Business Events Africa — November 2023 by Contact Publications

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Voice of the Business Events Industry in Africa Vol 43 No 11 NOVEMBER 2023

Business Events Africa: Serving the business events industry for 43 years

CONTENTS www.businesseventsafrica.com

Voice of the

Vol 43 No 11 NOVEMBER 2023 Business Events Industry in Africa

Cover Feature COVER STORY 6 Celebrate at Gallagher.

On the pages… EDITOR’S COMMENT 4 It is a time of celebration. NEWS 5 South Africa shines at IMEX America. UFI GENERAL ASSEMBLY 8 UFI General Assembly reviews a year of advancements. AFRICAN REPORT 10 New report shows how travel and tourism in Africa could boost continent’s economy. TECHNOLOGY WATCH The benefits of RFID technology. 12 INSPIRE FEATURE At Inspire — furniture is art. 14 CHEF’S PROFILE Gustav Miller – ‘never give up’. 17 RURAL TOURISM Rural tourism investment opportunities 18 on the rise on KZN South Coast. DESTINATION: GABORONE Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino — 20 the city’s leading hotel. A LOCAL PERSPECTIVE Propelling South Africa’s economy 22 forward, one tourist at a time. VENUE NEWS Hazyview’s Numbi celebrates 60 years. 23 24 Andreas Lackner appointed as Hilton’s vice president operations, Africa and Indian Ocean. 25 An eagle eye for detail perfect for hospitality.

VOL 43 NO 11 NOVEMBER 2023

The authority on meetings, exhibitions, special events and incentives management

About the cover

Gallagher Convention Centre is the premier event venue in Gauteng, with a dedicated team having thirty years of experience in hosting five-star events. YEAR-END EVENTS Create magical moments at Vivari. 26 MARKET NEWS City Lodge Hotels’ integrated 29 report 2023 published. 30 The sixth Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Challenge launched. 31 IFT scoops Best Domestic Airline at international World Luxury Travel Awards. 32 Angels View awarded Emerging Entrepreneur Award. 33 Africa wins big at the 2023 Global Responsible Tourism Awards.

Association news EVENT GREENING FORUM 34 Bridging the divide from here to a net zero carbon events future. SAACI 35 Let’s avoid another hard stop. SITE 36 Dealing with legal issues. AAXO 38 AAXO celebrates Entrepreneur Month. EXSA EXSA VAT Ruling. 39

Published by the proprietor Contact Publications (Pty) Ltd (Reg No. 1981/011920/07)

HEAD OFFICE POSTAL ADDRESS: PO Box 414, Kloof 3640, South Africa TEL: +27 (0)31 764 6977 FAX: 086 762 1867 MANAGING DIRECTOR: Malcolm King malcolm@contactpub.co.za EDITOR: Irene Costa gomesi@iafrica.com SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Vincent Goode vincent@contactpub.co.za DISTRIBUTION MANAGER: Jackie Goosen jackie@contactpub.co.za SALES REPRESENTATIVE: Irene Costa +27 (0)82 558 7387 gomesi@iafrica.com PUBLICATION DETAILS: Volume 43 No 11 Business Events Africa has 12 issues a year and is published monthly. This magazine is currently only available in digital format.

Regulars DIRECTORY 40 Directory of associations. CRUISE NEWS MSC Cruises updates on 42 Winter 2023-24 itineraries. INDEX Index of advertisers and contributors. 42 THE LAST WORD 43 South Africa’s tourism renaissance: a journey of growth and innovation.

publishers of Business Events Africa, is a member of:

Official media partner

Official Journal of the Southern Africa Chapter of the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence

Official journal of the Exhibition & Event Association of Southern Africa

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It is a time of celebration As the year draws to a close, there is this sense of urgency, to wrap up for the year. It has been an incredibly busy year. Honestly, I believe we are all feeling exhausted and ready to enjoy some timeout in December.

2023

has been a year of great highs. The business events industry was able to operate for the first time, without any disruptions. However, as always, new challenges presented themselves. One challenge that stands out is finding a way to increase current rates (many of which are sitting at pre-Covid times) to where they should be. Hopefully, in 2024 we will see this happen. More importantly, it has been a year of normalcy, which definitely needs to be celebrated, especially after a few years of uncertainty. This year sees the return of many year-end events. Many are smaller or have smaller budgets but, nevertheless, the year-end event is back in 2023. It is a time of celebration, and the business events sector has much to be thankful for. Gallagher Convention Centre celebrated 30 years this year, a wonderous achievement, it also

makes it one of the oldest convention centres in our country. In this edition, we look at the Gallagher Convention Centre promise, ‘Your event, Your Way’. This promise is more important today than ever before. In this edition, Vivari Hotel & Spa also shares some year-end packages to make your event just that bit more memorable. Another highlight, Inspire Rentals also looks at events, and at the art of furniture and how it can set the scene and transform your event. The African Report highlights some interesting statistics on how the African sector is expected to grow by 6.5 per cent, per year, over the next decade; and how travel and tourism could contribute US$350-billion to the regional economy. These numbers are incredible, but what would be even more incredible is if we could obtain proper statistics on the impact of business events on the African continent. This is something I wish

Credit: Hein Liebetrau

EDITOR’S COMMENT

we could see: the various African convention bureaux coming together and collaborating on. It is something that is necessary and should be prioritised. Maybe this is a discussion that should be initiated at Meetings Africa, taking place at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg from 26-28 February 2024. The business events industry is growing in Africa, convention bureaux are opening regularly as governments are beginning to see its worth. However, its actual ‘worth’ remains an anomaly. My wish for 2024 is that we finally know what the business events sector is worth on the African continent. In closing, the industry is in a period of flux, its worth is still relatively unknown, but we do know that there will always be a need for business events, in all its forms.

Irene

Email: gomesi@iafrica.com

Image courtesy of Blueberry Hill Hotel, Johannesburg

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PAGE STRAP NEWS

South Africa shines at IMEX America South Africa proudly showcased its diverse and vibrant business events offering at the prestigious IMEX America, last month at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

ith almost 15,000 confirmed participants on the show floor, of which over 5,000 were buyers, the exhibition was a great platform for the twenty South African exhibitors who partnered with the South African National Convention Bureau (SANCB) to cement South Africa’s position as a top-tier destination for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions. As an emerging global player in the business events sector, South Africa left an indelible mark at IMEX America, where the show floor was buzzing with excitement as buyers learned about the array of immersive and unique tourism products that make South Africa stand out from the rest. Participating in such global trade shows continues to yield returns for the South African business sector. The International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM) will host its annual conference at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) in May 2026. This comes at the back of a meeting that took place at the SANCB stand during last year’s IMEX in Las Vegas, when the ISMRM representatives visited the SANCB stand, engaged with the Cape Town & Western www.businesseventsafrica.com

Cape Convention Bureau, a unit within Wesgro and the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) team with a request for a proposal, and within a short period of two months, the deal between the Cape Town & Western Cape Convention Bureau, CTICC, SANCB, and ISMRM was signed and converted. This conference will see over 5,000 delegates from over 55 different countries coming to explore South Africa. This illustrates the value and economic benefit of participating at global business events trade shows. From breathtaking event venues, luxurious accommodations, and state-of-the-art conference facilities to unparalleled natural beauty, South Africa offers a unique and enchanting experience to both international and domestic visitors. During the event, the South African delegation presented an array of immersive and unique tourism products that make South Africa stand out from the rest. Both the South African exhibitors and the buyers from across the globe found the show to be an ideal platform for networking, collaboration, and the exploration of exciting future business opportunities. Zinhle Nzama, acting chief convention bureau officer of SANCB, said that the

South African exhibitors represented the country very well. South Africa meant business. “Team South Africa had their hands full as they moved from one meeting to the next, and the message was clear: South Africa is ready to host quality business events, with worldclass infrastructure fit for global meetings, events and incentives travel,” she added. Ms Nzama said South Africa’s exhibitors were overwhelmed by walk-in clients over and above the scheduled meetings, which bodes well for the tourism industry and injection to our GDP. The SANCB team was also busy recruiting buyers for Meetings Africa, South African Tourism’s Pan African business events trade show, which will be held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg from 27-28 February 2024. In closing, Ms Nzama said, “IMEX America 2023 was fantastic, and as our team and our valued partners depart Las Vegas, energised by the quality of buyers and their enthusiasm for the destination, we held close to 500 meetings, over ten group presentations and have generated close to two hundred leads. We are looking forward to hearing testimonies from our exhibitors about converted deals over the coming months.”

