Get up to date with the latest MICE – Meeting, Incentive, Conference and Events news out of Africa with this weekly news wrap-up.
Cape Town in the running to host Gay Games 2030
A delegation from Cape Town travelled to Washington DC last weekend to present the city’s bid to host the 13th Gay Games in 2030 and received a standing ovation from delegates of the Federation of Gay Games (FGG), reflecting strong international support. Cape Town is currently one of seven cities, and the only one on the African continent, contending to host the 2030 Gay Games.
The bid emphasised Cape Town’s capability to safely host a major international event, highlighting its standing as a global tourism and events hub. Since 1982, the quadrennial Gay Games have been hosted in cities worldwide although neither Africa nor South America has yet hosted the event. The games are celebrated for promoting diversity, participation, inclusion and personal achievement for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Marriott introduces new sustainable meetings program
Marriott International has introduced “Connect Responsibly” – a new programme aimed at helping meeting planners integrate sustainability into their events at selected hotels within the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio. The initiative will provide customers with detailed meeting impact reports, which measure the environmental impact of events, and offer options to purchase carbon credits. It is expected to be available globally at participating properties by the end of October.
Available after an event has taken place, the meeting impact report is intended to capture event details, implement property-specific sustainability practices, and calculate the event’s carbon and water footprints using established hospitality industry methodologies. Marriott expects the meeting impact report to be available in 11 different languages based on location.
Joburg Tourism on show at ITB Asia
The Joburg Tourism Company (JTC) was among the exhibitors at ITB Asia, an annual global meeting hub for travel professionals across the value chain, for the second time this year. Hosted at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, from October 23-25, ITB Asia 2024 brought together over 1 800 exhibitors, 1 300 travel agents and tour operators and over 85 tourism organisations and convention bureaus.
Now in its 17th year, ITB Asia, co-located with MICE Show Asia and Travel Tech Asia, was organised by Messe Berlin (Singapore) with support from the Singapore Exhibition and Convention Bureau. The event recorded more than 13 000 attendees from buyers, corporate travel and the MICE sector to technology-enabled travel products and solutions.
Youth view incentive travel as a perk
A 2024 report from the Incentive Research Foundation (IRF) shows that 91 per cent of participants find group incentive travel to motivating destinations “extremely motivating.” The preference is notably high among Gen Z and Millennial professionals for whom travel is the most sought-after recognition, surpassing traditional bonuses or material gifts. The IRF study points to the appeal of non-cash rewards like travel, which stand apart from regular compensation by offering unique and memorable experiences. Beyond individual recognition, incentive travel fosters stronger connections among colleagues and strengthens loyalty to the company.
This benefit is particularly impactful in today’s competitive job market where companies prioritise retention strategies. According to the IRF report, incentive travel often drives performance with employees working towards clear, aspirational targets. Teams strive to meet sales or project goals for the reward of an engaging group travel experience.
Training for Uganda’s private MICE sector
The Uganda Convention Bureau (UCB), a unit under the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), has launched a specialised capacity-building programme tailored for the private MICE sector. The “Uganda MICE Bespoke Certification Training” programme was launched at Hotel Africana in Kampala on September 30 as a transformative effort to upgrade Uganda’s status as a MICE destination.
This programme targets destination marketing companies, professional conference organisers (PCOs), event organisers, suppliers and other key players in the country’s MICE industry. Addressing participants during the launch, Pearl Hoareau Kakooza, Chairperson of the UTB board, emphasised the economic potential of MICE tourism, stating it has been identified as a key sector within the tourism industry where Uganda can earn significantly more than leisure tourism.
According to Kakooza, statistical analysis reveals leisure tourists spend approximately US$168 per person per day while business travellers attending meetings and conferences spend US$400 per person per night.
Kenya to host Africa youth summit
The capital of Kenya, Nairobi, has been selected to host the Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit and Challenge (AYTIS) in 2025, 2026 and 2027. This Pan-African event is dedicated to promoting and uplifting innovative entrepreneurs within the tourism sector across the continent. The announcement follows the successful 2024 AYTIS in Windhoek, Namibia, which attracted over 500 delegates. The event gathered 300 entrepreneurs in addition to senior government officials and industry leaders across Africa to foster collaboration and showcase the continent’s burgeoning tourism potential.
Tourism Events Advisory and Management Services Africa (TEAMS Africa), a joint venture between travel industry professionals Barry Clemens, Joram Mwinamo and Håvar Bauck, will host the upcoming summits in Nairobi. The exact dates and venue for the 2025 summit will be announced later this month.
Magical Kenya Travel Expo a success
The annual Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE) 2024, at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi from October 2-4, was “the most successful to date,” according to CEO of the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) June Chepkemei.
