Does South Africa Need Two Travel Trade Shows?

When I published this opinion piece in 2017, who would have guessed that online B2B trade shows would become the new norm in 2021? However, both Africa’s Travel Indaba and WTM-Africa are due to reconvene in 2022, so my argument still stands. The statistics from both Indaba and WTM-Africa reveal that B2B travel trade shows do make a significant contribution to the country’s tourist arrivals, to the economy, and to job creation. But looking ahead, does South Africa still need two trade shows?

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Seychelles Carnival International de Victoria

The third edition of the Carnaval International de Victoria lived up to its reputation of being the ‘Carnaval des Carnavals’. With twenty international groups and countries represented in over sixty carnival float processions, including floats created by local businesses, the Seychelles police force and representatives from visiting Navy forces, the Carnaval lived up to the Seychelles motto of being a ‘melting pot of cultures’. The first edition of this unique event took place in 2011, and, based on its success, was followed by…

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Enabling Deal Making at Live & Online Events

To increase the economic impact of events and create a win-win situation for destinations and business tourists, the Meetings, Incentive, Conference and Events (MICE) industry in Africa needs effective technology to support business deals. Pitch and Match – a business matchmaking app for live and online events – provides a perfect solution. Using the latest Africa Hotel Investment Forum’s delegate deal values as a yard stick, their independent report of $124 million – an average of $4.6 million per deal and $4.4 billion for all AHIF events…

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Weddings: Stats, Trends & Budgets

Is the global wedding industry, estimated to be worth $298 billion* on the rise or declining? The latest statistics, trends and wedding budgets reveal some interesting facts. Before getting into the nitty-gritty of facts & figures, let’s see what the wedding venue experts have to say; “Spier has always been a favourite venue for weddings in the Cape province of South Africa, given our accessible location in Stellenbosch, our diverse facilities and wholesome catering options,” says Angela Lorimer, the head of conferencing and…

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Check List for Green Event Venue Selection

Growing worldwide awareness of sustainability is placing pressure on the events organising industry to move in the direction of event greening, or it will surely lose business. Vague statements of being eco-friendly will not do and is simply seen as green washing. Event organisers, Professional Conference Organisers (PCOs), Destination Management Companies (DMCs) and their clients need facts, figures or certification to prove unequivocally that the green credentials of a conference venue are above board.

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Big Ideas for Small Meetings

Getting big ideas from your corporate leadership team at strategy meetings is best achieved when the meeting is held at a venue away from the work environment.
Here are four big ideas for a venue and post-meeting activities that are sure to get the creative juices of your leadership team flowing (for up to 12 executives):
1. VENUE: Located within The Manor House at at Spier Wine Farm, the De Clerque Room boardroom table seats 12 people in style and comfort, and the plush Victorian era…

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