South Africa Showcases to The Chinese Market at IBTM China 2018

JJohannesburg, South Africa: This week South African exhibitors, led by South African Tourism’s Chief Convention Bureau Officer, Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo, will be showcasing some of South Africa’s vast business events industry products at IBTM China 2018, China’s premier annual trade show for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) industry.

Taking place on the 12th and 13th September 2018 at the China National Convention Center in Beijing, IBTM China is expected to attract 4000 delegates marking a 33% increase when compared to last year. 

“China has become one of the core strategic source markets for South Africa especially for the MICE industry. The MICE industry in China, much like China's overall economy, is emerging, dynamic and fast growing. In 2017, mainland Chinese citizens made over 131 million trips (inclusive of both business and leisure travellers) across their borders spending more than USD 111 billion. Given the scale and importance of the market, IBTM China is the ideal platform for us to provide the most updated information about destination South Africa as the ideal and capable business events destination,” says Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo, Chief Convention Bureau Officer at the South Africa National Convention Bureau, a business unit of South African Tourism.

IBTM China provides an opportunity to connect with some of the global MICE industry’s most influential people all under one roof. IBTM China, features a stellar line-up of trade exhibitors, industry experts discussing latest trends and innovations, networking events and matchmaking to bring trade visitors and exhibitors together for two days packed full of pre-scheduled business meetings. Among the delegates are a record 400 high-profile, corporate hosted buyers from 49 international destinations.

“We will also use the trade show to reassure the global MICE industry that South Africa is very much open for business and that hosting meetings and events in South Africa is a must-do.”

South Africa hosts about a million meetings and conventions delegates every year and contributes about R115 billion to South Africa’s GDP every year, ” explained Kotze-Nhlapo.

“Also, in the year marking the centenary of Nelson Mandela’s birth, we will be continuing commemorating his life and legacy at IBTM China by inviting the global business events industry

to come host their events in South Africa and get a chance to walk in Madiba’s footsteps by visiting some of the sites across the country that shaped this global icon’s life,” concluded Kotze-Nhlapo.

IBTM China comes a week after President Cyril Ramaphosa’s visit to China where he attended and co-chaired the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation hosted by His Excellency Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China.

The South African product exhibiting at IBTM China include:

Ikhono Communications – Ms Mabuyi Mosia (Gauteng)
Ikhono Communications is a Professional Conference Organiser specialising in Conferences, Events and Exhibitions, Special Launches, Corporate Gifts, Corporate Social Investment Projects and venue sourcing. They offer a comprehensive service – from initial concept to the final product. They are accredited through the South African Association for the conference industry (SAACI). They are also members of Exhibition Association of Southern Africa (EXSA) with key target audience being Private companies, Associations, Government and NGOs

Northern Cape Tourism Authority – Mr Peter M’Kuchane (Northern Cape)
Combined with the spectacular setting which is the Northern Cape a range of superb facilities, an extensive choice of accommodation and excellent cuisine can be found in abundance.

The Radisson Blu Hotel Group – Ms Renee Cloete (Western Cape)
Radisson Hotel Group™ is one of the world's largest hotel groups with eight distinctive hotel brands, more than 1,400 hotels in operation and under development around the world. Guests can benefit from the newly rebranded Radisson Rewards™, a global rewards program that delivers unique and personalized ways to create memorable moments that matter to our guests. Radisson Rewards offers exceptional loyalty benefits for guests, meeting planners, travel agents and business partners.

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Issued by South African Tourism
For further information, contact:

Thandiwe Mathibela
Tel: +2711895 3177
Email: thandiwe@southafrica.net
Website www.southafrica.net                      

South African Tourism is the national tourism agency responsible for the marketing of South Africa as a preferred tourist destination. It is headed up by Chief Executive Officer, Mr Sisa Ntshona.