Business Events Africa November 2023 5

PAGE STRAP COVER STORY

Celebrate at Gallagher Book your special event at Gallagher Convention Centre. Experience superior service at affordable rates.

allagher Convention Centre is the premier event venue in Gauteng. The venue offers organisers the promise of a dedicated team that becomes an extension of their own team and peace of mind, having thirty years of experience in hosting five-star events. ‘Your event, your way’, is Gallagher’s promise to potential clients. This means that the experienced Gallagher Convention Centre team is committed to working with event organisers to deliver on their objectives and host a unique and successful event that is talked about well after the event ends successfully.

The venue boasts twenty-seven venues, varying in size, and conveniently offers visitors more than five thousand parking bays. Gallagher offers event organisers complete event solutions, such as special packages, a full power backup solution, a million-litre water tank, and Halaalcertified catering. The venue is proud of the strong, motivated, and experienced team that works towards successful events for each of their clients. Booking an event at Gallagher Convention Centre is a seamless and easy process. Our enthusiastic and knowledgeable team will assist you with

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the process, asking questions to quote you as best possible. “It is because our team becomes part of the client’s team and their success becomes our success, that clients continue to return to Gallagher to host their events,” says Cornelle Du Preez, GM: Sales & Coordination at Gallagher Convention Centre. MEET THE GALLAGHER SALES TEAM Millicent Monnakgotla Sales Consultant Millicent has been part of the Gallagher Convention Centre family since 2017. Her infectious optimism and passion for

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COVER PAGE STORY STRAP

Having proven herself calm under pressure and, a methodical planner and innovative problem solver, Ciska was promoted to Exhibitions Manager in 2020.

events make her a joy to work with. Millicent was the recipient of the award for Sales Employee of the Year in 2018 and 2019.

Jeanette Skele Sales Consultant Jeanette started at Gallagher Convention Centre as an Event Coordinator. She showed her versatility and knowledge of events by transitioning to the position of Sales Consultant when the opportunity presented itself. Jeanette has been in the role of Sales Consultant for two years and continues to find out-of-the-box solutions for clients.

Ciska Meyer Exhibition Manager Ciska has been part of the Gallagher team for eight years. She commenced her career at Gallagher as a Sales Consultant. www.businesseventsafrica.com

Mmakgabo Motokhoa Junior Exhibitions Manager Mmakgabo is a dynamic Gallagher team member. Her initial introduction to Gallagher was as a waiter. From there, she was trained as a supervisor until she was given the opportunity as a Banqueting Manager. Respected by her clients for her can-do attitude and creative solutions, she was offered the position of Junior Exhibitions Manager. Vusi Nkosi, GM: Operations, has been at Gallagher for twenty-two years. He believes that it is the company’s commitment to upskilling and developing staff that sets the venue and its service delivery apart from others. Vusi’s own journey at Gallagher is one of empowerment, as he originally began at Gallagher as a switch-board operator. This year, Gallagher Convention Centre celebrated its thirtieth birthday with a #30YearsYoung campaign. This birthday campaign includes special pricing on packages. To ensure that Gallagher Convention Centre will remain the foremost event venue in the future, a campaign of reinvesting in the property to the benefit of the clients and visitors has kicked off. You can look out for exciting improvements such as upgraded lighting in all the large venues, twenty-seven LED outdoor screens serving as directional signage all over the property, modernised sliding glass doors that have replaced the original fixtures, and upgraded access security to the property. Peter Ssali, Gallagher’s Financial Director, believes that the venue is so loved by organisers and visitors alike because the venue always looks to reinvest and improve where possible. What upgrades can organisers look

forward to on the Gallagher property? • A full refurbishment of the Hall 4- and 5-bathroom facilities. • All new conference chairs will replace the current Carlton chairs. • Full upgrade of the PA systems in the large venues. • New linen and more modern cutlery and crockery will be phased in. GALLAGHER CATERS TO YOU Gallagher Convention Centre offers delicious menus tailored to the theme and requirements of every event. The catering at Gallagher is Halaal, certified by NIHT. This means that most of the worry is taken out of the planning, for organisers, where special dietaries are concerned. Gallagher does not charge a surcharge on Halaal or vegetarian meals. Having noticed the need for a supplier of high-quality Halaal meals in the industry, Gallagher established GC3H. GC3H delivers special dietary meals and event catering throughout Gauteng. GALLAGHER OFFERS SOLUTIONS Proud of their experience, Gallagher Convention Centre draws on that experience to identify potential challenges that event organisers may face and offers solutions to navigate the potential pitfalls. • Gallagher Convention Centre offers a full generator backup solution. • Gallagher Convention Centre has a million-litre backup water tank on the property. • Gallagher Convention Centre makes use of heating-cooling systems to reduce power usage and be kinder to the environment. • To avoid the water wasted during dry-cleaning, Gallagher offers a highquality serviette alternative to linen napkins. • Gallagher now has in-house raked seating on offer at very reasonable rates. Charles Wilson, Chief Executive Officer of Gallagher attributes the success of Gallagher Convention Centre to the Gallagher team and their dedication to every event that takes place on the property. “At Gallagher, the size of the event does not matter. The success of the event matters.” Mr Wilson states that the Gallagher team approaches every event hosted at Gallagher with the same dedication. Whether a small boardroom meeting or a Gala event for thousands in one of the large halls, ‘the details matter’.

Business Events Africa November 2023 7

PAGE COVER UFI GENERAL STRAP STORY ASSEMBLY

UFI’s Presidential Trio for 2023-24. From left to right: UFI EXecutive President (Incoming President) Mr. Hugh Jones CEO, RX London; UFI President Mr. Geoff Dickinson CEO, dmg events Dubai and UFI Executive President (Outgoing President) Mr. Michael Duck, Executive Vice President, Informa Markets Asia, Hong Kong.

UFI General Assembly reviews a year of advancements • UFI’s global membership has reviewed a year of activity, highlighting advocacy efforts, events, research, and education. • Leadership reports on a record number of members from 86 countries and regions. • New North America Chapter to serve growing membership across that region.

epresentatives from UFI member companies from around the world met in Las Vegas (USA) last month to review UFI’s activities throughout 2023 and to confirm plans for the year ahead. The 2023 UFI General Assembly took place on 1 November, before the UFI Global Congress, which welcomed around 500 industry leaders from more than fifty countries and regions. With the pandemic in the industry’s rearview mirror, the assembly reviewed a year defined by new global challenges and opportunities. Chaired by UFI’s current president,

Michael Duck, the General Assembly reviewed and previewed the association’s initiatives to support UFI’s members around the world. Membership has grown to reach a new all-time high of more than 820 member companies, representing 86 countries and regions. Michael Duck summarised the year: “Trade fairs have proven to be powerful catalysts for economic growth. By bringing together businesses, investors, and consumers, they serve around the world as a marketplace for new ideas, products, and services. The successful trade fairs of this year have facilitated

8 Business Events Africa November 2023

numerous business transactions, generating revenue, stimulating job creation, and fostering economic development. They have been instrumental in revitalising industries that were severely impacted by the pandemic.” Mr Duck continued: “UFI had a busy and successful year as well. I can report to you today that our community is bigger than ever, with more than 820 companies listed as members.” To reflect the growing number of member companies based in North America and doing business there, the UFI President announced the launch of www.businesseventsafrica.com

