IMEX | SA’s Business Events Capabilities display in Frankfurt

SSA’s Business Events Capabilities on display in Frankfurt

A strong contingent of South African business events, conferencing and meetings products will be on display for the next three days at one of the world’s premier Meetings, Incentives, Conference and Events (MICE) exhibition shows, IMEX Frankfurt.

The annual IMEX Frankfurt show will see over 3 500 products in the exhibition halls while around 5 100 buyers will walk the floors in search of great deals and unique products in this sector of the tourism industry.

South Africa has representation across the board from hotels, airlines, destination management companies, provincial tourism agencies, provincial convention bureaus, professional conference organisers as well as selected SMME’s from South African Tourism’s and the National Department of Tourism’s Hidden Gem’s program.

These products will be hosted on the South African National Convention Bureau’s stand.

“South Africa over the recent years has consistently been ranked as the top African country in the ICCA rankings which is the global community and knowledge hub for the international association meetings industry,” says Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo, Chief Convention Bureau Officer at SA Tourism.

 “We further re-affirm this status by coming to IMEX Frankfurt as this provides us with the opportunity to reassure the global business events industry that South Africa is very much open for business and that hosting meetings and events in South Africa is a must-do.”

“For South Africa, the business events sector has an extensive value chain, stimulating economic activity in manufacturing, in the services sector and in the creative and cultural industries,” added Kotze-Nhlapo.

Close to 30 South African products, companies and organisations will be in Frankfurt to demonstrate South Africa’s wonderful capabilities and opportunities in this sector.

Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency (ECPTA) are one of the provincial tourism agencies exhibiting and they are attending IMEX Frankfurt for the first time.

“To date, the Eastern Cape has only focused on networking directly with trade through shows like ITB and because of the substantial numbers this market brings forth for the Eastern Cape. Alternatives like IMEX became imperative as they directly link the province to the business traveller and have the potential to attract corporate business and position the Eastern Cape as an affordable corporate destination,” commented ECPTA CEO, Vuyani Dayimani.

“Not only that, but with the 30% of first time travellers enticed by the Eastern Cape’s offerings to come back with families to enjoy various leisure and adventure experiences, it is strategically sound to lock existing leisure numbers and grow business tourism,” concluded Dayimani

South African Tourism is also excited by the SMME participation at IMEX Frankfurt.

There are 4 exhibitors from the Hidden Gems program – Makgale Tours (Gauteng); Urban Ginga (Gauteng); Crystal Productions (Western Cape) and Adventure Works (Western Cape) – attending the show.

With Transformation in the tourism industry a focal point for the South African tourism industry, the IMEX Frankfurt platform is an ideal opportunity for the SMME’s to showcase the diverse and unique offerings to a large audience.

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For further information, contact:

Altaaf Kazi at South African Tourism            
Tel: +27 11 895-3046                                           
Email: altaaf@southafrica.net  OR mediaq@southafrica.net
Website www.southafrica.net