This years dynamic and progressive Sports and Events Tourism Exchange Exhibition and Conference has been bolstered with the news that twenty high profile international buyers have already signed on for the events International Hosted Buyers (IHB) programme.
Tasked with promoting the country as a popular sports and events destination, international interest in the second annual SETE event has peaked following the announcement that South Africa was presented with the prestigious Worlds Leading Sports Tourism Destination Award at the 2012 World Travel Awards held in Doha towards the end of last year.
As part of SETEs IHB programme, the international buyers who will be attending the event, held at the ICC Durban between 12 and 14 September, will be introduced to the world class infrastructure that South Africa has to offer, in terms of stadia, venues and the well established services and supply chains of the sports and tourism industries. James Seymour, CEO of Durban KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau, said that attracting international buyers to SETE 2012 is the key component to achieving our goal of promoting South Africa as a destination for international mega events, as well as further entrenching the country as the preferred location for sports and tourism activities for both local and international travellers. As a country we are able to offer top class facilities and services, making South Africa a prime location for all top-level international sports events and concerts.
The 100 exhibitors who are expected to attend the event will also be looking to maximise their opportunity to access the influential international visitors as a means of gaining a footing in the sports tourism industry.
Speaking about the role of the international hosted buyers programme at SETE 2012, International Olympic Committee (IOC) member Sam Ramsamy, said, South Africa has become an attractive destination for sports events and conferences; a training venue for high performance athletes; and for leisure activities ranging from golf to mountain climbing, and the presence and contribution of the international hosted buyers will assist South Africa in adding value to these projects.
Nicholas Sam Parker, sponsorship manager for the Clipper Round the World Race, said that their involvement at SETE 2012 is aimed at securing South African business involvement in Clipper 13-14, the ninth edition of the race, generating economic impact for South Africa and the Clipper Race destinations as a whole by networking with businesses and organisations to develop interest in a South African entry in the race, as well as to develop a corporate responsibility programme around the above.
Intermatch will also be present at SETE 2012 as an international hosted buyer, represented by Benjamin JP Henecka, a FIFA and UEFA Official. Intermatch is a sports marketing company working closely with many UEFA Champions League clubs. “We are interested in the South African market since we see a lot of potential for our clients doing their pre- and mid-seasonal preparations in SA due to the huge demand for sports events and the excellent infrastructure said Henecka.
Other companies, institutions and federations who will be attending SETE 2012 as part of the IHB programme include: International Powerlifting Federation, International Federation of Netball Associations, International Softball Federation, International Table Tennis Federation, Cutting Edge Events India, GL Events/Where City meets Sports, Merit Global Events & Travels LTD Nigeria, International Workers Sport Confederation, International Waterski and Wakeboarding Federation, International Korfball Federation, Freestyle Football Federation, One Fighting Championships, The Sports Gurukul, and SportAccord.
