South African National Convention Bureau has said African countries need to unite to unlock the rich potential of business events through the world’s fastest growing economies (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa).
Describing the BRICS countries as emerging business events destinations, the bureau said it was part of its strategy to advance African continent’s international business events standing in the global business events market.
According to a statement from the bureau, it is also the SANCB’s objective to forge more inclusive continental partnerships to realise the industry’s potential.
Consequently, South African Tourism Minister, Marthinus Van-Schalkwyk, would address delegates at Meetings Africa 2013, where a high-profile panel would debate the value of the BRICS global partnership for its member states.
The event, holding in Johannesburg during the week, would create a pan-African meetings Africa platform, as Africa’s economy was said to be growing at more than four per cent a year, with growth in Sub-Saharan Africa forecast by the World Bank to rise to six per cent.
Meetings Africa is a global platform showcasing South Africa and regional Africa’s burgeoning standing as a major international business events destination.
Hosted by the SANCB, in partnership with the Gauteng province and the City of Johannesburg, Meetings Africa brings together business events products, services, experts and facilities needed to stage an international meeting and business event of any size and stature.
Highlighting the programme, South African Tourism Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Thulani Nzima, said, “The global interest in South Africa as a business event host destination is growing and that the industry can optimistically look forward to reaching the delegate and tourist arrivals targets we have set.”