Africa open for together business We areisstronger, The world keeps spinning and will continue to do so, regardless. The time is now, to rebuild on what we have lost, for us, as the business events industry.
I
sometimes feel like Covid-19 has been a time of mourning for our sector. People discuss the various stages of mourning and, from an industry perspective, I have come full circle and feel like I’m finally in the acceptance stage. The biggest lesson I’ve learnt has been that at times I have no control of a situation and have to accept this. However, it doesn’t mean that I need to stop doing what I’m doing; it just means I need to find fresh solutions, to whatever may come my way. Thankfully, I am a positive person and I look for positives in most situations. The sector has had many losses over the past two years, one of the biggest losses has been the loss of skilled staff, also known as a skill- or brain-drain. Some have been lost to other industries, and some to other countries seeking skilled staff. The fact our people, s wethat approach the endour of skilled year, I am workforce, are the heartbeat of the I’m cautiously optimistic. Personally, industry, means that weupbeat. have a feeling a lot more significant challenge. How doiswe The business events industry slowly overcome from this problem? emerging an enforced hibernation. way forward would need toincome I The am definitely seeing an increase
A
physical events in all parts of the industry. It is fantastic to observe the different sectors in our industry starting up again. from skills development. At the The past few weeks have been amazing. moment, service delivery has been I’ve been following on negatively impactedindustry by this leaders loss. Having social platforms whatpeople, they dothe best chatted to a fewdoing industry — be it exhibitions, incentives,have to consensus is that companies conferences and events. The industry invest in their people and need to has been waiting for needed so long training and all itfor took introduce much was a green light government! newcomers, suchfrom as graduates; and After their months of despair, upskill current staff. finally there is renewed positivity in the industry. One The hotels that already have hotel big positive is that South Africa is now schools linked to their operation, will finally offbenefits. most of the world’s travel red reap the Those hotels, suppliers lists, including the UK. and organisers who don’t have any The recent Africa’s Travel and Tourism inhouse training should consider looking Summit (ATTS) even also set scene for at this option, if itthe is in the format what is to come. If anything,toI the get the of mentoring a newcomer feeling that our continent – the continent industry. ofThe Africa – is finally its own positive of therealising skill drain is that it strength in unity. Over the years, African opens doors to young professionals. It countries havegrowth always within looked the to other always offers continents for people tourismwithin and business company, for the events while, in promoted, fact, its ownwith African company to be the countries were overlooked. correct training. There is no doubt that there still in a This prospect of having neware blood lot challenges, like by airlift, ourof industry, trained our visa own people, restrictions, etc. me. It is a solution really motivates One of the challenges addressed during where everyone benefits. ATTS is that tourism/incentive and In my opinion, the number one conference/events packages the pastis requirement for being in thisinindustry
have always been geared to the European a positive or attitude. American markets. If With the right we, Africans, would attitude anything is like to cater our own African visitors possible. Youforalso we should have to be package a good it differently. Over the past few communicator — a years, our industry leaders haveindone a lot of talking about breakdown communication may be the issue of airlift within our continent as disastrous. well thedo issue visasany within Africa for So,as how weof avoid Africans, I hope that ATTS hastransparent ignited a miscommunication? Remain new where African look with chapter, your clients, admit yourairlines limitations at new routes the continent and work withwithin your client to find and finally break those barriers haveand solutions. We are all in thiswhich together hindered Africa. are here to your localtravel tradewithin associations Of course, we would all love to see assist. international delegates and The trade associations aretourists actively return to to ourfind shores but what prevents us working solutions to overcome from exploring new markets iswithin our the challenges the industry currently continent? Covid-19 are pandemic facing. TheThe associations vital in has any taught that weBecome are able part to collaborate thrivingusindustry. of the alocal lot better if we keep the trade associations and become communication opentowithin our involved, we all streams have a part play in continent. The time is now, Africa is open this industry. for business and I am proudly African! We are stronger, together!
Irene
Email: gomesi@iafrica.com
Hein Liebetrau Credit: HeinCredit: Liebetrau
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