SA RAI becomes Thebe Exhibitions

"The tremendous synergies between South Africa RAI and the companies within Thebe Tourism Group active in the business tourism arena made the transaction a natural choice for us," comments Carol Weaving, managing director of Thebe Exhibitions and owner of the remaining 30 percent shareholding in the company.

Weaving, a past chairperson of the Exhibition Association of Southern Africa (EXSA) and one of the drivers behind the South African Meetings Industry Federation (SAMIF), plans an aggressive drive to expand each company's portfolio of customers nationally, and to exploit common links to mutual growth.

"Collectively, we are able to offer unsurpassed expertise and service in these specialist areas and, more importantly, on a national level," Weaving says.

Thebe Tourism Group enjoys a strong presence in the Cape, whilst Thebe Exhibitions has a solid foothold in Gauteng. Together with Thebe Events, the latest offering from the Thebe Tourism Group stable, this business tourism grouping will offer distinct, though complementary services, all under a single roof.

"Firstly, our Black Economic Empowerment vision has been consummated, with partners that we trust and respect. This has provided Thebe Exhibitions with a solid foundation for continued growth and success in this sector.

"I believe Thebe's empowerment credentials and recognition as the premier black empowered, socially responsible leader in the tourism sector will give Thebe Exhibitions an edge into a host of marketing initiatives.

"A second major benefit lies in our common interests in the tourism sector: Thebe Exhibitions has identified business tourism as a key element in its marketing efforts and we will be leveraging Thebe Tourism Group's strong expertise in the tourism arena, in order to maximise opportunities presented by the anticipated explosive growth in business tourism to South Africa," says Weaving.