Gavin Oosterwyk, Marketing Director, Fairest Cape Meander
“Our family-run business, with a modest fleet of vehicles, operates in the Western Cape: Cape Town, the West Coast and Garden Route regions.
“IMEX America was the first business show we’ve exhibited at although we’ve attended a few business events and participated in several international leisure trade shows.
Historically, we’ve been a day tour and transport provider to tour operators and DMCs but have been working towards expanding into a full-service ground handling operator, offering ticketing, point-to-point and shuttle services, accommodation and pre- and post-event excursions. Attending IMEX was a vital step in this regard.
“Our focus now is on broadening our network of agents and suppliers across the US, Europe and other key markets and ensuring the connections made at IMEX result in tangible outcomes. We also plan to align our product offering with the needs identified during the event, tailor packages and introduce fresh ideas to the new contacts we made.
“The experience at IMEX ranks among the best events I’ve attended. The level of buyer engagement was impressive with many requesting meetings through the meetings portal, indicating a genuine interest in doing business with us. Additionally, spontaneous walk-ins provided further opportunities for future collaboration.
“A key take-away was the importance of customising our offering for the MICE sector with MICE packages tailored to a specific event or group and strong focus on the purpose behind the visit.
“The South African National Convention Bureau (SANCB) support was invaluable – the pre-show preparation was thorough and the website proved an excellent resource before and during the event with data, venue options, incentives material and a detailed diary providing information at our fingertips when we needed it most. Knowing we can rely on their support when bidding for future opportunities is incredibly reassuring.
“Looking ahead, our goal is to be recognised as a strategic supplier within the business events sector and to increase our inbound volume.”
Bestina Rakgoale, Founder and CEO of Besty Travel
“Besty Travel is a Limpopo-based DMC specialising in MICE travel. Although this was our first time attending a MICE Las Vegas event, I’m no stranger to international leisure trade shows.
“The value of attending IMEX America cannot be overstated. We had highly productive meetings with potential clients interested in bringing incentive groups to South Africa. It was encouraging to find that most buyers were already familiar with the Kruger National Park as offering unique safari experiences for conference and incentive groups is one of our core strengths.
“Limpopo is an ideal incentive destination offering bush conferences, Big 5 golfing and immersive village life experiences with indigenous families living near the park.
“At IMEX, I acquired a deep appreciation for the importance of punctuality and confidence in one’s product. Observing how consistently prepared and intentional people were in presenting their offerings was eye-opening. It reinforced the importance of professionalism in this competitive industry.
“I am incredibly grateful to SANCB for its role in Besty Travel’s development – their support has been instrumental in helping us evolve from a one-person operation to a team of five. Participation in local events like Meetings Africa and international platforms such as WTM, Vakantebeurs and ITB Berlin prepared us to stand alongside industry leaders at IMEX. This experience has empowered us to compete with our global peers and build a strong international presence. New doors have opened, particularly with buyers from the American market, keen on safari and hunting experiences. We have plans to expand our product line and drive business during South Africa’s winter months. With the connections made at IMEX and SANCB’s ongoing support, we have scaled our business. I feel very optimistic about the future.”
Mnqobi Mahlangu, CEO of Ubuhle Be Narha Tours (“beauty of our land”)
“We had the privilege of showcasing South Africa’s rich cultural offerings at IMEX America with the support of the Department of Tourism’s Tourism Incentive Programme (TIP) and the SANCB.
“A DMC since 2008, we specialise in day and overnight tours across South Africa, accommodating groups of two to 1 000 delegates.
“IMEX was an invaluable platform for forging new business connections and showcasing South Africa’s diversity beyond wildlife safaris. Many attendees were unaware of South Africa’s cultural richness. Introducing them to our unique cultural tours and personalised itineraries was exciting.
“My advice to small and medium enterprises attending international events is to budget wisely and maximise TIP support for flights, accommodation and transport. The SANCB’s assistance – providing visa letters, organising pre-show meetings and offering a professional booth at IMEX – boosted our visibility, our company’s credibility and market reach, especially among African-American travellers keen on cultural tourism.
“Networking at IMEX led to promising leads. With our expanding global reach, I am optimistic about increased sales and a bright future for our company.”
