Southern African Association for the Conference Industry

African countries require a link in the Middle East or Europe in order to then get to South Africa – this change will certainly aid in economic growth.

AfO: Why, in your opinion, should someone visit South Africa?

KR: It is the home of mankind, the real roots of the human race. One comes to South Africa and there is a spiritual connection with the land, along with its natural beauty, friendly people and sophisticated infrastructure.

AfO: Are there any specific attractions, landmarks or places to eat and drink that you would recommend?

KR: I would have to say a visit to Maropeng. If I was a tour guide and could share my favourite places, the itinerary would cover a self-drive to Mpumalanga and include the Kruger National Park, the Eastern Cape wild shoreline, our winelands and the city of Cape Town. Not to forget that sunrise walk to the top of Lions Head.

With regards to eating and drinking, we have numerous fabulous restaurants and local beverages to enjoy, I would just say try something completely local or authentic, anywhere in South Africa.

AfO: What are the best ways of getting around the country?

KR: As a first-time visitor we would encourage a registered guide to assist with your planning and even travel if possible. The local airlines are well established and can easily meet your destination needs. Gauteng has a world class rail infrastructure in the Gautrain, to get you into the City of Gold. There are options for taxis and buses, and we would just advise that they belong to recognised bodies. For experienced visitors to South Africa, a self-drive option could make for the trip of a lifetime.

AfO: What trends are transforming the tourism industry in South Africa at present? How are you responding to these trends?

KR: Three I would identify are technology, sustainability and a focus on service excellence.

Our association stays abreast of what is happening internationally

– and what works in South Africa – and shares this with members on a number of platforms. They apply this in their businesses, helping the tourism industry to grow.

AfO: How do you see the country developing as a business travel hub over the next year to two years?

KR: With our convention bureaus in place we continue to see growth in this space. These entities are highly focused on the Tourism Ministry’s mandate to drive economic growth and with that we are fortunate to see the growing numbers in events and expos.

There are always new facilities joining the South African meetings landscape. These properties will bring new and exciting spaces for delegates to enjoy.

AfO: Are there any plans or projects in the pipeline that you wish to highlight?

KR: We are busy with the roll out of the RISE project, a skills development programme to facilitate entry for new suppliers into the business events industry.

Having just had our 2019 congress, that had a very strong learning programme, we are already starting to work on 2020’s content and the framework of this event, to ensure we deliver as the lead in the conference industry.

Also, in the next three months, we will be holding a strategic meeting to focus on where and what our next priorities will be.

AfO: Are you optimistic about the future of the tourism industry in South Africa?

KR: Yes, you have to be. As someone recently shared with me, what you visualise you actualise.

www.saaci.org

SOUTH AFRICA IS home to some of the region’s most impressive conferencing and event hosting facilities.

In the past the country has hosted global landmark events such as the 2011 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP17) in Durban. In 2016, the same city hosted the 21st AIDS Conference at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, a venue which housed 18,000 delegates from 183 countries.

Durban is not the only major city home to world-class exhibition facilities, however. Among the other highly rated venues are Sandton Convention Centre (Johannesburg), Tshwane Events Centre, East London

International Convention Centre, Cape Town International Convention Centre and CSIR International Convention Centre (Pretoria), to name but a few.

As well as SAACI, an important organisation helping to promote and assist convention centres and event organisers is the South Africa National Convention Centre (SANCB).

A one-stop solution for independent information and assistance, giving neutral advice on all aspects of hosting and organising any business event in South Africa, one of SANCB’s major roles is to help venues bid and prepare for hosting conventions.

In 2015, for example, South Africa hosted 140 international meetings and conferences at its various convention centres and event venues, attracting around 80,000 delegates and generating more than R1 billion in economic impact.