Six hundred and ninety-eight meetings were conducted at the South Africa stand which hosted 24 exhibitors from various sectors including hotels, destination management companies, provincial tourism agencies and convention bureaus, professional conference organisers as well as selected SMME’s from South African Tourism and the National Department of Tourism’s Incentive programme.
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."
Every year, South Africa hosts 211,000 regional, national and international meetings, conferences and exhibitions. Speaking on the importance of platforms such as IBTM World, Kotze-Nhlapo said: "Although we live in a digital age, there is still immense value in having face-to-face meetings between buyers and exhibitors. 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."
First time exhibitor, Itumeleng Pooe of Hospitality Affairs, said: "Our first appearance at IBTM World was a phenomenal experience in terms of the quality of buyers and their interest. Plus, the quality of leads that are relevant gives us a positive outlook that the business opportunities we have had will lead to real conversions. This is a very friendly show and the prospects of travel between various countries and South Africa is very exciting. We were really impressed and will be back."
Exhibitor Adrian Lange, CEO of African Incentive Travel highlighted the need to leave a legacy when it comes to tourism and the business events industry in South Africa and the social impact it can have.
Lange commented: "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 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 are isolated from the realities of South Africa."