UFI GENERAL COVER PAGE ASSEMBLY STORY STRAP

a dedicated North America chapter in the association. Mr Duck said: “Around seven per cent of UFI’s global membership is headquartered in this region, and more than a quarter are active. UFI’s leadership has decided to set up a North America Chapter that will comprise Canada, the US, and Mexico, as a legacy of this year’s Global Congress taking place in the US.” Mr Duck explained the purpose and role of these chapters in the organisation: “UFI never runs national offices, or chapters. UFI does not compete with national exhibition industry associations, it collaborates with them and supports them. UFI has been a trailblazer for collaboration among industry associations around the world, with a track record of more than 20 years on this.” Summarising UFI's activities for 2023, Kai Hattendorf, chief executive officer and managing director of UFI said: “The past twelve months have certainly been busy. We ran more events around the world than ever before, and also have seen UFI returning to in-person events in Asia. We have been able to extend UFI’s educational offers with new on-site editions of our core programmes across multiple regions. UFI research has confirmed our industry has recovered globally from the pandemic slump. And, we have seen some real breakthroughs in our advocacy work, being recognised by entities like the UN, the OECD, ISO, and others.” Throughout the year, UFI’s work focused on industry reopening and recovery, against a challenging backdrop of world events, fluctuating economic conditions around the world, and ongoing pandemic closures, especially in China. UFI’s main activities in the past year included: UFI Events & Communities In 2023, UFI has run the full programme of in-person events again. In addition, UFI Connects and other digital formats continue to be used as a complementary type of events. The sold-out Global CEO Summit (GCS) took place in Lisbon, Portugal. Following the pan-Asian reopening, the Asia-Pacific Conference took place in person again, in March, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The LatAm www.businesseventsafrica.com

Conference took place in San José, Costa Rica, in April, followed by the MEA Conference in May in Doha, Qatar. The European Conference in June in Maastricht, The Netherlands, ended the series of regional conferences for the year, collocating two UFI Forum events and launching the initial Event Directors Summit. In addition, other events were organised as well, serving the need of members to meet and connect. UFI backed and supported the Sustainable Events Summit in New York, USA, in September, as part of New York Climate Week. The association co-organised UFI Expert Days in Malaysia and Bahrain, and – together with AEO, SACEOS, and SISO – organised the second edition of the Asia CEO Summit in Singapore in October. The 2024 UFI events schedule is available at www.ufi.org/events.

an audience in more than 100 countries around the world.

Research UFI delivers regular research insights on global, regional, and topical themes, most of which are widely considered as the global industry benchmarks. Most notably, two editions of the ‘UFI Global Barometer’ report were released. Conducted in collaboration with many UFI association members, both editions track the industry’s recovery and post-pandemic growth, showing a growing number of markets on course to exceed their respective 2019 record years in 2023. Additional research is to be released around the UFI Global Congress. UFI’s research is available at www.ufi. org/research.

UFI’s outlook for the year ahead With the industry embarking on another year of growth, despite challenges, UFI will continue to focus on serving its global membership base to drive its ongoing success. Current initiatives will continue, especially around the most pressing industry issues — from staffing challenges to the impact of digital developments, and from economic pressures to environmental necessities. UFI’s Global CEO Summit will kick off the 2024 events roster, taking place onsite in Amsterdam (the Netherlands) from 31 January to 2 February 2024. The 91st UFI Global Congress will take place in Cologne, Germany, from 20-23 November, hosted by Koelnmesse. For 2025, UFI’s Board of Directors has selected Hong Kong as the destination for the UFI Global Congress, the event will be hosted by Asia World Expo. Geoff Dickinson (CEO, dmg events) is UFI’s next President, taking up office at the end of the Global Congress in Las Vegas. He is joined in UFI's new presidential leadership trio by Hugh Jones (CEO, RX Global) as Incoming President, and Michael Duck (EVP — Commercial Development, Informa Markets) as Outgoing President. UFI is grateful to all its members, partners, and sponsors, notably the Diamond Sponsors: Visit Qatar, and Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB).

Advocacy UFI’s engagement around industry advocacy is growing significantly — in line with the fact that the association is being seen and recognised as the global representative of the exhibitions segment of the events industry. By working with global entities like the UNFCCC, OECD, ISO, and others, UFI is able to position and represent the sector’s interests. Together with partner associations, UFI is supporting the work of Industry presence in Brussels (EEIA) and Washington, DC (ECA). UFI continues to host and facilitate ‘Global Exhibitions Day’, the industry’s annual day of campaigning. The 2023 edition once again reached

Education As requested by the industry, UFI launched the ‘UFI Certified Professional’ (UCP) designation in 2021. The first UCP programme hosted by an organisation took place in July 2023 in Malaysia, hosted and supported by MyCEB. Twenty participants achieved their UCP accreditation there alone. Multiple editions of the ‘Exhibition Management School’ have taken place again in 2023, online and onsite, most recently in Riyadh, Saudi. In addition, the first post-pandemic edition of the UFI-VMA Venue Management School will take place in Shenyang, China, in December 2023. More on UFI’s education programmes is available at www.ufi.org/education.

Business Events Africa November 2023 9

PAGE STRAP COVER AFRICAN STORY REPORT

(Left to Right): Arnold Donald, Chairperson WTTC, Julia Simpson, President & CEO WTTC and Hariprasad Viswanathan, Head—Sub Sahara Africa VFS Global, at the launch of the Africa report in collaboration with VFS Global at Kigali in Rwanda.

New report shows how travel and tourism in Africa could boost continent’s economy African sector expected to grow 6.5 per cent, per year over the next decade; travel & tourism could contribute US$350-Billion to the regional economy.

t its Global Summit in Kigali, Rwanda recently, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), in collaboration with VFS Global, revealed that the African Travel and Tourism sector could add US$168-Billion to the continent’s economy and create over 18-million new jobs. According to the report, ‘Unlocking Opportunities for Travel & Tourism Growth in Africa’, this potential growth is dependent on three key policies to unlock annualised growth of 6.5 per cent, reaching a contribution of more than US$350-Billion. The report includes a policy package focused on improving Africa’s growth based on air infrastructure, visa facilitation and tourism marketing.

Travel and Tourism is a powerhouse sector in Africa, with a contribution of more than US$186-Billion to the region’s economy in 2019, welcoming 84-million international travellers. The sector is also essential for employment, providing livelihoods to 25-million people, equating to 5.6 per cent of all the jobs in the region. Speaking at the global tourism body’s Global Summit in Kigali, Julia Simpson, WTTC president and chief executive officer, said: “Africa's travel and tourism sector has witnessed an extraordinary transformation. In just two decades, it has more than doubled in value, significantly contributing to the continent's economy. “Growth potential for travel and tourism in Africa is massive. It has

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already more than doubled since 2000, and with the right policies, could unlock an additional US$168-Billion in the next decade. “Africa needs simplified visa processes, better air connectivity within the continent, and marketing campaigns to highlight the wealth of destinations in this breathtaking continent.” According to Zubin Karkaria, founder and chief executive officer, VFS Global, “We are excited to partner with WTTC to uncover the extensive opportunities that Travel and Tourism offers in Africa.” “Having established our presence in Africa since 2005, we are today the trusted partner of 38 governments who we serve across 55 cities in 35 countries in Africa. VFS Global www.businesseventsafrica.com

Image by Tom Glod from Pixabay

AFRICAN COVER PAGE REPORT STORY STRAP

recognises the tremendous potential of Africa and remains deeply committed to supporting the continuing development of travel and tourism to and from the continent. “This report not only highlights the diverse prospects for economic growth, sustainable tourism, and cross-cultural collaboration, but also provides valuable insights for governments to formulate policies and offers businesses a well-defined roadmap for expansion in this thriving market.” This report delves into the historical

journey of the travel and tourism sector in Africa. It's a story of facing challenges head-on, from the Global Financial Crisis in 2008, to the setbacks caused by disease outbreaks, and political instability. Despite all of these challenges, the travel and tourism sector is on a path to recovery. According to the global body, 2023 is projected to be a year of full recovery, only 1.9 per cent shy of 2019 levels, as well as the creation of an additional 1.8-million jobs.

Opportunities for Africa The report highlights the opportunities for the sector, which include strategic investments, improved connectivity, streamlined visa processes, reduced carbon footprint through low-carbon energy adoption, and enhanced water efficiency. These could unlock the potential for sustainable growth, job creation, and economic development in the African travel and tourism sector. To access the full report, please visit the WTTC Research Hub (https://apo-opa. info/3sdkyMN).

