South Africa will from now up till 2027 host at least 20 regional and international events at various centres across the country.
This is according to Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo, Chief Convention Officer of South Africa National Convention Bureau (SANCB) who revealed to VoyagesAfriq that the rainbow country had managed to win that number of events out of 66 that have been bid for so far.
“For the financial year, we bid for 66 regional and international events between 2022 and 2027, and of those, we’ve already won 20. And the potential of those 66 events is one billion Rand if we convert all of them and also 13000 delegates,” she stated.
She said the opportunity the meetings and events industry offer for tourists to visit the country underscores the significance of MICE to tourism.
“I keep on saying that’s why I love and am passionate about this industry, this sector of the tourism industry – is that it is a future industry, because we fill up the pipeline. You know, you have people up to 2027 that you know will come,” Amanda reiterated excitedly.
The SANCB boss added that bidding towns need to meet a set of criteria that is linked to the international bidding process. “We are trying to get them to host international meetings that fit their town. If the town can meet the criteria, [the SANCB] will support you,” said Kotze-Nhlapo.
Story by: Samuel Obeng Appah
