Johannesburg - The SA National Convention Bureau (SANCB) announced on Tuesday that it has appointed the consultancy firm Gaining Edge to help in the important Asian and European markets.
The firm specialises in the global business events industry, incorporating meetings, conventions, incentives, exhibitions and events.
SANCB said the appointment of Gaining Edge is set to help strengthen SA’s business events profile and grow business in Asia - specifically China and India – two critically important business events markets for South Africa.
“South Africa has come full circle as a business events destination. Twenty years after democracy and three years after the establishment of the SANCB, the country now occupies a place as Africa’s preferred destination for meetings and conferences,” said Thulani Nzima, CEO of South African Tourism.
Arrivals to South Africa from both China and India have been on an upward trend.
China in particular, has become one of South Africa’s largest overseas tourist markets – driven by South African Airways' direct Beijing to Johannesburg flights.
India has emerged as the world’s fastest growing outbound market. The United Nations World Travel Organisationi (UNWTO) has forecast the growth of the Indian market to reach 50 million outbound tourists by 2020.
“The numbers say it all. We have the visitors from these countries. There is opportunity aplenty for us to show them South Africa’s superb infrastructure, tried and tested capabilities and a track record we are proud," said Nzima.
"Most importantly, we also have a dedicated business events tourism sector that is able to deliver on their meetings and conventions needs in a timely, cost effective and professional manner.”
The firm specialises in the global business events industry, incorporating meetings, conventions, incentives, exhibitions and events.
SANCB said the appointment of Gaining Edge is set to help strengthen SA’s business events profile and grow business in Asia - specifically China and India – two critically important business events markets for South Africa.
“South Africa has come full circle as a business events destination. Twenty years after democracy and three years after the establishment of the SANCB, the country now occupies a place as Africa’s preferred destination for meetings and conferences,” said Thulani Nzima, CEO of South African Tourism.
Arrivals to South Africa from both China and India have been on an upward trend.
China in particular, has become one of South Africa’s largest overseas tourist markets – driven by South African Airways' direct Beijing to Johannesburg flights.
India has emerged as the world’s fastest growing outbound market. The United Nations World Travel Organisationi (UNWTO) has forecast the growth of the Indian market to reach 50 million outbound tourists by 2020.
“The numbers say it all. We have the visitors from these countries. There is opportunity aplenty for us to show them South Africa’s superb infrastructure, tried and tested capabilities and a track record we are proud," said Nzima.
"Most importantly, we also have a dedicated business events tourism sector that is able to deliver on their meetings and conventions needs in a timely, cost effective and professional manner.”