Building back Exhibitions and Events together! The founding Associations of the SA Events Council have consistently provided essential information and support on event safety, business relief and venue capacity. Ensure you are ready for business by engaging with your association today.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

hello@saeventscouncil.org Business Events Africa November 2023 11

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

PAGE STRAP WATCH TECHNOLOGY

The benefits of RFID technology CEDA monitors delegate entry into and out of conference and event venues using RFID. It is a contactless system for CPD points, attendance registers, attendance analysis, security, speaker feedback, access control, live data, dining seating plan, lead capture, and much more. By Adrian Garrett

drian Garrett and Kevin Bradfield are joint partners of CEDA. In this article, Adrian Garett shares some insights with Business Events Africa.

the four-digit tag number is entered into the delegate’s data during onsite registration.

What is RFID technology? RFID stands for radio-frequency identification. It is a technology that uses radio waves to identify and track objects. In the conference and events industry, RFID is most commonly used to monitor delegate movement in and out of venues and exhibition areas.

Is RFID monitoring ‘hands-free’ technology? Yes, RFID monitoring is hands-free technology. Delegates merely walk past our antennae with their name badge visible, and the RFID tag is scanned automatically. Delegates are NOT required to interface with any devices or systems, which makes it an extremely user-friendly experience.

How is the RFID tag linked to the delegate badge? CEDA’s RFID tags are self-adhesive and can be applied within a folded name badge or onto the badge or the pouch. Each RFID tag is coded and printed with a unique four-digit number. Where badges are pre-printed, the RFID tag number is linked to the delegate’s online registration data before being applied to the badge. Prior to printing the badge,

What areas at an event can be monitored with RFID tech? CEDA: The areas that can be monitored with RFID tech depend on the specific needs of the event organiser. However, the most common spaces include: • Plenary venues. • Break away venues. • Exhibition areas. • Gala dinners and dining areas. • Event foyers.

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Other areas to consider monitoring are: • Off-site events — dinners, cocktail events, team building, etc. • Transport embarkment and disembarkment for site visit and transport to off-site accommodation. www.businesseventsafrica.com

TECHNOLOGY PAGEWATCH STRAP

Is it necessary for complete data analysis? The event organiser decides how much data to analyse, which is dependent on how much registration data is shared with CEDA. Some event organisers may merely wish to collect basic information such as entry and leave times. Others may choose to collect additional, precise information such as delegate names, qualifications, and occupations, or delegates at certain sessions. The level of data analysis required will be determined by the event organiser's unique goals. What are the benefits of event organisers using RFID tech through CEDA? There are numerous advantages to utilising RFID technology through CEDA. Among the many advantages are: • Better event planning RFID data can help with event planning by offering insights into delegate movement, attendance, and preferences. This data can be utilised to make events more efficient and effective. • Improved event safety and security RFID technology can be used to improve event safety and security by monitoring delegate movement and venue capacity. This can aid in the prevention of overcrowding and other potential safety problems. Data collected may be used for contact tracing. • Improved delegate communication RFID technology can be used to send tailored communications to delegates, such as reminders about upcoming sessions or changes to the schedule. This can help to strengthen communication with delegates and keep them up-to-date on the event’s progress. • Greater ROI for exhibitors RFID technology may be used to monitor traffic flow in exhibition spaces, allowing exhibitors to identify the most popular sections. This data can be used to increase the ROI for exhibitors. • Better event evaluation RFID data may be utilised to assess an event’s success by offering insights into delegate satisfaction, engagement, and learning. This data can be utilised to make future events better for all. www.businesseventsafrica.com

What is the benefit of RFID for exhibtors? Every exhibitor will tell you that position is critical, and every exhibitor wants high-quality traffic through their exhibition. Peak attendance periods and numbers in an exhibition area can be traced using RFID technology. RFID technology can aid in the identification of peak, medium, and low times and of attendance. In certain circumstances, it is possible to identify the area of the highest volumes and periods. Use this information to resell the same locations at future events. Sharing this information will help exhibitors assess their ROI for your event more accurately. Do organisers purchase the CEDA system or rent the CEDA system from CEDA? CEDA would be hired by event organisers to operate the RFID technology for their event. Simply provide CEDA with the details of your event, including the venue, dates, number of participants, and number of rooms to be monitored, and CEDA will be happy to provide you with a quotation. CEDA will then work with you to organise and plan the finer elements of your needs. Can CEDA be used for assigning CPD points? CEDA was founded in response to a client’s requirement for ‘hands-free’ CPD point distribution. The data gathered reveals which delegates went to which session. CPD points can be allocated based on this information. Delegates who receive CPD points have a private profile on our website where they can access all current and previous CPD points allocated at CEDA-monitored events. Is CEDA RFID technology expensive? Prices will vary according to the number of delegates attending, the length of the event, and the number of rooms monitored. CEDA may cost as little as R20 per person, per day, which is probably less than the cost of an extra muffin per person with morning tea. Can the event organiser transfer CEDA costs? Excellent question, yes, the cost can be transferred. As CEDA’s antennae are strategically placed at venue entrances, it becomes a sought-after branding spot.

We welcome sponsors to brand our antennae. The sponsor can also brand movement-triggered messaging. For events with multiple rooms being monitored, it is possible to have a sponsor per room and share the cost. This can be loaded into existing sponsorship packages or as a standalone sponsorship. Can CEDA be used to communicate with delegates? Without a doubt. The CEDA system is configured to send text and email messages to delegates. Messages are triggered at specified periods when delegates will pass CEDA antennae. It is an excellent method for sending survey links, following sessions. The system can be configured to send messages only to delegates attending specified sessions. It can be used to notify delegates of programme changes. It can be used to thank delegates upon their arrival at the event and again upon their departure. It can be used to notify delegates of off-site social events and much more. Can CEDA be used to restrict delegate entry into a venue? Yes, if the registration data includes fields identifying which delegates are authorised to attend a certain venue, the CEDA system will flag and produce a list of names of any delegate who is not authorised to be in that location. Is CEDA worth the cost to the organiser? Absolutely. Using CEDA to monitor delegate movement through an event and collect valuable movement data can help tremendously with understanding and improving events. The more data you can collect and apply practically to your event, the more you will learn, and the more you will be able to provide feedback to clients, sponsors, speakers, and delegates. RFID data is adaptable, measurable, informative, and has the potential to save money. It's an excellent tool for movement-based communication. It is adaptable, scalable, cost-effective, sellable, and functional. One of the most beneficial conference and event add-on services. Contact information www.cedata.net or contact Adrian on +27 (0)83 448 6444 or send him an email: adrian@cedata.net

Business Events Africa November 2023 13

PAGE STRAP INSPIRE FEATURE

At Inspire — furniture is art Inspire’s ethos of creating quality and functional art is rooted throughout its Lifestyle (Retail) and Event Rental divisions. Creating living spaces that evoke emotion, whether permanent or just for a moment. With warehouses and showrooms in Johannesburg and Cape Town, and soon in the Garden Route. Inspire operates nationally, from both the retail furniture and event rental furniture perspectives.

nspire Lifestyle is the group’s retail furniture division, and here the focus is on designs made for living. Whether it’s creating pieces for a luxury hotel, that transports their guests into a world of grandeur away from the mundane, or creating a warm feel of opulence to make a client’s home feel like it envelopes their soul. Inspire’s attention to detail and passion for quality is what sets Inspire’s art form apart from the rest. Chad Botha, managing director and co-founder of Inspire Rentals, said: “The goal of art is to share who we are and how we see the world. Artists allow us to see what we are unable to see but somehow already know, it may be a view of the world singularly different from our own, or one so close it seems

miraculous.” Rudi van der Vyver, regional sales of Inspire Rentals, said: “At Inspire Rentals, we have an absolute passion for events, a hundred million moments — this is the canvas upon which we create. It’s chaotic and competitive, it’s laired and loud and it carries on at a pace so fast that some days it seems unmanageable. “A hundred million ideas, these are the tools of our art, making the unseen reality, we create. With ‘to-do’ lists that go on forever, endless revisions from clients who seem impossible to please, running from one event to another with hardly a moment to take a breath or sleep in our own bed, often fleeting, sometimes forgotten. Through late nights in rooms lit only by the glow of

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Chad Botha.

