‘We are not only using this opportunity to invite the global business events industry to come to South Africa, but we are also inviting them to come and experience our rich cultural heritage.”

South Africa’s corporate events industry attended the famous IBTM (Incentive, Corporate, Travel, and Meetings) World, which is presently taking place in Barcelona, Spain. In a press statement titled, “South Africa’s Business Events Showcased at IBTM World 2023 in Barcelona, Spain” it was highlighted that IBTM World being one of the largest event in the worldwide business events sector, hosted from November 28th to 30th, 2023, presented a unique platform for engagement, connection, and commercial connections.

IBTM World events included instructional seminars emphasising the industry’s newest trends and advancements. Furthermore, IBTM World is vital for professionals looking for fresh insights and relationships in the worldwide business events sector.

The Team South Africa delegation was well-represented by provincial tourist agencies, destination management businesses, tour operators, and lodging providers. This meant that South Africa’s business events industry was highlighted in its totality, with an emphasis on the country’s ability to organise world-class events.

“As we cast our eyes to Meetings Africa in February next year, our presence at IBTM World underscores our dedication to positioning South Africa as a leading global destination for business events. We are not only using this opportunity to invite the global business events industry to come to South Africa and to share in our diverse offerings, our state-of-the-art conference venues and facilities, but we are also inviting them to come and experience our rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes and to meet our warm, highly knowledgeable and welcoming South Africans,” said Zinhle Nzama, Acting Chief Convention Bureau Officer at South African Tourism, emphasising the strategic importance of this participation, speaking at the IBTM World 2023. “South Africa recently hosted significant international events, the 15th BRICS Summit, which attracted over 30 heads of state, thus reinforcing our status as a global influencer. “In every corner of our country, from the bustling streets of our vibrant cities to the serene safaris, you will find a common thread, and that is the open- heartedness and welcoming nature of South Africans. The warmth of the South African people is always at the forefront and is evident in all our international conferences and business events. Moreover, this warmth translates into an exceptional service ethos, particularly evident in our tourism and hospitality sector,” Nzama added

Nzama highlighted that the SANCB has filed 63 proposals for international business events to be held in South Africa between 2023 and 2029 since the commencement of the fiscal year 2023/24. These bids, totaling R1.2 billion in economic effect, “reflect our commitment to attracting significant business events that align with the National Government’s development priorities, in which tourism plays a catalytic role.”

South African exhibitors engaged with pre-arranged potential partners, associations, and other representatives interested in learning more about South Africa and building meaningful partnerships and commercial opportunities. Team South Africa want high-quality business event leads in order to help the country’s economy.