Wednesday, December 6, 2023
IBTM World, renowned as the foremost event in the global business events industry, took place from November 28th to 30th, 2023, serving as a distinctive platform for fostering engagement, connections, and business interactions.
Distinguished for its networking opportunities, IBTM World featured educational sessions highlighting the latest industry trends and innovations. This event is indispensable for professionals seeking insights and new contacts within the global business events market.
The Team South Africa delegation robustly represented diverse sectors, including provincial tourism authorities, destination management companies, tour operators, and accommodation providers. This comprehensive representation showcased South Africa’s entire business events industry, emphasizing its capability to host world-class events.
Prominent conference centers and provincial convention bureaux, such as the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (Durban ICC), Durban KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau, Gauteng Convention & Events Bureau, Sandton Treeway Centre/Hotel Sky, Vineyard Hotel, Century City Conference Centre and Hotels, Into Africa, and Radisson Hospitality South Africa, conveyed a powerful message to the world about South Africa’s readiness to host business events of various scales, needs, and purposes.
South Africa’s participation in IBTM World aligns with its preparations to host the Meetings Africa 2024 conference in February, a leading trade show in the conference, exhibition, and meetings sector on the African continent.
Zinhle Nzama, Acting Chief Convention Bureau Officer at South African Tourism, emphasized the strategic importance of this participation, stating, “Our presence at IBTM World underscores our dedication to positioning South Africa as a leading global destination for business events.”
As a notable business events destination, South Africa has a proven history of successfully hosting international events, including the recent 15th BRICS Summit, reinforcing its global influencer status.
Nzama highlighted South Africa’s greatest asset as the warmth and welcoming nature of its people, evident in every corner of the country, from vibrant cities to serene safaris. This warmth translates into an exceptional service ethos, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sector.
At IBTM World, South African exhibitors engaged in pre-scheduled face-to-face meetings to foster meaningful connections and business opportunities. The focus was on sourcing high-quality business event leads to contribute to the country’s economy.
Nzama emphasized that IBTM World is not just an exhibition but a catalyst for growth and innovation in the business events industry. South African Tourism’s involvement is part of a cohesive strategy for industry representation on global platforms.
Since the start of the 2023/24 fiscal year, SANCB has submitted 63 bids for international business events to be hosted in South Africa between 2023 and 2029. These bids, with a combined estimated economic impact of R1.2 billion, reflect the commitment to attracting significant business events aligned with the National Government’s development priorities.
South African Tourism’s presence at IBTM World 2023 is a testament to its unwavering commitment to promoting South Africa as a premier business events destination. Industry professionals and delegates are invited to explore the offerings and engage with South Africa as it continues to position itself as a leader in the global MICE market.
Monday, January 1, 2024
