The Meetings Africa Exhibition and Tradeshow has wrapped up with a vibrant discussion about how African countries can embrace the notion of a shared economy in the 21st century, in order to stimulate intercontinental growth.
The 13th annual tourism exhibition and tradeshow kicked off on Tuesday, 27 and ended on Wednesday, 28 February 2018 at the Sandton Convention Centre. The MMC for Economic Development Leah Knott and her counterpart in the Provincial Government, Lebogang Maile alongside the former Minister of Tourism Thokozile Xasa opened the event.
The event’s programme included interactive plenary discussions about the future of intercontinental tourism in a shared economic space. The tradeshow also explored the viability of collaborative innovation across the continent, which is vital to stimulate economic growth.
“This was a golden opportunity to explore commonalities, share expertise, and forge partnerships with other professionals to bring about prosperity to local businesses, the industry, and the continent,” said Sisa Ntshona, the Chief Executive of South African Tourism.
Ntshona said the knowledge from the shared discussions would help attendees conjure up great innovations, bring about economies of scale, and transform people’s lives positively and sustainably.
He hailed the annual tourism showpiece as a perfect platform for businesses to present their products, services, and brands to senior decision-makers, buyers, and influencers from across the continent. Meetings Africa was also an opportunity for attendees to mingle with local and international professionals from the meetings, events, and business travel industry.
It’s reported that the events business contributes more than R100-billion rands to the South African economy on an annual basis, with Joburg’s tourism sector profiting a 13 percent yearly growth.
Some of the most prominent exhibitors at this year’s event included provincial and local tourism authorities, African tourism authorities, conference and exhibition centres; hotels and accommodation providers, event management specialists, professional conference organisers, transportation companies; business events service providers, cruise liners, spa resorts, trade associations and travel trade publications.
Ntshona said people in the tourism and trade business should be progressive disruptors and innovators in the global meetings arena. “We are uniquely placed to be global leaders in sustainable business events tourism
