Business tourism exhibition draws local, international interest
Meetings Africa, the continent’s annual business tourism exhibition, opened its doors in Johannesburg yesterday morning, Wednesday, 28 February 2007, to much local and international interest, according to organisers Thebe Exhibitions & Events. Business tourists currently make up 5% of South Africa’s total tourism market and contributed R2.3 billion to overall tourism revenue in 2005.
A public/private partnership between South African Tourism and Thebe Exhibitions & Events, and presented by the Gauteng Tourism Authority, Meetings Africa is showcasing more than 200 of the top business tourism products on the continent, including conferences and special events venues, incentive travel destinations and specialist services.
Key growth driver
Carol Weaving, MD of Thebe Exhibitions & Events, says Meetings Africa, now in its third year, has become a key driver of growth in South Africa’s business tourism sector.
“I believe Meetings Africa will be instrumental in improving South Africa’s rankings as an international meetings destination over the next few years as it is already becoming a significant event on the global business tourism calendar. It will go a long way in assisting the industry to reach its goal,” says Weaving.
At the Meetings Africa business tourism conference on Tuesday, Environmental Affairs and Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk challenged the industry to work towards this goal, which is to make South Africa one of the top international business tourism destinations in the world by 2010.
According to the International Congress & Convention Association (ICCA), Africa is currently ranked as the 32nd most popular international meetings destination.
Vital role
Weaving says the Meetings Africa partnership with South African Tourism also assists in promoting the BusinessUnusual concept that positions South Africa as an ideal destination for conferences and events. “In fact, Meetings Africa undoubtedly plays a vital role in South African Tourism’s business tourism growth strategy.”
International buyers at Meetings Africa are visiting South Africa courtesy of the Department of Trade and Industry and are representing key markets in Europe, the Americas and the East.
Various business tourism industry events are coinciding with Meetings Africa, such as the Africa chapter meeting of ICCA and the board meeting of the Society of Incentive & Travel Executives (SITE).
Meetings Africa is being held at the Sandton Convention Centre until the end of today, 1 March 2007, after which the international delegates will depart on educational tours of the various provinces.
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