The fifth annual Sports & Events Tourism Exchange (SETE), kicked off in earnest yesterday at the Protea Hotel Fire and Ice! Menlyn, in the City of Tshwane, the new host city partner.
Acting Mayor for Tshwane, Cllr Subesh Pillaywelcomed dignitaries, government officials, tourism partners, the private sector and the media, to the first SETE event, held in Tshwane. Cllr Pillay invited all participants to make time to experience all the region has to offer, from attractions to infrastructure to world class facilities, ideally suited for global and mega events.
The very first session was announced when SETE Show Director, Sugen Pillay introduced Moeketsi Mosola, a lecturer from the University of Pretoria’s, Business of Sport Department. Mosola presented the scene re The Role of Local Government in Events Tourism. The panel discussion was then joined by Lindiwe Kwele, Deputy City Manager at the City of Tshwane, Jeremy Evans an Events Strategy Consultant from the United Kingdom and Prof John Nauright from the University of Brighton’s Sport & Leisure Management Department.
Next up was Professor Kamilla Swart on Promoting South Africa’s Golf Tourism Products and her panel included Carl Reinders of Kiburi Holdings, Mike McNamara, Director of Golf KZN and Nomasonto. Emphasis was amongst other, the great diversity and scenery South Africa has on offer mixed with culture and big game experiences, a unique blend for global Golf enthusiast.
Post lunch session saw Golf Management guru Eddie Bullock, from the UK, setting the stage with international case studies on the Commercial Viability of Golf Estate. His panel included Andrew Cooke, Chief Executive and Founder of Golf Tourism UK, Ivano Ficalbi Chief Executive PGA and Nic Grundtvig, PGA Director of Golf, Pinnacle Point Estate.
Closing the day was Eddie Bullock again with The Success of Major Golf Events to Promote Destinations. The panel consisted of Nomasonto Ndlovu, Strategic Executive Director at City of Tshwane, Grant Wilson COO of the Sunshine Tour and again Andrew Cooke.
Topics for today, the second day of Sports & Events Tourism Exchange include: School Sports Tourism, Technology and High Performance Athletes, Marketing Trends including the impact of New Media or Digital Media and lastly The Commercial Viability of Event Venues.
