Business Events Africa October 2019

Page 6

EDITOR’S COMMENT

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frica is rising and interest in our continent is also rising from a tourism and business events perspective. The impact of the business events sector is vast but something many forget is that the business events sector does spark leisure tourism to the destination. When it comes to international delegates attending congresses in South Africa or one of the other African destinations, it is generally the first time they are visiting an African country. Some do a pre- or post-tour during their stay, and a high percentage return with their families for a holiday. The growth in the hotel sector in Africa is also booming. There is a renewed interest from international hotel groups on our continent. South Africa remains the biggest business events destination on the African continent according to the ICCA figures. In this edition, Justin Hawes from Scan Display looks at the exhibition

industry in Africa and highlights some of the challenges and opportunities. There are always challenges and in the same breath opportunities to be had, in this issue we also have Brett Hendricks from Thebe Tourism Group outlining some of the challenges and opportunities that the South Africa tourism sector is facing. One challenge I’m facing at the moment is the fact that load shedding is back, who knows for how long but what I do know it impacts all industries and organisations negatively. As much as I would like to see the positive in this – I think it is still too soon! However from a positive perspective, I am very happy to see how sustainability is finally gaining momentum in our sector. There are so many more alternatives and products and services available that are making it easier for the business events industry to make the move to a more sustainable environment. I would like to commend the Event Greening Forum for being an eco warrior organisation in

Credit: Hein Liebetrau

Africa rising with challenges and opportunities leading the charge in transforming our sector into a more sustainable one. The change to a more sustainable environment has to be from the ground up. We cannot include it only during our events, but need to start making the shift in our own personal environments. Only then will we see a significant change. Sustainability goes past greening – it is also about uplifting communities and long term programmes that will see real change. Africa is rising and sustainability has a big role to play in this rise and yes, we do have challenges but the opportunities are also vast.

Irene

Email: gomesi@iafrica.com


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