Speaking to journalists on the last day of the three-day expo, she said the event drew over 4,000 delegates, 180 quality international buyers and 471 exhibitors from 35 countries. It was not just about the numbers but also about establishing strong, mutually beneficial relationships with buyers, sellers, policymakers, and media while sharing skills and knowledge with the next generation of tourism leaders through seminars, Chepkemei added.
She emphasised the need for public and private-sector collaboration and improved access via increased air capacity and visas, pointing to the launch of a network development strategy between KTB and Air Asia as well as the memorandum of understanding between Kenya and Uganda for cross-promotion and marketing of tourism products and services between the two countries.
Other highlights of the event included the launch of the Digital Nomad Permit and the Transit and Long Connection electronic travel authorisation by President William Ruto during his official opening of MKTE 2024.
Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Rebecca Miano, welcomed this move. It enables travellers in transit to step out and explore the city of Nairobi from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport – these visitors will be truly immersed in the magic of Kenya and encouraged to return to the country, she pointed out.
According to Chepkemei, Kenya is the second largest transit airport hub in sub-Saharan Africa.
ILTM Africa 2025 ignites luxury and art at new Norval Foundation venue
ILTM Africa 2025 is relocating to the stunning Norval Foundation in Cape Town. This new venue beautifully merges luxury tourism with contemporary African art, setting the stage for an unforgettable event.
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis sums it up perfectly, “Long known for our natural beauty, Cape Town is also one of the world’s great art cities, and delegates at ILTM 2025 are in for a treat at this beautiful contemporary art museum and sculpture garden.”
This move is a game-changer for ILTM Africa, as we bring together the world’s top luxury travel professionals in a venue that celebrates both cultural immersion and artistic excellence. We’ll also be introducing new elements, such ‘In Conversation’, a relaxed space designed to spark thought-provoking discussions and inspire innovative ideas. With art becoming a core element of luxury travel, this event is set to ignite fresh ideas about African luxury tourism.
Durban showcases sports and events tourism
Durban’s hosting of one of South Africa’s premier soccer events – the MTN8 cup final – provides evidence of the city’s calibre as a leading sports tourism destination. Held at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on 5 October, the soccer showpiece between Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC drew over 60,000 fans to Durban.
Ethekwini Municipality Executive Mayor Cyril Xaba said the final had furthered the city’s goals of positioning itself as a sporting mecca.
“This demonstrates that the city continues to live up to its tag of being the premier destination for major sport events. The numbers we continue to attract during events in the city, whether it is sport or conferences, is an indication that our tourism sector is indeed bouncing back,” said Xaba.
Xaba added that the final provided further proof of Durban’s readiness to welcome domestic and international visitors for the upcoming bumper festive season. More than 1.3 million tourists are expected to visit the city during this period.
Franschhoek ‘bubbly’ festival
The Cape Winelands’ top bubbly offerings will be on full display at the Capitec Franschhoek Cap Classique & Champagne Festival on 30 November and 1 December 2024. At the iconic Huguenot Monument this year, the event will feature a host of floral-themed festivities and live entertainment alongside gourmet food and Cap Classique sparkling wine tastings. The theme of the event, “Elegantly Floral”, celebrates the summer season and surrounding Cape Floral Kingdom landscapes. Franschhoek’s local restaurants and various pop-up food stalls will offer artisanal, French-inspired fare with entertainment by musicians such as Majozi and the Absolutely Fabulous Duo.
Events booming in Cape Town
Cape Town’s events sector is thriving into the last quarter of the year with the city’s permitting office currently processing over 100 permits for events in October alone. This month, events will include musical acts, women’s rugby, local football, a World Athletics Label Road Race marathon and a number of festivals. The city, through its events department, is providing funding and/or support in the form of municipal services to at least 21 of these events. Alderman JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, said the city is ready to play its role as a safety regulator and an events enabler.
“Our permitting office along with the events coordinating committee, is working hand in hand with event organisers to ensure that, as we see a bump in the number of events, we maintain safety standards for the benefit of all event attendees. The city is also providing funding and in-kind support to these events because we value their contribution to the local economy and job creation.”
Africa’s first-ever Glamping Expo
Glamping Adventures will host Africa’s first-ever Glamping Expo at the Johannesburg Expo Centre from October 28-29. The expo will showcase the entire glamping ecosystem from Africa’s premier glamping products and establishments to service providers and financial backers. Attendees can discover the latest innovations in glamping such as eco-pods and learn about new glamping destinations in South Africa. Among these are the newly upgraded Babanango Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, the idyllic Mopane Bush Lodge as well as glamp stays and high-tech glamping cabin providers along the Garden Route.
