Biz tourism industry predicts ‘significant growth’

THE South African business tourism industry is upbeat about future prospects for the sector. More than 60% of meeting planners and 70% of conference venues predict significant growth for 2005, according to results of the recently released Conference Industry Research Benchmark report. Less than 5% of conference venues forecast a decline in business for the year ahead. While the outlook is positive, business tourism must still grapple with issues such as seasonality. The benchmark report showed that September, October and November were busy months, with May, June and July being a low period of activity. December and January are the least busy. Carol Weaving, managing director of Thebe Exhibitions, says that sports tourism stimulates business tourism. “The 2010 Soccer World Cup Tournament is around the corner with a possibility of the 2011 World Cup Rugby Tournament being hosted in South Africa as well. History has proven that host cities become extremely popular conference destinations after hosting major sporting events.” Currently business tourism is worth R20bn to the South African economy. However Africa only receives 4% of all events globally. (Darren Sandras)