TOURISM SEALS THE DEAL AT MEETINGS AFRICA 2015

Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism (NMBT) was represented at Meetings Africa 2015, which took place from the 23rd – 25th February 2015 at The Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. In recent years, the global meetings industry has begun to recognise Africa as a sought after destination. With this in mind NMBT ensured to showcase the destinations versatile product offerings and services to compete for the business events opportunities and meetings to take place in Nelson Mandela Bay.

Meetings Africa provides the ideal platform to target meeting and event planners; business travel agencies or local corporate executives who book business travel and team-building. At Meetings Africa one is able to meet local and international professionals from the meetings, events and business travel industry.

Ms Skefile, NMBT CEO shares, “With the opportunity to meet up to 650 highly qualified hosted buyers during Meetings Africa, Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism utilises this opportunity to market the destination as it is ideal for “bleisure” tourism. This is where you combine a business trip with a leisure trip and we have a unique destination perfect to capitalise on this market.”

Minister of Tourism, Mr Derek Hannekom advised in his opening speech at Meetings Africa 2015, “Business events and conventions are catalysts for new thinking and competitiveness; they connect the best minds to spur innovation; they create platforms to collaboratively solve common global problems; and they create people-to-people connections that advance the cause of our common humanity. The legacy impact of business events extends far beyond its number value. Meetings Africa is therefore also about African professionals partnering to transform Africa, the wonderful continent that we all call home.”

The top three source markets for qualified buyers confirmed during Meetings Africa 2015 were announced as India, The USA, Canada and China. Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism has already made great strides in these destinations and continues to sustain these relations through various marketing strategies and hostings.

A group of international hosted buyers attended the 10th Meetings Africa at the Sandton Convention Centre. The group consisted of representatives from India, Germany, The Netherlands and The USA. Through collaborations with South African Tourism’s National Convention Bureau and Meetings Africa, the group enjoyed a post tour experiencing what Nelson Mandela Bay has to offer. The tour took place from the 27th February 2015 and included site visits of meetings facilities, accommodation establishments and attractions including a wildlife experience at Addo Elephant National Park. Die Burger Boardwalk Mr PE, Andrè Fourie who is passionate about Nelson Mandela Bay and a great ambassador was also on hand to welcome the delegation to the city.

“This opportunity we have been afforded to host the delegation puts these international buyers in a good position when bringing a conference and hosting incentive groups to our regions.” confirms Ms Skefile, NMBT CEO.

Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism is pleased to announce the sealing of a lead at Meetings Africa with the hosting of Travel Health Africa Congress hosted by the South African Society of Travel Medicine. This international conference will take place at The Boardwalk Sun Convention Centre from 14-17 September 2016 with the conference theme, The Boiling Point. The conference is looking at attracting 50 delegates from Africa (excluding South Africa) and 400 delegates internationally.