EXSA NEWS

Do exhibitions affect tourism in South Africa?

The question, ‘do exhibitions affect tourism in South Africa?’ is interesting and one that is of interest to me. I decided to do some research on my recent travels. Based on South African Tourism visitor statistics of visitors to South Africa, I began my research whilst attending Mining Indaba held in Cape Town in February this year. This is the first instalment of my results.

By Lee-Ann Alder, association manager of EXSA

The flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town was packed to capacity, with many people travelling with visible company branding, and going straight to Mining Indaba, either as a client or supplier. Steve Shombe, a taxi owner stationed at Cape Town International Airport stated that he had increased his daily business four-fold. He was working around the clock and said that about 80 per cent of his clients were international.

Similarly, Renier Van Der Schyff, regional sales manager of Onomo Hotels, said that all their hotels – situated near CTICC – were full to capacity over that period of time. The Mojo Hotel, that caters for individuals staying in hotel rooms, as well as, dormitory style accommodation, was completely booked with a waiting list of many people. Many foreign visitors frequent the hotel as it is in the hub of Sea Point, situated next to The Mojo Market, which is a Lifestyle market of food, entertainment and retail. Their business also increased dramatically during the Mining Indaba and they had a large variety of local talent showcased, to keep visitors entertained.

Overall, Cape Town was buzzing with people from all over the world during the exhibition and visitors got to experience a world-class exhibition as well as the many tourist attractions that Cape Town has to offer. Many of the visitors, both international and local, visited wine farms, markets, went up Table Mountain, visited V&A Waterfront and many other tourist destinations.

Uber drivers were battling with the increased demand but said that they were more than just a driver for visitors, they felt like tour guides and it made them really proud to be able to drive people around ensuring they were safe.

So, from my initial research, it is without a doubt that exhibitions do have an impact on tourism.

This is the first of many expos where I will continue to gather information on the impact of exhibitions on tourism. I have statistics from international shows and will also do a comparison to see how our incoming tourism compares to some of the larger exhibitions overseas. Watch this space!