Meetings Africa to boost biz tourism

BUSINESS tourism in South Africa is a multi-billion rand industry and the upcoming exhibition, Meetings Africa, aims to boost business. Rick Taylor, head of the South African Tourism Convention Bureau says exhibitions like Meetings Africa make a real contribution to growing business tourism. “Business tourism generates R21bn a year in revenue, accounting for some 63 per cent of all conference and meetings activity in Africa,” says Taylor. Meetings Africa, which will take place from July 6 to 8, plans to be a one-stop shop for meeting planners, event organisers and incentive travel professionals, according to the organiser RAI Travel Exhibitions. Additional features will be added to the exhibition this year, says exhibition manager Nicolette Elia. “These include a local hosted programme for corporate buyers in partnership with The African Conference Directory and pre and post tours.” (Darren Sandras)