Gauteng Tourism excited to have Meetings Africa back after 2 years absence

Johannesburg – The Gauteng Tourism Authority (GTA) is excited to be hosting the 17th edition of Meetings Africa after two years of absence due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The pandemic resulted in many international and regional business events being cancelled causing serious set-back to the city region’s work of building a competitive Convention’s city. The year 2022 with its already promising start, presents an opportunity for Gauteng to claim its position back as Africa’s premiere business events destination.

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The event which kickstarted on Monday 28th February is scheduled for the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg until the 2nd of March 2022. Gauteng as the host province is ready to have almost 1000 exhibitors, buyers, and delegates from around the world. The premier events trade show is hosted under the theme ‘Shared Minds, Shared Economies” which captures what Meetings Africa intends to do, “a cross-pollination of people and ideas. The advantage of hosting such big business events is that it is not only the business tourism segment that benefits, but the entire tourism experience value chain, from restaurants, sightseeing to shopping. The event takes place in Sandton, which is South Africa’s richest square mile and boasts many mind-blowing experiences.

Sandton City is Africa’s most iconic shopping centre, defining the Sandton skyline and home to over 300 of the worlds most coveted brands. Right adjacent to the Sandton Convention Centre is the Nelson Mandela Square, which is Joburg’s finest dining destination. All these experiences are a walking distance from the convention centre and the hotels which will be home to exhibitors and hosted buyers for the next three days. Delegates are encouraged to explore as many experiences as possible to enjoy the Bleisure destination

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Gauteng MEC for Economic Development Mr. Parks Tau explained that he is thrilled to welcome back all the delegates, hosted buyers, exhibitors, media, and speakers to this year’s edition of Meetings Africa, the continent’s premiere business events Lekgotla proudly hosted by Gauteng in the city of Johannesburg. “We are delighted that this important African business to business trade platform is now able to proceed under strict COVID-19 regulations and safe events environment regime we have institutionalised in the province of Gauteng. The 17th edition of Meetings Africa is set to oil South African and Gauteng’s efforts of driving the Reconstruction and Recovery Plan as we seek to reignite our economy and safeguard existing jobs, emphasised Tau.

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By hosting key catalytic events in the destination aligned to our priority high-growth sectors, we remain true to the strategy of using these events to increase visitation, drive inclusive economic growth, and enhanced destination competitiveness, echoed GTA CEO Sthembiso Sthe Dlamini.

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Overall Gauteng is looking forward to robust engagements, great business deals and leads in the building of the bridges required to advance and reignite Africa together.

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