OVER the next five years,
South Africa will play host
to 177 major meetings,
which will attract a quarter
of a million delegates and
contribute nearly R3,5bn
to the economy, Tourism
Minister Derek Hanekom told
delegates at Meetings Africa.
Opening the 10th Meetings
Africa Show, the minister
said business events played
a crucial role in tourism
growth and creating jobs.
“According to research
conducted by our National
Convention Bureau, 40%
of all convention delegates
attending meetings in
South Africa return in the
next five years as tourists,
boosting tourism growth and
job creation years into the
future,” he said.
According to the
minister, the 184 qualified
international buyers
attending the show had the
potential to bring 54 000
delegates to the country,
and contribute R1bn to the
economy. The top source
markets represented by the
buyers at this year’s show
are India, the US, Canada
and China. He added
that 60% of the buyers in
attendance were attending
the show for the first time.
“During this Meetings
Africa, we invite the world
to rise with us,” said
Derek. “Bring your events
to our destination. While
you are here, enjoy our
hospitality. And plug into our
local knowledge economy
in fields as varied as
mining, astronomy, design,
health and medicine,
telecommunications,
environmental conservation
and many others.