Rudi van der Vyver.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

INSPIRE PAGE FEATURE STRAP

our laptops, in boardrooms where no one else understands the majestic vision we see so clearly. In ballrooms, where everyone rushes, rallies, and refuses to slow down, and yet it all matters. With our effort and our heart and our skill, together we envision events that become unforgettable memories for those who actually pause to witness, and for those who just get lost in the moment.” Mr Botha concluded: “Though they may never know our name, countless people experience inspiration, delight, and elegance because of our passion. In a time, that can seem overwhelming with darkness, we choose to showcase the glories, to bring order to the chaos, to express the true flavour of being alive. Our events remind all of us, for just a few moments, of the beauty in ourselves and help us rekindle the light that we have lost. In a world that seems to always destroy, we create. With careful focus and detail, we sculpt an experience, with light and colour, movement and sound, taste and texture we craft feelings and share ideas. We illuminate the art around us, and within us, that is so often missed. Our work adds to a tapestry of dreams, a canvas of creativity that brings into focus our clients’ celebrations, achievements, and victories. “Consider the imagination represented in the hundred million moments that Inspire has designed. Imagine the landscape ahead filled with wonder, magic, and light. In your heart, pause with us right now to witness those hundred million moments, then look with us into the next series of masterpieces that will be born because of our effort and celebrate with us because this beauty matters.”

Contact Info Johannesburg: Unit 3, Freeway Centre, 17 Andries Street, Corner of Wynberg Road, Wynberg, Sandton Inspire Lifestyle Retail: 061 019 9813 Furniture Rentals: 084 333 1459 Cape Town: Unit 9A, No 5 Phumelela Park, 1 Chain Avenue, Montague Gardens, Cape Town Inspire Lifestyle Retail: 084 333 1420 Furniture Rentals: 084 333 1420 www.businesseventsafrica.com

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PAGE STRAP

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www.businesseventsafrica.com

CHEF’S PAGE PROFILE STRAP

Gustav Miller – ‘never give up’ Gustav Muller, 45, executive chef of Hotel Sky Cape Town, has been in the hospitality industry for the past 26 years. He began as an inhouse trainee at the Golden Tulip at the Lord Charles Hotel in Somerset West, where he worked for four years.

fter that time, he worked on cruise ships, before returning to South Africa, where he was appointed junior sous chef at the Steenberg Hotel. Then he went abroad again, this time to Ireland, where he worked at Catherine’s Restaurant. He was then afforded the opportunity to return to the Lord Charles Hotel as executive sous chef. Then Covid hit, and everything changed. “I started my own biltong business but it was not enough, and then I got an opportunity to run the restaurant at the Weskus Padstal.” Gustav was raised in Cape Town and attended Klienmond Primary School and proceeded to Hermanus High School. After school, he completed a professional cookery course at the Cape Peninsula Technikon. As a child, Gustav considered becoming a vet, but changed his mind at the last minute. “The rest is history.” Gustav loves what he does because every day has a new challenge, and he gets to meet different personalities. Looking at challenges, he mentioned that skilled chefs are unfortunately scarce, as many go overseas or go and work on cruise ships. Looking ahead, Gustav said that he would like to build his own brand. “Over

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the years, I have worked with so many different executive chefs and have learned so much from them. I want to refine my own knowledge and cooking skills. Teamwork makes the dream work.” He said that today’s guest is interested in healthier eating, and looking for less-processed foods. Gustav is married to Machel and has two sons, Aiden, 17, and Declan, 10. He loves spending time with his family and fishing. His advice to newcomers is: “You are going to make mistakes along the way, but it will only make you stronger. Never give up!” What is your signature dish? It isn’t necessarily my signature dish, but it is one of my favourites. It is spiced biltong ostrich, served with apricot chutney, Jerusalem artichokes, baby carrots and red wine jus. Any good red wine will complement this dish. What food trends are emerging in conferencing? There is a definite trend for tapas-style food. What is your favourite beverage? A good old cup of coffee.

What is your favourite food? A good curry, but for comfort food, I love my peanut butter and syrup sandwich. What is your great love? My great love is my wife and two children. I love them to bits. Are you adventurous? I used to be. I am at that stage in my life where I have to be more responsible. I still love swimming out to the reefs, to go fishing, and sometimes see big sharks.

Business Events Africa November 2023 17

PAGE STRAP COVER RURAL STORY TOURISM

KwaXolo Caves Adventures.

Rural tourism investment opportunities on the rise on KZN South Coast The drive to develop rural tourism assets is a global move, as inclusive tourism economies are beneficial for both tourists and hosts. Through rural tourism, outlying communities are included in mainstream economies, tourists are afforded more authentic, nature-based experiences, and conservation becomes a central tenet. On the Kwazulu-Natal South Coast, this welcome trend has unearthed unique tourism assets for potential investors.

lobally, the majority of the 1.8-billion youth that live in rural areas, of low and middleincome countries, are three times more likely to be unemployed than adults — as outlined by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). The result is forced migration to the cities, with local towns and villages dying out, while cultural

customs and heritage is lost. “Rural tourism is a necessary solution to our growing youth unemployment, a way to retain local culture and traditions, and an important impetus for local conservation,” said Phelisa Mangcu, chief executive officer of South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE). “On the KZN South Coast, we are committed to developing rural

tourism assets to enhance our tourism offering for global tourists, while supporting local communities.”

KwaXolo Caves Adventures.

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KwaXolo Caves Adventures One of the prime examples of rural tourism offerings is KwaXolo Caves Adventures on the KZN South Coast. This is a unique adventure heritage tour that takes visitors into a series of caves

www.businesseventsafrica.com

RURAL PAGE TOURISM STRAP

that are adorned with San artwork dating back centuries. These are accessed using a via Ferrata system with a guided tour of the caves, and impressive views of the gorge and waterfall. The success of this rural tourism experience has prompted its development, with Phase 3 of the project currently in the final stages. The construction of an extended 1,06km zipline and landing deck will significantly enhance the experience for those looking for adrenaline tourism. This presents significant investment potential for businesses to establish an on-site lodge for overnight stays, extended ziplining opportunities, transportation to and from the site, as well as recreational activities such as quad biking, paintball, and more. Umzumbe River Trails Hiking trails are an incredibly popular tourism attraction, and an area that was identified for development on the KZN South Coast. This prompted the establishment of the 71km Umzumbe River Trails, a guided hiking or biking trail through the hinterland, offering participants a nature-based adventure alongside authentic Zulu experiences in homestays along the way. One notable investment opportunity is the establishment of a lodge alongside the dam which has been supported by a feasibility report issued by Umzumbe Town Planning. Potential also exists to develop recreational activities around the dam that will extend the lodge offerings. “As SCTIE, we will continue to engage with local communities, and traditional leaders, to develop our rural tourism assets and uncover areas of further potential going forward,” Ms Mangcu concluded. To find out more about these and more investment opportunities, get in touch with SCTIE, the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast’s One-Stop Shop for investment. www.businesseventsafrica.com

Umzumbe River Trails.

