South Africa is expected to earn R617million 32million from the 53 international business events secured this financial year ending March 30. The South African National Convention Bureau was awarded these bids from a total of 81 submitted for events taking place through to 2029.
During the trading floor opening at Meetings Africa on Tuesday, February 25, Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille emphasised the events will bring more than 24 000 delegates to 12 hosting cities and towns across the country.
The events will be hosted in world-class venues in Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, Cape Town, Port Alfred, Gqeberha, Magaliesberg, Sun City, Richards Bay, Polokwane, Muldersdrift and Stellenbosch, she said.
The business events industry is already benefitting from more than 130 G20-related meetings held across the country ahead of the main summit to be hosted in Johannesburg towards the end of the year.
This provides unparalleled opportunities to showcase our countrys venues and facilities displaying business collaboration, contributing to job creation and driving investment. The G20 Summit is more than just an event it is a statement to the world that Africa is ready to take its rightful place in global economic leadership. It is also a demonstration of our proven ability to host safe, world-class events at scale, said De Lille.