SANCB utilises platform at IBTM World to reaffirm South Africa as capable & geared

TThe South Africa National Convention Bureau Utilises Platform at IBTM World to Reaffirm South Africa is Capable and Geared to make greater impact in Business Events Sector 

IBTM World, Barcelona – The South Africa National Convention Bureau (SANCB) utilised its platform at IBTM World, Barcelona to reaffirm that South Africa is open for business and geared to make a greater impact in the Business Events sector, particularly going into the new decade. It’s new content strategy ‘Where Great Minds Meet’ is positioning South Africa as the best place to meet, thrive and inspire business growth.

During IBTM World, 698 meetings were conducted at the South Africa stand which hosted 24 exhibitors from various sectors including hotels, destination management companies, provincial tourism agencies and convention bureaus, professional conference organisers as well as selected SMME’s from South African Tourism and the National Department of Tourism’s Incentive program.

Chief Convention Bureau Officer, Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo said: “It is great to see so many buyers from all over the world with a genuine interest in South African products. All of our exhibitors had great platform to showcase their products and services, and an opportunity to share with buyers why South Africa should be the next destination for their business events. I am delighted that many of the interactions and meetings can lead to concrete business leads.”

Every year, South Africa hosts 211,000 regional, national and international meetings, conferences and exhibitions. Speaking on the importance of platforms such as IBTM World, Kotze-Nhlapo said: “Although we live in a digital age, there is still immense value in having face-to-face meetings between buyers and exhibitors. These platforms allow us to amongst other things, physically showcase our capabilities, answer questions, dispel myths but also provide clarity and garner excitement because we are so passionate about our country and our sector.”

Exhibitor feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. First time exhibitor Itumeleng Pooe of Hospitality Affairs said: “Our first appearance at IBTM World has been a phenomenal experience in terms of the quality of buyers and their interest. Plus, the quality of leads that are relevant gives us a positive outlook that the business opportunities we have had will lead to real conversions. This is a very friendly show and the prospects of travel between various countries and South Africa is very exciting. We are really impressed and will be back.”

Exhibitor Adrian Lange, CEO of African Incentive Travel highlighted the need to leave a legacy when it comes to tourism and the business events industry in South Africa and the social impact it can have.

Lange commented: “Tourism has evolved into being able to impact marginalised communities and make a radical transformation in areas that are affected by poverty or social issues. I am of the conviction and I really believe we need to innovate in these areas. South Africa has always been a thought leader in tourism with care, we are very keen and always wanting to introduce people from around the world to the full picture, and reality of South Africa, in a caring way. And then to come and leave a legacy and not just to have an incentive that is behind closed doors that is isolated from the realities of South Africa.

South Africa has successfully hosted some of the world’s biggest sporting events and conferences including the International Diabetes Federation, International AIDS Conference, the United Nations COP 17 Conference and the International Consumer Electronics Expo South.

Future events include the World Ophthalmology Congress from 26-29 June 2020 in Cape Town, the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences also to be held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 25 to 29 September 2022, with around 2000 delegates expected to attend.

-ENDS-

www.southafrica.net

For further information, contact:

Altaaf Kazi at South African Tourism
Tel: +27 11 895-3046
Email: altaaf@southafrica.net  OR mediaq@southafrica.net