The expo is expected to attract a diverse range of exhibitors and visitors including glamping resort owners, tourism boards, international marketers and retailers, suppliers and innovators of eco-friendly accommodation and products, outdoor enthusiasts, travel agencies, tour operators and designers and architects specialising in outdoor accommodations.
Sandton ready for business travel boom
Hoteliers expect Sandton’s strong conferencing pipeline, including next year’s G20 Summit, will provide a much-needed boost to flagging average room rates (ARRs) in the precinct. Representing the STBA Secretariat, Mandy Watson said a pick-up in events at the Sandton Convention Centre (SCC) over the past six months was highly encouraging, with the momentum carrying over into 2025 and 2026. She said securing the 2025 G20 Summit was a major win for the sector.
“The SCC has a very high repeat business model with clients securing dates by committing several years in advance. Although this limits the space to accommodate new large events, there is an ongoing drive to secure new events into the future and to bring them to the SCC.”
G20 presents huge opportunities
South Africa’s G20 presidency in 2025 presents a host of opportunities for the country’s tourism and hospitality suppliers as the government needs the industry’s help to showcase the best of what it has to offer. So said Minister of Tourism Patricia De Lille in her keynote speech opening the SATSA Conference 2024 at the Arabella Hotel Golf and Spa in Kleinmond, Western Cape, last week. She pointed out that over 125 meetings would be held in South Africa next year, culminating in the G20 Summit in November, expecting more than 40 global heads of state.
Cape Town Conference Centre gets massive revamp
The Century City Conference Centre has undergone a R15 million refurbishment and unveiled a new venue, The Verve, which includes an additional 500sqm of conferencing space. Both The Verve and the refurbished business lounge and surrounding public spaces are designed to cater to the needs of clients in search of high-end venues. The refurbished business lounge now features bespoke workstations to enhance productivity and connectivity, private meeting booths, sound-proofed, air-conditioned pods for confidential discussions, and intimate dining pockets for working lunches. Ergonomically- designed seating ensures comfort and efficiency for delegates.
Durban Street Food Festival set for September
This year’s Durban Street Food Festival will take place at The Pavilion Shopping Centre from 6 – 8 September 2024. The festival will offer a diverse lineup of food, crafts, music, and entertainment. There will be over 60 food and craft vendors as well as a music stage with over 20 artists performing live.
Cape Town at the centre of global space economy
Cape Town recently hosted the International Astronomical Union (IAU) General Assembly, the first time in over 100 years that the event was on African soil. Running from 6 – 15 August 2024, the event attracted over 1,800 delegates (80% of whom were first-time visitors to the city). This influx is expected to significantly benefit local industries, particularly tourism and hospitality.
Held every three years, the IAU General Assembly brings together leading astronomers from around the globe to advance the field of astronomy through international collaboration. In 2018, the Cape Town and Western Cape Convention Bureau, powered by Wesgro, secured the event. Business events like this are pivotal to the Western Cape’s economy-boosting visitor numbers and showcasing the region’s expertise across various sectors. These gatherings directly influence foreign investment, export opportunities and tourism growth, with conference delegates estimated to spend around R6 400 (€322) per day, according to Wesgro CEO Wrenelle Stander.
Unusual conferencing experiences in demand
Conferencing is undergoing rapid change as customer expectations for “unusual” experiences transform the sector. During a recent meeting of professional conference organisers at The Vineyard in Cape Town, key role players discussed trends shaping the industry and showcased innovative new conferencing options.
Belinda Morrison, Head of Sales for The Vineyard, says conferences are increasingly being shaped by heightened expectations of sustainability, wellness and innovation.
“Leading conference venues are integrating eco-friendly practices such as energy efficiency systems and waste reduction to meet growing demand for sustainable meeting options. Wellness is now a core tenet of modern conferencing experiences with many featuring activities such as mediation, fitness sessions and health-conscious catering to boost attendee wellbeing.”
The meeting of industry professionals at The Vineyard included discussions about wellness, artistic expression, presentation skills training and team building. The day started with a grounding and meditation session before moving to the scenic lawns for mentally stimulating team-building exercises.
Stellenbosch MICE sector boom
Stellenbosch is positioning itself as a serious player in South Africa’s MICE (Meetings, conferences and exhibitions) tourism sector, with increased tourism numbers driven by demand for second-tier cities and improved air access into Cape Town. Speaking during the Meet Stellenbosch conference held last week, Jeanneret Momberg, CEO of Visit Stellenbosch said there was a growing sentiment that “Stellenbosch is a serious force to be reckoned with in the meetings space”. This is reflected in growth in the number of international meetings the town has hosted, reaching nine in 2023, up from five in 2022.
