need and key elements of a strategic framework to ensure that Africa is globally competitive as a sports tourism continent.

The SETE is hosted by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development and Tourism, partnered by CATHSSETA, SASCOC, Tourism KZN and Durban Tourism, and supported by Durban KZN Convention Bureau.

For more information, go to www.sportsandevents.co.za. For exhibition stand bookings, email Robyn Harvey at az.oc.gpet@nybor.