Meetings Africa reflects on tourism growth
24 February 2016
Tourism had grown phenomenally in South Africa over the past 21 years – from four million visitors in 1994 to just under nine million in 2015 – Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom said on Tuesday February 23.
Officially opening the 11th edition of Meetings Africa – Africa’s premier business events trade show – at the Sandton Convention Centre, Minister Hanekom said this remarkable growth represented opportunities for more jobs and opportunities for entrepreneurs, as well as an opportunity for communities to join the tourism value chain.
About 15 African countries, seven tourism boards and 250 exhibitors are taking part in the two-day trade show. Minister Hanekom said a united Africa was open for business, with various African countries already forging partnerships to enhance the tourism value chain.
“Firstly, the meetings and events segment contributes significantly to the overall performance of the tourism sector in South Africa, and it has huge potential to contribute to tourism growth. Secondly, this [Meetings Africa] event brings Africa together and helps us to move forward as a continent, united through tourism. There is great potential for us to do even more to reap the full benefits of tourism,” he said.
“Today, we’re ushering in a new era for Meetings Africa. We’re more united in our aims and aspirations, and we’re more focused on delivering against this event’s mandate of Advancing Africa Together.”
The Advance Africa Together agenda, the Minister said, would ensure that the entire tourism value chain benefited from Africa’s capabilities, efficiency and hospitality when associations brought their events to the continent. Earlier, Councillor Willie van der Schyff, Chairperson of the City of Johannesburg’s Portfolio Committee for Economic Development, speaking on behalf of Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Development Councillor Ruby Mathang, said Johannesburg was well-placed to facilitate the sustained drive to unlock Africa’s economic potential.
“Aside from the significant role played by tourism in strategically creating and strengthening international relations, and contributing significant economic benefits, hosting business events also contributes to the knowledge economy of host cities, countries and communities,” he said.
“This fits in well with Meetings Africa’s campaign theme this year, focusing on the knowledge economy and innovation.”
Councillor Van der Schyff reminded visitors that “there is more to Joburg than business”, which fits in well with Joburg Tourism’s new campaign to get locals more involved in welcoming and guiding tourists to the province’s hidden tourism gems. Also in attendance were Lebogang Maile, Gauteng MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Agriculture and Rural Development; and Sthembiso Dlamini, acting CEO of South African Tourism.