Monday, December 4, 2023
To maintain a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving global industry, it is imperative to heighten brand awareness. This rationale drove South Africa’s business events sector to actively participate in the esteemed IBTM (Incentive, Business Travel, and Meetings) World, presently underway in Barcelona, Spain.
As the foremost gathering in the worldwide business events industry, IBTM World, held from November 28th to November 30th, 2023, offers a distinctive platform for engagement, networking, and business exchanges.
Renowned for its networking opportunities, IBTM World features educational sessions that showcase the latest trends and innovations in the industry. It is indispensable for professionals seeking insights and forging new connections in the global business events market.
The Team South Africa delegation made a robust representation across various sectors, including provincial tourism authorities, destination management companies, tour operators, and accommodation providers. This comprehensive representation highlights South Africa’s capacity to host world-class events.
Distinguished 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, collectively convey a powerful message to the world about South Africa’s capability and readiness to host business events of varying scales, needs, and purposes.
South Africa’s participation in IBTM World precedes its role as the host for the Meetings Africa 2024 conference in February, a premier trade show in the conference, exhibition, and meetings sector on the African continent.
Zinhle Nzama, Acting Chief Convention Bureau Officer at South African Tourism, underscores the strategic importance of this participation, emphasizing the commitment to position South Africa as a leading global destination for business events. She invites the global business events industry not only to explore South Africa’s diverse offerings and state-of-the-art facilities but also to experience its rich cultural heritage and welcoming communities.
South Africa has a history of successfully hosting international events, such as the 15th BRICS Summit, reinforcing its global influence. Nzama highlights the warmth and welcoming nature of South Africans as the country’s greatest asset, evident in the exceptional service ethos of 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 objective was to source high-quality business event leads, contributing to the country’s economic growth.
Nzama views IBTM World as more than an exhibition, describing it as a catalyst for growth and innovation in the business events industry. She reveals that since the start of the 2023/24 fiscal year, the SANCB has submitted 63 bids for international business events in South Africa between 2023 and 2029, with an estimated economic impact of R1.2 billion.
South African Tourism’s presence at IBTM World 2023 reaffirms its unwavering commitment to promoting South Africa as a premier business events destination, inviting industry professionals and delegates to explore its offerings and engage as the country continues to assert itself as a leader in the global MICE market.
Tags: business events, ibtm world, South Africa, spain
Saturday, April 27, 2024
