Business tourism expo shows growth
Meetings Africa, the business tourism exhibition held for the third time at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg recently, is on a growth path, according to Carol Weaving, MD of organisers Thebe Exhibitions & Events. Not only was there an increase of roughly 15% on the number of visitors last year, it was also the first time that all nine provincial tourism authorities were present.
Says Weaving, “Meetings Africa is definitely to business tourism what the annual Indaba is to leisure tourism. We are working towards creating an even bigger and better business tourism showcase for 2008 and beyond. If you are in business tourism, you have to be there.”
Some 200 companies marketed their products or services at the two-day exhibition this year, which was attended by 2806 visitors, including local and international delegates and journalists.
Positive response
According to Weaving, the response from both exhibitors and visitors has been extremely positive.
Avnur San of Oniva Tour in Istanbul, Turkey said she would definitely recommend South Africa to her clients and encourage them to bring their groups. “South Africa is really a dream! Our post-tour to Cape Town was really great and we enjoyed the feel of South Africa.”
Reports Adene Pringle, sales manager – exhibitions at the Sandton Convention Centre, “I heard several visitors comment on the buzz that was going on. Well done, you exceeded all expectations!”
Meetings Africa, a public/private partnership between South African Tourism and Thebe Exhibitions & Events and presented by the Gauteng Tourism Authority, was preceded by a business tourism conference with top local and international business tourism experts addressing some 200 delegates.
Meetings Africa 2008 will take place on 27 and 28 February 2008.
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