Meetings Africa indaba under way in Sandton
28 February 2017
More than 600 international, local and regional buyers have converged on Sandton for the 12th edition of Meetings Africa, Pan-Africa’s business tourism annual lekgotla that showcases a range of the best hospitality products and services on offer on the continent.
Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom is expected to address the delegates. City of Johannesburg Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Development Cllr Sharon Peetz, who will also grace the event, says Meetings Africa is an important business-to-business marketing platform on the continent.
“It showcases Africa’s diverse offerings of services and products. This is where African associations and African meetings industry professionals can partner to help transform our continent. The global meetings industry has in recent years begun to recognise Africa as a sought-after destination,” says Cllr Peetz.
Joburg Tourism, the City’s tourism marketing and promotion entity that has been part of this premier annual trade show since 2009, is dedicated to growing it and securing Johannesburg as its permanent home.
“Joburg Tourism takes the lead in ensuring growth in the number of international buyers and exhibitors who attend the event to increase arrivals and length of stay. We have a proven track record for successfully hosting high-profile international events and this year Meetings Africa will once again focus on its theme of encouraging and stimulating the rotation of African association meetings on the continent.
“Meetings Africa is also the ultimate platform for the South African National Convention Bureau (SANCB) and the regional industry to engage with the specific objectives of attracting more global and regional business events to Africa,” says Cllr Peetz.
Some of the business events to be held in Johannesburg this year, and confirmed by Joburg Tourism’s Convention Bureau, include:
The Global Entrepreneurship Congress;
The 84th UFI Global Congress;
The Family-Centred Early Intervention Africa Conference and African Social Business; and
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers.
For more information on Meetings Africa 2017 go to www.meetingsafrica.co.za.