South African Tourism has asserted that, despite planning challenges in the lead up to Africa’s Travel Indaba (ATI), arrangements for the trade show remain on track.
South African Tourism COO Darryl Erasmus acknowledged that forward planning for the event – taking place from May 12-15 – was affected by issues related to the appointment of an events management company for ATI and the Meetings Africa trade show held in February.
“We fully recognise the monumental importance of ATI; not just for destination South Africa and for all the members of the trade but for the African continent. We also have to acknowledge that we had some challenges, specifically in the procurement space, around securing a new execution partner, which have resulted in these delays.”
Erasmus told Tourism Update that no bidder was granted an events management contract for the trade shows following cancellation of the tender late last year.
“However, through various competitive and fair procurement processes, this year, for the execution of Meetings Africa and ATI, South African Tourism is collaborating with a range of service providers – each bringing specialised expertise to different aspects of the event,” he said.
“This is complemented by the involvement of industry experts offering guidance for the delivery. Additionally, the dedicated team at South African Tourism plays a crucial role, bringing their own experience, expertise, strategic insights and market knowledge.”
Erasmus was responding to concerns expressed to Tourism Update by several suppliers about delayed ATI registrations and difficulties in securing exhibition space. Exhibitor registrations opened on February 19, followed by registrations for hosted and non-hosted buyers on March 3.
Erasmus said over 500 exhibitors had already registered for the event or expressed interest, representing 19 African countries.
“Our sales team is now engaging, on a very methodical basis, to ensure the space these exhibitors require is confirmed. But the levels of interest should give comfort to buyers that there is going to be an enormous plethora of product on the trade floor.”
In excess of 300 hosted buyers, from 41 countries, have been recorded on the registration system along with more than 350 non-hosted buyers, according to Erasmus.
“Here, at home, and in our international markets, our team has thrown their weight behind ensuring we get the right mix of exhibitors and buyers on the floor, working closely with the highly experienced advisory panel we appointed,” said Erasmus.
Comprising leaders of industry associations SATSA and ATTA, along with representatives of the private sector, the panel is assisting with exhibitor and buyer engagement and enhancing overall event quality.
“In the year of South Africa’s G20 Presidency, we have to put our best foot forward. We are confident ATI is going to be an example to the world of how capable South Africa is of delivering world-class events.”
Erasmus said South African Tourism is targeting the opening of diary access – allowing for the scheduling of meetings between exhibitors and buyers at ATI – by March 31.
Stephen Nielsen, Sales and Marketing Director at Cape Town-based Kiboko Adventures, who applied on the opening day of exhibitor registrations but has not yet been allocated a stand, voiced his frustrations about the delays.
“Indaba has always been an excellent show and worth exhibiting but you need to plan for it. We can’t book flights and accommodation to Durban until we have a stand,” said Nielsen.
Sharon Gilbert-Rivett, Head Honcho at boutique marketing agency The Safari Collective, said her business was eventually allocated a stand last week.
“We were told that most of the space was already taken up despite applying on the first day of registrations. Space should be allocated on a first come, first served basis rather than giving preference to bigger exhibitors, which appears to be the case,” said Gilbert-Rivett.
