Meetings Africa 2024 is a business events celebration set to take place in South Africa from February 26-28, 2024. It is expected to bring together more than 350 exhibitors, 350 buyers, and over 3,000 delegates from diverse international markets, providing economic benefits to the country. The event is an opportunity for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs) to flourish, promoting inclusive growth and benefiting every community within the diverse industry. It is a symbol of hope and resilience for the tourism sector, promoting collaboration and inclusive growth for a prosperous future.
What is Meetings Africa 2024?
Meetings Africa 2024 is a business events celebration taking place from February 26-28, 2024, at the Sandton Convention Centre in South Africa. It is expected to bring together more than 350 exhibitors, 350 buyers, and over 3,000 delegates from diverse international markets, providing economic benefits to the country. The event is also an opportunity for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs) to flourish, promoting inclusive growth and benefiting every community within the diverse industry.
In a period characterized by the rejuvenation of national fervor and an economic revival, the inauguration of Meetings Africa 2024 emerges as a pivotal occasion, primed to trigger a considerable advancement in Africa’s business events scene. Led by Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille, this celebration is a testament to the area’s tenacity and a symbol of positivity in volatile times.
The Air of Positive Anticipation Surrounding Meetings Africa
Meetings Africa, primed to rank among the most influential business occasions of the year, is inaugurated amidst a wave of positivity that’s sweeping the tourism industry. This upbeat mood is a result of a strong recovery and an outstanding performance of the sector in the preceding year. The tourism sector is expectant, hoping to finally overtake pre-pandemic figures, especially concerning international visitors.
This crossroad signals a defining instant, an instant filled with promise that 2024 will be the year tourism triumphs over the ordeals posed by the pandemic, and strides confidently towards a greener future. This hopeful outlook is reinforced by reports published by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), predicting a return to pre-pandemic tourism levels this year.
Tourism Sector Recovery and Predictions for the Future
The reports underscore the roles of latent demand, enhanced air connectivity, and the revitalization of Asian markets, projecting a comprehensive recovery by the end of 2024. Moreover, the UNWTO identifies the Middle East, Europe, and Africa as the top performers in arrivals in 2023, with Africa restoring 96% of pre-pandemic visitors.
These encouraging statistics are corroborated by data showing that South Africa recorded a 51.8% increase in international arrivals between January and November 2023, compared to the same period in 2022. This demonstrates the tourism sector’s efficacy in promoting travel to South Africa, stimulating inclusive economic growth and fostering cultural exchanges.
Against this backdrop, the staging of Meetings Africa 2024 couldn’t be timelier. Leveraging the triumphs of previous years, Meetings Africa 2024 is all set to augment the sector’s upward trajectory.
The Impact and Expectations for Meetings Africa 2024
Scheduled to take place at the Sandton Convention Centre, from the 26th to the 28th of February 2024, the event is foreseen to assemble more than 350 exhibitors, 350 buyers, and above 3000 delegates. These participants originate from diverse international markets, including the US, India, Kenya, the UK, Germany, Brazil, Poland, Russia, and Singapore, promising tangible economic benefits.
Indeed, economic impact assessments by SA Tourism suggest that Meetings Africa 2023 contributed a total of R388.5 million to the South African economy. This figure comprises a direct economic contribution of R133.9 million and an additional R254.5 million generated through indirect and induced impacts. This event also contributed to the creation or sustenance of 753 jobs within the South African economy.
The Role of Meetings Africa in the Economy and Tourism Sector
The year 2024 is projected to surpass these impressive figures, signaling the crucial role meetings and business events play in the tourism sector’s success and its contribution to the economy. In the 2023/24 fiscal year, the SA National Convention Bureau (SANCB) and South Africa’s business event industry have submitted 63 bids to host international meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions in South Africa between 2024 and 2029. These bids, with an estimated economic value of over R1.2 billion, have the potential to attract more than 46,000 international and regional delegates to South Africa.
Meetings Africa extends beyond macroeconomic advantages, including the microeconomic benefits produced by its hosting. This event furnishes small businesses within the ecosystem with invaluable chances to flourish and contribute to the industry’s dynamism. Through networking opportunities, market access, skills enhancement, and capacity building, Meetings Africa has become an instrument for advancing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs) within the sector.
Moreover, this event isn’t restricted by geographical boundaries. Its benefits reverberate across the continent, nurturing a Pan-African trade show where the entire continent profits from its successes. It is a platform for Africans to collaborate, presenting a captivating narrative to worldwide buyers and audiences. This unity promotes inclusive growth, benefiting every community and small player within the diverse industry.
In conclusion, Meetings Africa 2024 is more than just an event; it symbolizes hope, resilience, and a signpost towards a more prosperous future. As Africans, we are duty-bound to seize this opportunity, promoting the continent as a desirable destination for business events and tourism. As we embark on 2024, let’s advocate collaboration, strive for inclusive growth, and narrate our captivating African story. The Sandton Convention Centre awaits your arrival, ready to usher in a new era of shared success at Meetings Africa.
When and where is Meetings Africa 2024 taking place?
Meetings Africa 2024 is taking place from February 26-28, 2024, at the Sandton Convention Centre in South Africa.
Who will be attending Meetings Africa 2024?
More than 350 exhibitors, 350 buyers, and over 3,000 delegates from diverse international markets are expected to attend Meetings Africa 2024.
What economic benefits will Meetings Africa 2024 bring to South Africa?
Meetings Africa 2024 is expected to bring economic benefits to South Africa, including providing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs) the opportunity to flourish and promoting inclusive growth.
What is the role of Meetings Africa in the tourism sector’s recovery?
Meetings Africa is seen as a symbol of hope and resilience for the tourism sector, promoting collaboration and inclusive growth for a prosperous future. The event leverages the tourism sector’s upward trajectory, contributing to economic growth and fostering cultural exchanges.
How much economic value is estimated to be generated by hosting international meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions in South Africa?
The SA National Convention Bureau (SANCB) and South Africa’s business event industry have submitted 63 bids to host international meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions in South Africa between 2024 and 2029. These bids, with an estimated economic value of over R1.2 billion, have the potential to attract more than 46,000 international and regional delegates to South Africa.
What is the impact of Meetings Africa on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs)?
Meetings Africa promotes the advancement of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs) within the sector through networking opportunities, market access, skills enhancement, and capacity building. It is an instrument for SMMEs to flourish and contribute to the industry’s dynamism, benefiting every community and small player within the diverse industry.
