In line with its strategy to position South Africa as the best place to meet and nurture business growth and development, the South Africa National Convention Bureau (SANCB) reaffirmed that the country is ‘Where Great Minds Meet’ at IBTM World that took place in Barcelona, Spain, from 19-21 November 2019.
During the event, SANCB hosted 24 exhibitors on its stand, with local representatives from hotels and venues, destination management companies, provincial tourism agencies and convention bureaus, professional conference organisers as well as SMMEs from South African Tourism and the National Department of Tourism’s incentive programme.
On its showcase during IBTM World, the SANCB’s chief convention bureau officer, Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo said: “It is great to see so many buyers from all over the world with a genuine interest in South African products. All of our exhibitors had a great platform to showcase their products and services, and an opportunity to share with buyers why South Africa should be the next destination for their business events. I am delighted that many of the interactions and meetings can lead to concrete business leads… These platforms allow us to, amongst other things, physically showcase our capabilities, answer questions, dispel myths but also provide clarity and garner excitement because we are so passionate about our country and our sector.”
In total, 698 meetings were conducted on the SANCB stand.
South Africa hosts 211,000 regional, national and international meetings, conferences and exhibitions every year.
South Africa hosts 211,000 regional, national and international meetings, conferences and exhibitions every year. These include major global sporting events and conferences, including the International AIDS Conference and the United Nations COP 17 Conference. Upcoming events in 2020 include the World Ophthalmology Congress taking place in June and the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) World Congress of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences in September, with both being held at Cape Town International Convention Centre. FIP is expected to attract 2,000 delegates.
“Tourism has evolved into being able to impact marginalised communities and make a radical transformation in areas that are affected by poverty or social issues. I am of the conviction and I really believe we need to innovate in these areas. South Africa has always been a thought leader in tourism with care, we are very keen and always wanting to introduce people from around the world to the full picture, and the reality of South Africa, in a caring way. And then to come and leave a legacy and not just to have an incentive that is behind closed doors, that is isolated from the realities of South Africa,” commented African Incentive Travel CEO Adrian Lange who exhibited at IBTM World.
