Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) and local tourism operators are participating at this year’s edition of Meetings Africa, which has been running from 25 -27 February 2019 in Sandton, Johannesburg South Africa.
A Zimbabwean tour operator, Joy Mataruka of Manna Resorts, who participated during Meetings Africa said the event was well organised and the presenters conducted themselves very well.
“So far we have had great responses and all the appointments are being filled,” Mataruka said. “It is a great networking platform and we are also using this as a way of updating our database especially from a business perspective.”
The Meetings Africa, which involves exhibitions, networking events and educational sessions around the business tourism field, draws participants players in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) sector.
Meetings Africa, which is also characterised by high spenders and large groups ranging from 100- 3000 participants, this year recorded 338 exhibitors.
“The first day also known as the BONDay (Business Opportunity and Networking Day) started on a positive note with key associations in the MICE industry hosting their members to education and networking sessions aimed at enhancing professional development in the sector and industry,” said ZTA’s Esnath Mboma.
“Fruitful discussions were held on how the continent can grow and claim its share of the global receipts of Business Tourism.”
Conferencing accounts for a direct spend of US$1.03 trillion worldwide and draws 4 billion participants from 180 countries according to the International Congress and Convention Association.
Mataruka said “Business Opportunities and Networking Day which was on the first day was amazing. The topics presented were really beneficial and I felt they addressed pertinent issues and needs that were relevant to entrepreneurs.”