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PAGE STRAP GABORONE DESTINATION:

Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino — the city’s leading hotel Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino is located in Botswana’s capital city and offers leisure travellers a great city escape, and businesspeople sophisticated conference and meeting spaces with the added advantage of a premium casino. A stay at the heart of Gaborone provides guests access to all the city action, nearby wildlife, and plenty of fun on-site.

aborone is the commercial heart of Botswana and Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino with its excellent dining establishments, lifestyle events, and conference facilities offers just the right blend of hospitality, business, and leisure. A big drawcard at Avani Gaborone

Resort & Casino is the casino. The upmarket gaming area has eleven tables and numerous progressive slot machines for players looking to hit the jackpot. For golf enthusiasts, a round of golf can be enjoyed at the golf course located right next door to the hotel. Dining at the hotel turns into a sophisticated intimate affair at

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Mahogany Restaurant, which has a large and varied menu of international and local favourites. Mahogany’s restaurant sets itself apart as the ideal location to experience amazing food, in an intimate and sophisticated setting. The menu includes 100 per cent locally sourced beef which is grass-fed and organically reared, providing patrons

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DESTINATION:PAGE GABORONE STRAP

with honest and authentic food. An extensive wine menu provides endless options for every whim and taste. The Savuti Grill is a quick-service restaurant offering an extensive carvery for lunch and dinner. This is also the venue for an extravagant English breakfast or, if you prefer, a continental breakfast of baguettes, croissants, and a variety of jams and cheeses. The Moruleng Bar and Restaurant has become Gaborone’s social and lifestyle spot. Hosting some of Gaborone’s must-attend lifestyle events ranging from art exhibitions, music events, and wine tasting festivals, it’s also a perfect spot to unwind during summer while enjoying a delicious cocktail or a refreshing local beer.

The hotel has sophisticated conference facilities that appeal to incentive and conference organisers mainly because of the superiority of the venues, the high-tech equipment, and the excellent and professional service offered by the banqueting team. The PEO business lounge offers three small private meeting rooms and the

common area accommodates six to eight people around the main table plus an additional three desks for individual use. The Sir Seretse Khama International Airport is located 15km from the hotel. There are daily direct international flights available from Gaborone to OR Tambo International Airport.

Gaborone Resort & Casino

The City’s Leading Hotel Whether you’re in town for business or pleasure, Avani Gaborone is your go-to. Meet in the state-of-the-art conference centre, talk business over cocktails at the bar, or build relationships over a game of golf.

4727 Chuma Drive, Gaborone, Botswana T: +267 361 6000 | E: gaborone@avanihotels.com

www.businesseventsafrica.com AVA N I H O T E L S. CO M

Business Events Africa November 2023 21

PAGE A LOCAL STRAP PERSPECTIVE

Propelling South Africa’s economy forward, one tourist at a time South Africa’s tourism industry has not just rebounded from the pandemic, it has found itself in a position to pursue aggressive growth.

n the first quarter of 2023, the country welcomed over 2-million visitors. Furthermore, over the next decade, this sector is projected to generate an impressive 800,000 jobs and inject a substantial R287-billion into the national economy. As a nation and continent in the midst of a demographic boom, this could signal the beginning of a prosperous period, if managed correctly. What is even more encouraging is the foreign direct spending for this period, which reached an impressive R25.3billion, marking a remarkable 143 per cent surge from the same timeframe in 2022. With such positive indicators, the local tourism industry is well-positioned for continued growth. If they play their cards right, the industry’s key stakeholders could be the driving force behind amplifying this success and contributing to the full realisation of South Africa’s tourism potential. Spotting diamonds in the rough Strong tourism sectors are founded on businesses that see opportunity where others do not. Since 2010, Mbombela in Mpumalanga has seen virtually no new hotel development, and the industry in the area was stagnating. That worsened when the pandemic hit and gutted the local and international demand. By seeing the pandemic as an opportunity and noticing how the area interacted with visitors from neighbouring Mozambique, The Capital Hotels, Apartments and Resorts was able to turn adversity into growth. “Chaos creates opportunities and our Mbombela property is an example of how well things can work out if you’re not scared to make bold decisions based on trusted data, your team and your Unique Selling Points,” said Marc

Wachsberger, chief executive officer of The Capital Hotels, Apartments and Resorts adding that: “We developed that location during the pandemic and now it is one of the best-performing properties in the group. Being able to capitalise on the tourist traffic from Maputo and a local audience starved for a modern hotel is a big reason for that.” The new silk road Underpinning the growth of the tourism and hospitality industry in the country is the fact that Africa is open for business in a big way. Zimbabwe’s massive lithium deposits, Kenya’s mushrooming technology sector, a new oil refinery in Nigeria, and demographics skewed towards the young and entrepreneurial, bodes very well for the continent. As home to Africa’s busiest airport and with its relatively well-developed infrastructure, South Africa is the perfect intermediary for those looking to do business on the continent. As the number of Indian, Chinese, and other international business visitors continues to surge, South African hotels have emerged as meeting places, providing sophisticated, reliable venues where people can experience service at an international level without being concerned about power supply issues. Mr Wachsberger said, “We’re not ones to rest on our laurels. We are currently doing about 30 per cent better than most of our nearest competitors and would like to keep it that way. So, we are carefully looking at expansion plans into South Africa and thereafter, the rest of Africa. There will be some difficulties, but we believe key parts of the continent have the same fundamentals as South Africa, so we’re

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confident we can make it work.” As one of the few sectors of the economy experiencing strong growth, tourism has the potential to provide some much-needed relief to people across the country. All it needs to make good on these gains is a regulatory framework that encourages innovation and businesses that are bold enough to see opportunities where others do not.

Who is

Marc Wachsberger? Marc Wachsberger is the managing director of The Capital Hotels and Apartments. The hotel group, with its innovative apartment hotel model that offers the best of accommodation, conferencing, and lifestyle events, has properties in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban, and Mpumalanga. He is married and has three children. www.businesseventsafrica.com

VENUE PAGE STRAP NEWS

Hazyview’s Numbi celebrates 60 years The famous Hotel Numbi in Hazyview, Mpumalanga celebrated its 60th year in business in October 2023.

oday, incorporating the Hotel Numbi and Garden Suites, Little Pilgrims Boutique Hotel, Woodlands Guest House, Pioneers Butcher Grill, Topolinos Italian Restaurant and Regional Tourism Consultants, the Hazyview Hospitality Group looks back on a long history of growth and renowned service excellence. After buying the Hazyview Motel in 1963, the Fick family soon increased its hospitality footprint with the opening of the hotel complex in 1968, changing the name to the Hotel Numbi & Garden Suites during that year. Willem Fick, group chairman, said he worked in the hotel as a child, studied hotel management, and has been a hotelier throughout his career. “It’s in my blood now. I trained with industry stalwart Erwin Winkler who taught me that in hospitality, everything you do, do it with perfection, passion, enthusiasm, and consistency. There are no other ingredients in this recipe should you wish to become successful in the hospitality industry. Nothing can be half-right, and most importantly, do it yourself.” He recalls that when the erstwhile Hotel Board was formed in 1968, the Numbi was one of the first hotels to be graded and selected for a two-star grading. During 1978, the Numbi upgraded to a three-star hotel, to enjoy the so-called ‘international’ hotel status which then

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allowed establishments with three-star and a higher grading, the right to welcome and accommodate guests of all races. Numbi – believed to mean ‘meeting or place of gather’ in Shangaan – became an accurate description of the establishment, which has welcomed thousands of international and domestic tourists as guests over the years, also playing host to hundreds of special events and functions. “We have been hosting many events such as motorcycle, classic cars, golf, and light aircraft rallies, all because we understand these passionate people. Some groups are celebrating their annual get-togethers for more than 40 years at the Numbi,” Mr Fick said. “Still, today, the more mature petrolhead’s choice of venue in the ET (term used by these enthusiasts) is this landmark in Hazyview. In fact, the Numbi and the Lowveld have become synonymous as a destination to escape to on your wheels.” Over the years, the Numbi has also earned a reputation as a trusted place of employment for the local people. “There are many second-generation staff members who have followed in their parents’ footsteps. We have a very low staff turnover and invest a lot of time in maintaining good staff relations. We are proud, for instance, that we paid staff retirement fund benefits in full,

throughout the Covid pandemic, and no staff were retrenched,” Mr Fick said. Mr Fick, not known for boasting about his achievements, has won national and international hospitality awards. While many members of the Fick family have worked at the Numbi over the past 60 years, today’s core management team members are Willem, Edna, Denee, and Laureen Fick. The slogan, ‘Family owned, family run’, has established the Numbi as one of very few hotels in South Africa privileged to claim this status. The Hotel Numbi and Garden Suites and the other hospitality establishments in the group are situated in Hazyview, less than 10 minutes from the Kruger National Park. The group has a mixed configuration of accommodation types, suitable for all budgets, also offering guests a wide choice of dining options at the restaurants. The conference facilities cater for up to 150 delegates and the cocktail bars at the properties have always guaranteed good times with good memories.