Discovering the next chapter of Sun City
Experience the transformation at Sun City with fresh spaces, modern amenities, and enhanced experiences. From sustainable solar panels and revitalised vacation homes to upgraded hotel rooms and new padel courts, Sun City is embracing a greener future and offering more activities for everyone. Visit the Retail Centre for new delights like Krispy Kreme, Ben’s Bubble Tea, and Lego Wonderland. Get ready for an elevated holiday experience. Read more here.
New event space set to open in upmarket JHB suburb
The Forum Company is set to open a new events space, The Forum Hyde Park, by mid-October. This was announced by The Forum Company MD, Glynis Hyslop, at a recent media and trade event. According to Hyslop, the Forum Hyde Park – located within the Hyde Park Shopping Centre – is set to be an urban sanctuary featuring sophisticated green and white marble, roof-top gardens, and adaptable spaces suitable for both leisure and corporate events.
MICE industry has bounced back
South Africa’s MICE industry has bounced back from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Gary Koetser, CEO of Century City Conference Centre and Hotels in Cape Town.
In an interview with Tourism Update, Koetser said the MICE industry “took a hell of a knock during COVID”, and that there was much talk at the time that conferencing would never be the same again. However, in retrospect, there were many positives for MICE that came out of COVID, Koetser believes. One of these positives was that people realised the critical need for in-person meetings and interactions.
Franschhoek gears up for Bastille Festival
Franschhoek gears up for popular Bastille Festival Franschhoek Tourism has announced that its Bastille celebration, in partnership with global financial services business, Prescient, will take place at Franschhoek High School’s rugby field on July 13-14. As Franschhoek is also known as the Cape’s French outpost, the weekend festival will highlight gastronomic delights, exquisite wines, and all things French. This year’s event will introduce a venue change aimed at enhancing the comfort of guests amidst the anticipated crowds and sold-out attendance.
Uganda prepares for POATE 2024
Uganda is preparing for The Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE), an annual tourism and travel trade show that is organised by the Uganda Tourism Board. Each year, the expo brings together tourism value chain actors and stakeholders under the Business to business and Business to Consumer formats, for networking opportunities, business deals.
POATE 2024 will be held at the brand-new venue – Speke Resort and Convention Centre in Munyonyo, Kampala from 23rd to 25th May 2024. For the eighth time, Uganda’s doors will be open to 70 hosted buyers, over 5,000 trade visitors and consumers during the three-day expo in the heart of Kampala. Both Leisure and MICE tourism will blend seamlessly, with a direction skewed towards global emerging trends.
ANEW Hotel & Convention Centre OR Tambo Johannesburg opens
The ANEW Hotel & Convention Centre OR Tambo Johannesburg marks an important step into the large-scale conferencing and convention sector for the group. The property – previously known as The Lakes Hotel & Conference Centre – is on the banks of Swan Lake in Benoni on the East Rand, and will join the group’s portfolio on July 1.
Positioned just 10km from OR Tambo International Airport, the new property’s key highlight is its conferencing and events venues. With 16 venues capable of accommodating up to 4,000 delegates, the property is a great choice for conventions, expos, conferences, product launches, weddings, and gala events. The versatile venue spaces are designed to cater for a variety of occasions, offering state-of-the-art facilities and the latest technology.
Essence of Africa date change
Africa’s newest travel trade event, Essence of Africa, has switched to a December date to avoid coinciding with the Magical Kenya Travel Expo taking place from October 2-4.
Essence of Africa, developed by On Show Solutions in collaboration with ATTA’s events division Experience Africa Events, will now take place from December 2-4 at the Sarit Centre in Nairobi. The decision to secure new dates in December came after careful consideration and consultation with the event’s advisory board, comprising prominent figures in the African tourism industry, said ATTA President Nigel Vere Nicoll, President of ATTA.
Magical Kenya Travel Expo 2024
The Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE) is gearing up for the 2024 Event and Kenya Tourism Board looks forward to welcoming you on 2nd – 4th October 2024 at the Uhuru Gardens National Monument and Museum in Nairobi.
This year’s expo, will showcase over 300 exhibitors and 3,000 tourism professionals providing an unparalleled opportunity for industry leaders and stakeholders to ignite new collaborations and opportunities within East Africa’s thriving tourism sector.
To register as an Exhibitor, click here. To be considered as a buyer, click here.
WTM Africa 2025 Save the Date
WTM Africa bids farewell to the remarkable 2024 edition, filled with fruitful business meetings, engaging conversations, captivating speakers, and joyful reunions.
As WTM Africa looks towards the future, they ask you to mark your calendar now for next year’s event to be held in Cape Town from 9-11 April. You can register your interest here.
