A new virtual tourism trade platform, Around Africa | The Impact Imbizo, will launch its first global activation from August 24 to September 25.
Rather than running as a traditional multi-day virtual trade show, the event will be held across four Global Pop-Up weeks. Buyers and exhibitors will meet through pre-scheduled, 20-minute, one-to-one video appointments. Meeting windows will be dedicated to:
- Australia and New Zealand
- Europe, the UK, Ireland and Africa
- North America and Canada
- Latin America and the Caribbean
- Open Time
Meeting calendars will open on August 3.
Co-Founder Rudi Wagenaar said the concept was designed to complement, rather than compete with, existing trade shows.
“There is still a gap for smaller businesses that have not managed to attend international trade shows because of the time, cost or operational demands involved. There is also a need for businesses that simply want to reconnect with buyers before the high season begins.”
Co-Founder Thabang Rapotu said the platform aims to create more accessible opportunities for smaller tourism businesses.
“A larger, well-known business and a small, emerging operator can stand alongside one another on the same searchable showroom floor. Buyers can discover businesses according to their interests rather than only those able to afford the largest exhibition stands.”
The platform was developed using Brandlive technology and requires no software download, allowing participants to browse exhibitor profiles and join scheduled meetings through a web browser.
According to the organisers, more than 200 tourism brands, properties and industry partners have already registered for the inaugural event.
“Participants choose the Global Pop-Up weeks and regional meeting windows that work for them without leaving their businesses, their teams, their families or their guests behind.”
Where a buyer or exhibitor is unable to attend a scheduled meeting, the platform enables participants to reconnect and arrange another suitable time.
To register, visit the Around Africa website.