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PAGE VENUE STRAP NEWS

Canopy by Hilton Seychelles.

Conrad® Rabat Arzana.

Andreas Lackner appointed as Hilton’s vice president operations, Africa and Indian Ocean Hilton recently announced the appointment of Andreas Lackner as vice president, operations, Africa & Indian Ocean (A&IO).

r Lackner brings on board a wealth of hospitality experience to his new position, including 20 years at Hilton. He will be responsible for overseeing the strategic direction of Hilton’s portfolio of managed hotels across A&IO, where the company operates 44 properties[1] across eight award-winning brands — with another 65 properties currently under development. Mr Lackner began his hospitality career as a chef in his native Austria, going on to work across all aspects of hotel operations, revenue management, and business development. He has served in a variety of roles in Europe, including most recently as vice president, area brand management, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), where he was responsible for implementing new product offerings and driving exceptional service standards across ten Hilton brands in the EMEA region. Commenting on the appointment, Simon Vincent, EVP and president, EMEA, Hilton, said: “Andreas is a highly experienced hospitality leader with a track record of driving excellence in hotel operations, strong performance for our owners, and a workplace culture where teams can thrive. I am delighted he will be leading our Africa & Indian Ocean portfolio — a vibrant region where Hilton has been proudly delivering hospitality for more than six

decades, and where we expect to more than double our portfolio in the coming years.” With significant opportunity for portfolio growth across Africa and Indian Ocean, Hilton’s most recent openings include Conrad Rabat Arzana, Hilton Kinshasa, and Hilton Skanes Monastir Beach Resort. Upcoming new additions include Kwetu Nairobi, Curio Collection by Hilton, Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island, Canopy by Hilton Seychelles, as well as DoubleTree by Hilton Addis Ababa Airport, including the debut of the Hampton by Hilton brand on the continent with the opening of Hampton by Hilton Grayston Sandton. Hilton is also signing new properties across Africa, having most recently announced its first property in Ghana – Hilton Accra Cantonments – as well as the debut of its luxury Waldorf Astoria brand in Morocco, with Waldorf Astoria Tanger. Mr Lackner, said: “I am honoured and excited to continue my journey with Hilton in this new role at a time when we are seeing significant opportunity to expand our portfolio across Africa and Indian Ocean. I look forward to working with our fantastic Hilton team in the region as we create memorable stays for our guests, opportunities for our Team Members, and a lasting positive impact in the communities where we operate.”

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Hilton has pioneered hospitality in many destinations across the Africa and Indian Ocean region over the past 60 years and continues to be the hospitality provider of choice among travellers. The company is committed to promoting meaningful career opportunities by creating a diverse workplace culture and expects to create more than 10,000 jobs in the coming years as part of its ambitious growth plans in the region. [1]

The 44 operating properties in A&IO include Hilton’s managed and franchised portfolio. www.businesseventsafrica.com

VENUE PAGE STRAP NEWS

An eagle eye for detail perfect for hospitality Discipline is the art of achieving service delivery, said Mongezi Radebe, The Maslow, Sandton’s new food and beverage manager.

he hospitality industry is known for its long hours, but for Mr Radebe, it’s a labour of love. Not content with a double diploma as a chef and food and beverage manager, and a certificate in economics and management science from UNISA, Mr Radebe is completing his third year of a Marketing and Management degree and still aims to complete a law degree and an MBA in the future. He applies this same level of hard work to his career and is focused on improving the Sun International four-star Sandton business hotel and conferencing destination with fresh new ideas, staff training, and better customer service. Mr Radebe is working on improving ambience and service to attract footfall from the popular business node. “We are a classy hotel for businessmen and women, offering a tranquil respite from your desk, whether it is for lunch, a manicure at the spa, or after work, cocktails at the Lacuna Bar. And then on a Sunday, because people are creatures of habit, we want our regulars to bring their families for lunch at the Lacuna Bistro.” Mr Radebe believes that these goals can be achieved by giving customers what they want, which means the right prices, mid-week lunch specials, a luxurious ambience, and customer service. “It comes down to discipline. If you are disciplined you can accomplish anything.” When he walks the floor of the www.businesseventsafrica.com

breakfast room in the morning, his eagle eye is checking details to see that cutlery has been correctly placed, that food is plated correctly, and that the buffet has the correct food items. After school, Mr Radebe’s first position was working on yachts, where he found a passion for working in the kitchen. He soon joined a large cruise liner company and was involved in serving up to 8,000 meals per meal service. “I saw the world, until my mom’s poor health brought me home again,” he said. His previous roles include brand manager for a hospitality company, a food safety manager, production planner and a buyer for an FMCG company. “I wanted to study political science but my mom said I was too opinionated,” he laughed. Mr Radebe’s desk is covered with sticky notes bearing his daily to-do lists. “I arrive before 7am, read my daily prayer before starting my walk-around, checking the lawns, bathrooms, pool, and restaurants to see that all preopening standard operating procedures have been followed. I’m supposed to go home at 4 but I’m often here until 7pm, interacting with guests and taking note of feedback”. The dedicated 35-year-old happily confesses to having little work/life balance, as he pursues his goals with a ‘carefully guided schedule’. “I started out in the hotel industry later in life than many others, so I have some catching up to do. I am fortunate

to have found a knowledgeable mentor like the Maslow general manager, Herman Swart, to guide me to green pastures within Sun International. I also aspire to work and learn under someone like Brett Hoppé, general manager of Sun City Resort.” With Mr Radebe’s drive, he will undoubtedly excel through the opportunities Sun International will present.

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PAGE STRAP MARKET YEAR-END NEWS EVENTS

Create magical moments at Vivari If you’re looking for a luxurious destination to host your year-end corporate event, then look no further than Vivari Hotel & Spa. Located close to Featherbrooke Estate in Mogale City, this unique destination offers the perfect setting to celebrate a busy and productive year, while escaping the rush of the city, the venue provides a luxurious setting. The hotel was built in partnership with the Mantis Hotel Group, acquired by Accor Group, opened in 2019 and launched in 2020.

ivari Hotel & Spa offers a selection of corporate year-end packages, to be hosted in one of their lux venues. Menus start at R750 per person. Choose from a set three-course menu or a delicious buffet spread that’s sure to delight the taste buds. Space is limited, so ensure that you book your corporate party as soon as possible. T&Cs apply.

Lanseria International Airport, an hour (65km) away from OR Tambo International Airport, 40 minutes (31km) from Sandton CBD, 45 minutes (36km) from Johannesburg CBD and an hour (60km) from Pretoria CBD. The 48 luxury rooms and suites blend into the natural surroundings where guests can enjoy tranquillity and respite, surrounded by completely original, creative and unexpected spaces.

Location Vivari Hotel and Spa is conveniently located for business travellers. It is located half an hour (22km) away from

Conference facilities The modern conference venues are perfect for corporate meetings and events.

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The Vivari Hotel & Spa by Mantis has three modern, well-equipped conference rooms, each accommodating between 10-150 delegates. The popular venue, the Jala Pavilion is a glass-enclosed venue on the banks of the Crocodile River for bespoke celebrations and conferences with a maximum seating capacity of 200. The other two conference venues, Luna and Reverie, accommodates 100 and 120 pax cinema-style, respectively. The boardroom has capacity for ten executives; the outside team building Mandala Boma hosts thirty and the Pool Boma twenty. www.businesseventsafrica.com

YEAR-END VENUE PAGEEVENTS STRAP NEWS

Fine Dining Enjoy unique ‘farm to fork’ cuisine where every ingredient holds its own story at our signature Brambles Restaurant whilst indulging in exquisite rooftop cocktails and watching mesmerising sunsets.

