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South Africa is a nation that has really put itself on the conference and incentives map in the past few years. Once a destination overlooked by planners, possibly down to its controversial history, it’s now a competitively-priced and well-positioned prospect that you can’t afford to pass up.
South Africa has worked hard to build up a strong convention and incentives proposition. In fact, when news of the country’s success of securing the bid for the 2010 FIFA World Cup really set in, South Africa’s focus on its business events and accommodation industries in particular was instantly strengthened.
The country’s state of readiness for the large-scale sporting event has been a much debated issue. Workshops targeted towards accommodation facilities in the World Cup host cities and in satellite areas will be held during November and December to help ensure the venues are fully prepared for the event in 2010 which will no doubt have significant impact on the country’s economy and its popularity as both a tourist and MICE destination.
A number of properties are undergoing facelifts scheduled to be completed well in advance of the World Cup’s arrival. One such hotel is the five-star InterContinental Sandton Sun in Johannesburg which is currently being revamped. The makeover project, due to be completed by mid-2007, will include changes to the public areas and guest rooms as well as the addition of an in-house spa facility.
South Africa’s major convention centres have also been making serious headway in their offerings to the MICE market. ICC Durban, with its unique 1800 ranked-seating system in the plenary hall, was recently voted as ‘Africa’s leading conference centre’ for the sixth consecutive year by the World Travel Awards. The Cape Town International Convention Centre announced in October that its contributions to the national economy since the centre launched in 2003 has equated to cumulative macroeconomic benefits running to R4.5 billion – with a further R13.9 billion expected to be contributed to the South Africa’s GDP by the centre over the next five years. And the 12-storey Sandton Convention Centre has recently appointed a new executive director, Matifadza (Mati) Nyazema, who has made it her mission to push the envelopes of both the centre and South Africa’s business events industry on an international level.
”Africa’s time has come,” said Ms Nyazema when she stepped into the role. “With the growth of the business tourism industry, so the opportunity for South Africa to host many more international events increases. Africa, and South Africa in particular, can lead the way in international business tourism and destination marketing.”
South Africa Airways (SAA) has also upped the ante in increasing its services to and from South Africa. Due to an increased passenger demand over Christmas this year, the carrier has scheduled five additional flights into and out of Perth and Johannesburg, increasing its standard non-stop flight count of five times a week from the Australian city. SAA is also offering other major initiatives to boost both numbers and quality of service, including recent special deals on fares for Australians travelling to Cape Town.
Five things worth checking out
Robben Island Museum – this historical prison, operating since 1997, has the capacity to host groups in a variety of rooms, including the John Craig Hall which can accommodate 200 delegates.
Kruger National Park – embark on an adventure through one of the biggest, oldest, and most famous wildlife parks in the world.
Table Mountain Aerial Cableway – The open-air Twelve Apostles Terrace is a great option for cocktail functions, catering for 250. Get there via the 65-passenger cable car that runs from Tafelberg Road to the top of Table Mountain.
Cango Caves – take a group on a guided tour through the tight spaces of these impressive caves in the Swartberg Mountain range.
Cape Winelands – this region offers picturesque vineyards, splendid wine routes, majestic mountain ranges and a whole range of conference and accommodation venues, from large high-tech conference halls to remote bush camps.
It’s interesting. It’s beautiful. It’s a strong developing economy. It’s world class. It’s safe. It’s romantic. It’s “Business Unusual” being the breakaway that breaks new ground with its unique experience, unusual opportunities, a wide diversity of offerings and customised group tours and team-building events ranging from adventure to survivalist experiences. South Africa is one of the most affordable destinations in the world. This came from the findings of the latest annual American Express Foreign Exchange Holiday Cost of Living Index survey, which compares prices in the world’s top 12 holiday destinations. Our longhaul airfares compete fiercely with those to similar destinations.
But once you get here, local costs for tourists, whether in restaurants, shops or a state-of-the-art shopping mall, are much lower than the world average. With five international airports which are rated amongst the best and most modern in the world, South Africa hosts 45 international airlines which connect travellers to all parts of the globe. South Africa has a well-established record of successfully hosting international conferences, exhibitions and events.With over 1700 conference venues, South Africa showcases arenas themed around casinos and popular entertainment, others around top-ranked golf courses, yet others around the African bushveld or our spectacular seaside resorts. All provide a wealth of side-tours and events as well as a grading system for its conference facilities to ensure quality assurance. South Africa’s MICE (meetings, incentives, conference and exhibitions) facilities are comparable with the best in the world.
Every major city has a world-class conference centre, with every facility on hand, and a wide range of opportunities for all sizes and types of events. It is, in short an ideal destination for business conferences and incentive getaways in a unique environment in a geologically and politically stable part of the world, with no political, religious or other insurgencies. For more information on how to host your next conference or incentive in South Africa contact Eric Baravilala at South African Tourism at eric@southafricantourism.com.au or visit us online at www.southafrica.net/businessunusual /> “Business breakaway in the bush to de-stress and allow for contemplation and innovative thinking.”
 
In 1980, SITE created the Crystal Award Recognition Program as a way to honour professionals in the performance improvement and travel industry. These Awards embrace six categories and serve as a benchmark for industry program and are regarded as the highest honour in the industry: The Oscars of Travel.
Dragonfly Africa has been acknowledged and honoured with the Crystal Award for the Most Outstanding Catered Event at an Incentive Program.
This was in recognition of a gala dinner in the middle of the African safari bush on behalf of BMW North America and their incentive house agent JNR Inc.
The dinner followed an exciting three hour game drive through one of the world’s most prolific game viewing areas. Some thirty-two Land Rovers, armed rangers and trackers were involved. Approaching the end of the game drive, which was filled with wildlife viewing experiences, the unsuspecting participants arrived at their dinner venue.
The banquet was held in a clearing under the African skies at Londolozi in the middle of the Kruger National Park – the world’s largest game reserve – which boasts the Big Five – Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant and Buffalo.
The objective of the bush dinner was to surprise the participants as, with 240 people, they would not have dreamt that it would be possible to execute a catered event of this magnitude in such a remote and challenging location with wild animals all around.
A large Bedouin tent was flown in from Cape Town and a very sophisticated set-up put in place. Special table linens, silver cutlery and crystal glassware were brought in, as were generators and luxurious portable bathrooms. An authentic African band played through the night.
Special equipment was imported to ensure that the plated food arrived at the tables in perfect condition – hot as it should have been.
Whilst the participants took in the magnificent spectacle of the gala dinner set-up, they were able to marvel at the stars overhead and listen to the incredible orchestra of sound from animals, both small and large, that make up a typical African night in the bush.
This was indeed a night to remember.
Contact details: South Africa
Dragonfly Africa, PO Box 987, Northlands
Johannesburg, 2116, South Africa
Tel: +27 11 219 5600 Fax: +27 11 268 2010/1
info@dragonfly.co.za www.dragonfly.co.za
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