…21 countries were represented at Meetings Africa
Nomazulu Moyo
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – Tourism minister, Patricia de Lille, on Wednesday officially launched the 17th edition of Meetings Africa, a key strategic event for the business community and industry at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.
The event started on Tuesday and ended on Wednesday, bringing together exhibitors from 21 African countries, as well as buyers and media from around the world, to network, share ideas, and explore opportunities for collaboration and growth.
Meetings Africa platform a showcase of excellence
In her opening speech, Minister de Lille highlighted the importance of Meetings Africa as a Pan-African showcase of excellence and innovation in the business events sector. She also emphasised the role of tourism in driving economic development and social transformation in the continent.
“Tourism is one of the key sectors that can help us achieve the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which is a vision for a prosperous, integrated, and peaceful Africa. Tourism can create jobs, stimulate investment, foster entrepreneurship, and enhance regional integration,” de Lille said.
Meetings Africa delegates must explore South Africa’s culture, heritage
She noted that this year marked the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s freedom and democracy, and invited the delegates to experience the country’s rich cultural and natural heritage beyond the conference rooms.
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South Africa was open for tourism and business events, and the country would soon launch a global campaign to promote its MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) tourism offerings.
“We have a culture of problem-solving, and we are a mecca for the curious, a place where thinkers, creators, artistes, scientists, and business trailblasers can converge, learn, and collaborate. We want to share our story with the world and invite them to join us in one of the most inspiring and diverse nations on Earth,” she said.
She expressed gratitude to the partners and sponsors of Meetings Africa, including the Gauteng Tourism Authority, the City of Johannesburg, and the South African National Convention Bureau, and wished the participants a successful and fruitful event.
