South African Tourism has appointed Neil Nagooroo in the position of GM: Strategic Events and Exhibitions.

Nagooroo’s appointment came as South African Tourism aimed to bolster its efforts in the management and delivery of its two signature trade shows, Meetings Africa and Indaba, the organisation said.

Nagooroo was previously with SA Tourism between 2004 and 2012 prior to joining the Sandton Convention Centre as sales and marketing manager, a position he held for the past three-and-a-half years before returning to SA Tourism to head the new events unit.

An MBA graduate, Nagooroo has experience in the tourism industry spanning over 11 years. He was also part of the team that developed a new brand strategy for the Sandton Convention Centre in 2012

His new role is to position South Africa as a world-class tourism destination, capable of hosting successful events. His responsibilities include developing, implementing and managing strategies to help the country achieve this goal. He will also manage South Africa’s participation at international trade shows and events in order to bolster the country’s international stature.

Chief Convention Bureau Officer at the South Africa National Convention Bureau, Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo, said she was confident that Nagooroo would steer SA Tourism’s efforts to deliver strategic events and exhibitions. This includes enhancing signature trade shows, Meetings Africa and Tourism indaba.

“SA Tourism welcomes Neil back to our organisation and we wish him well in his new position. He has a sound understanding of the South African tourism and hospitality sector. Neil’s formidable knowledge of tourism as well as his experience in both the leisure and business events spheres of our industry make him the ideal person to head up our strategic events unit,” Kotze-Nhlapo said.

“Tourism is my passion. I am extremely grateful to be back at SA Tourism because I know I am joining a team of dedicated people who are focused on delivering on our mandate of increasing South Africa’s brand appeal and increasing the number of people that come to visit our country,” said Nagooroo. “It is an honour to be able to add my efforts in contributing to one of the most important sectors that drive economic growth in South Africa.”