Members of the industry have reacted to SA Tourism’s announcement that it will not appoint a strategic partner for the Indaba and Meetings Africa trade shows. While some members were disappointed by the announcement, others would like to see the show go in-house.

Satsa CEO, David Frost, said the move to appoint a strategic partner was a good one, adding that the right partner would have brought the necessary expertise to elevate the show’s status and meet the needs of its exhibitors and visitors. “It would appear that this was not possible.” Tony Romer-Lee, ‎Managing Partner at PMR Hospitality Partners, described the move as “a missed opportunity” for SA Tourism, explaining that appointing a strategic partner would have allowed the organisation to focus on promoting the country instead of competing in the trade show space.

Likewise, Colin Fryer, of Centre Stage Travel, pointed out that SA Tourism was one of only two governmental agencies that organised a trade show. “All other travel shows are managed by professional exhibition companies.”

Some industry members had hoped to see Indaba and WTM Africa combined. “Having two shows dilutes the value of both for buyers and exhibitors, in my opinion,” said Wild Wings Safaris Director, Onne Vegter.

However, both Hekhmat Currimjee, MD of Executive Corporate & Leisure Services, and Fanie van Zyl, MD SA Coach Charters and Bus Rentals, welcomed the decision. “Prefer the in-house option. Hopefully a better product and pricing! Better quality associated services as well,” said Van Zyl.

Going forward, members of the industry emphasised the need to overhaul the show. “Thus far, SA Tourism has not demonstrated that they can deliver a sufficient return on investment in the changing environment (i.e. guarantee appointments with buyers) which is why the exhibitor numbers have been dropping every year,” said Romer-Lee. “If Indaba is to survive, it will need to get this right or completely overhaul its business model.” Currimjee said new faces and a new strategy were needed. “All the best to SA Tourism and [I] hope they bring new air to the show,” he said.

Frost said that if SA Tourism could assemble a dedicated team with the requisite skills needed, taking Indaba in-house could result in an improved show. Crucial to the show’s success, however, would be engaging with the show’s primary customers, the inbound tourism industry, says Frost. “Satsa and its members would welcome the opportunity to formally assist a dedicated and skilled SA Tourism team with its efforts to elevate Indaba. Satsa’s door is always open for this engagement.”