Thebe Tourism Group buys majority stake in South Africa RAI

Jeff Squire, managing director of the Thebe Tourism Group, views the acquisition as a valuable addition to their operations. "With more than 22 exhibition titles, including prestigious events such as Decorex and the Supersport Show, South Africa RAI has proved itself to be a heavy-weight player in the events and exhibitions sector."

Squire said South Africa RAI's status as a leader in its industry was underscored by its appointment as the first exhibitions company commissioned by SA Tourism in 2001 to turn Indaba, South African Tourism's premier showcase, into a world class exhibition over a three year period.

The Thebe Tourism Group believes the acquisition, which is subject to approval by the Reserve Bank, offers distinct strategic benefits.

"Our inbound tourism operations will gain from handling ground arrangements and logistics associated with exhibitions and other events. Thebe Conventions, our specialist organiser of national and international conferences, will furthermore receive a boost from the RAI exhibition portfolio and events allied to conferences," says Squire.

He adds, "South Africa RAI compliments our existing portfolio of tourism businesses. With this addition, Thebe Tourism Group is well placed to tap into our African heritage assets in the Gauteng, Limpopo and North Western regions and bring tourists to these sites. This will extend our footprint substantially, especially in Gauteng. The acquisition also enhances opportunities for skills development."

Thebe Tourism Group is a member of the Furneaux Stewart GAPP consortium appointed by the Gauteng Government to design, develop, market and operate the interpretation centre complex at the Cradle of Humankind. Thebe expects the acquisition of RAI to benefit this project.

Following the acquisition, South Africa RAI will continue to be led by managing director Carol Weaving and chairman of Exsa, the industry body.

Weaving says, "In order for the exhibition and events industry to sustain growth in South Africa and expand into neighbouring regions, South Africa RAI has for the past few years been seeking a well-matched BEE partnership which we recognise as essential to future business opportunities. We are delighted to be involved with a company of Thebe's calibre."

She emphasizes the opportunities that exist in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) industry: "South Africa continues to gain ground as a favoured conference, exhibition and events destination. The opportunity exists for South Africa Rai, with the support of Thebe Tourism Group and its regional and international links, to boost its existing portfolio substantially."