By Simon Nare
Meetings Africa, the continent’s grand gathering of business events industry players, kicked off at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg on Tuesday.
During the two-day event, exhibitors from 26 African countries will rule the trade floor to lure global buyers from across the world. Around 8000 meetings, where delegates will exchange ideas and knowledge, have been confirmed.
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille will deliver the keynote address and then join a panel discussion on the recently launched Trusted Tour Operators, which has been billed as a key feature in this year’s meetings.
The initiative was introduced to have a seamless visa application system and saw the first group of tourists from China arriving at the Cape Town International Airport at the weekend.
The Tourism Department, which is hosting the event, said in a statement that the gathering was an affirmation of its commitment to positioning Africa as a global powerhouse in the Meetings Incentives Conference and Exhibitions sector.
Further, this year’s event is taking place while South Africa is first Africa country to host the G20 Summit.
“The Meetings Africa trade floor proudly represents 26 African nations, eager to engage with top global buyers from across the world. Delegates include governments, businesses, entrepreneurs, global partners and business events professionals from around the world.
“This year, we are proud to welcome over 360 exhibitors from 26 African countries, with first time delegates from Chad, Guinea, Morocco and Madagascar,” said the department.
It added that it was proud to once again have funded the participation of 25 South African SMEs in the tourism sector to showcase their businesses at the gathering.
This affords them the opportunity to connect with leaders in business events, and secure partnerships and deals that will help their business and the country’s economy to grow.
The department emphasised that the event should not be seen as just a trade show, but rather a powerful platform where ideas met opportunity, connections sparked innovation, and where Africa stood together to showcase its limitless potential.
“Meetings Africa is a powerful economic growth enabler as it provides the business events sector with opportunities to connect with partners and buyers from all over Africa and the world,” said the department
Last year, the event pumped an estimated R420 million into South Africa’s economy, of which R215 million was to the Johannesburg economy.
“Meetings Africa is focused on investing in people and showcasing South Africa’s quality-assured facilities and venues, and together, positioning Africa as the go-to destination for world-class business events,” it said.
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