Teambuilding options • Yoga • Mini express spa treatments • 1 hour spa treatments (detox, wellness, stress relief) • Gin tasting • Wine tasting

The Vivari Spa Our Vivari Spa, with its trendy and modern offerings, won the prestigious international World Spa Awards for two years running. This is partly due to us using Kneipp therapy, which treats the body, mind, and soul of an individual. We have a hydrotherapy suite with a steam room, an ice fountain, a heated vitality pool, and an infrared sauna cabin. Vivari Aesthetics clinic, Medi Sculpt, makes Vivari one of the only hotels in South Africa to have a department of health-accredited day hospital with state-of-the-art facilities catering specifically for cosmetic and weightloss surgery. Recently, the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2023 nominated Vivari for Best Luxury Small Hotel, Best Luxury Spa Hotel and Best Luxury Wellness Hotel. Added to our accolades, the 2023 Luxe Global Awards nominated Vivari Hotel and Spa as an official participant.

Contact information Tel: +27 (0)10 594 4100 Cell: +27 (0)78 820 2476 Email: banqueting.VIVARI@ mantiscollection.com Website: www.vivarihotel.co.za

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Interesting facts • The magnificent Buddha comes from a tiny side street in a place called Kuta in Bali, made of volcanic rock, it is a one-of-its-kind in South Africa, and takes its pride of place in front of Vivari Spa, in a reflection pond. • Another interesting item found at Vivari is a Steinway piano from the 1930s. A Jewish family fleeing Europe after World War II brought it to South Africa. Purchased at an antique auction, it is now in the private dining area at our Brambles Restaurant.

Business Events Africa November 2023 27

Corporate YEAR END PARTY

PLAN YOUR END OF YEAR EVENTS IN ONE OF OUR LUX VENUES.

SCAN ME

MENUS STARTING AT

R750 PER PERSON 3 COURSE MENU OR BUFFET

Book now. Space is limited. For bookings please contact T: 010 594 4100 E: info@vivarihotel.co.za T’s and C’s Apply

A whole lot of information in one little square

MARKET PAGE STRAP NEWS

City Lodge Hotels’ integrated report 2023 published Get ready to dive into the City Lodge Hotels integrated report 2023, now available online.

xamine how the group creates value through its assets and activities, spanning financial capital, social and relationship capital, intellectual capital, human capital, manufactured capital, and natural capital. Hear from chairman, Bulelani Ngcuka on how the group has bolstered its resilience in the face of uncertainty, in his review of the past financial year and outlook for the coming one. See what chief executive officer, Andrew Widegger, has to say about doing business in a postpandemic world, strategic changes to the business, and how the group is navigating this period of renewal. www.businesseventsafrica.com

This year’s theme reflects the group’s brand repositioning campaign of Check into easy by delivering simplicity seamlessly across three key pillars: experience, service, and affordability. The integrated report goes into detail about matters affecting value creation, preservation, and erosion in the short, medium, and long term, and how this impacts three key themes: • Changing guest needs in the postCovid environment • Optimising value creation as we emerge from the pandemic • Operational resilience, climate crisis and sustainable operations Dhanisha Nathoo, chief financial

officer, said: “Through our commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), we strive to deliver broader societal and environmental value. We have chosen to focus on 16 (out of a possible 17) priority SDGs. Our dedication to these goals reflects our holistic value creation and preservation approach. By integrating ESG considerations into every business aspect, we aim to safeguard the interests of the societies we serve from potential value erosion. In doing so, we deepen our commitment to and augment our influence on the UN SDGs we have identified.”

Business Events Africa November 2023 29

PAGE STRAP MARKET NEWS

The sixth Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Challenge launched Africa Tourism Partners is thrilled to announce the launch of the 2024 Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Challenge. All young people in Africa, up to the age of 35 years, are invited to enter the challenge. The portal will be opened, to receive entries, on 31 November 2023 to 1 March 2024.

he Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Challenge is an exclusive platform. This platform provides an opportunity for innovative African youth in travel and tourism looking for funding, partnership, and mentorship. The candidates who enter need to present their projects to the global marketplace in order to find the required support for their projects. This year, 114 entries were received from across Africa. Gloria Kisulu from Kenya emerged as the winner of the 2023 Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Challenge, followed by Cornelius Ugwunwa from Nigeria as the first runner-up and South African Ntshabo Lehong as the second runner-up. The winner of the Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Challenge receives grant seed in cash and in-kind to the value of US$10,000 with US$1,000 to US$1,500 in cash to support their project. The first and second runner-up are awarded US$5,000 grant seed in cash and in-kind, with US$500 to US$1,000 in cash to support their projects. Other

benefits include complimentary enrolment for short courses provided by UNWTO, mentorship, partnership, potential funding support, and career opportunities as well as the opportunity to be part of an established network of Africa Youth in Tourism Mentors and Innovators and enrolment into the Africa Tourism Innovation Hub. The challenge is a key component of the Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Challenge and is held annually along with the Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit. The Summit will take place from 28-31 May 2024, in Windhoek, Namibia. This will be hosted by the government of Namibia through the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, which won the bid to host the Summit and the Innovation Challenge for three years from 2022, 2023, and 2024 being the final year for Namibia to host the Summit. Over 700 physical Pan-African and global youth in tourism, renowned travel and tourism industry thought-leaders, policymakers, investors, the media,

30 Business Events Africa November 2023

women in tourism, and key stakeholders are expected to gather in Namibia for the Summit. The four-day programme will include entrepreneurship Masterclasses, B2B sessions, an exhibition, hosted buyer programme, presentations, the Innovation Challenge and many more. Contact Info For more information about the Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit 2024 and registration, click here. To enter the Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Challenge, click here or contact Rejoice Chishamba on +27 (0)81 303 7030 or rejoice@africatourismpartners.com.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

MARKET PAGE STRAP NEWS

IFT scoops Best Domestic Airline at international World Luxury Travel Awards World Luxury Travel Awards has completed its annual travel awards, with more than 150 categories and over 200 nominees, which resulted in LIFT being named as Domestic Airline — Continent Winner.

orld Luxury Travel Awards is the pinnacle of achievement for the travel industry, offering international recognition for earning the respect of travellers and industry players alike. The winners are decided by the public, across a diverse variety of award categories. LIFT was nominated for the Domestic Airline category and was announced as the Continent Winner on Sunday 29 October. “We are thrilled to accept this international award and to be recognised as the best domestic airline on the continent,” said Jonathan Ayache, chief executive officer of LIFT. “What makes this even more exciting is that the awards are voted for by travellers, which makes us happy because we build our brand around our passengers, offering ultimate flexibility and excellent service. We continue to find ways to be innovative in the local airline industry and hope to continue to stand out.” Recently travellers were wowed with a musical performance at 36,000ft when Zolani Mahola, ‘The One Who Sings’, joined LIFT passengers for a silent disco. The airline then unveiled a co-branded celebratory aircraft livery with The Walt Disney Company Africa, to kick-off Disney’s biggest festive campaign to date in South Africa, ‘May Your Wishes Come True’. “We’d like to thank our passengers for their vote of confidence by selecting us as Domestic Airline — Continent award, it is especially significant as we are just weeks away from celebrating our third birthday,” Mr Ayache concluded. www.businesseventsafrica.com

Business Events Africa November 2023 31

PAGE STRAP MARKET NEWS

Angels View awarded Emerging Entrepreneur Award Angels View were thrilled to be announced the winners of the KLCBT/PricewaterhouseCoopers Emerging Entrepreneur Award 2023 at this year’s Annual Awards Dinner. This prestigious award focuses on newly established businesses recognising unique business enterprises focusing on innovation and job creation.

wners Dr Reuel Khoza and Ms Mumsy Khoza were present to collect the award personally, “It is a great honour to be recognised by the Lowveld Business community,” commented Dr Khoza, who is a well-known author and director of several prominent companies. The Kruger Lowveld Chamber of Business and Tourism is the leading voice of organised Business and Tourism in the Lowveld, which not only supports the business and tourism sector through a range of services, but has, through a number of strategic relationships, positioned itself to

ensure that it achieves its vision of developing and promoting the Kruger Lowveld region of Mpumalanga as the primary tourism and investment destination in the Province. The KLCBT’s Annual Awards Banquet is the Kruger Lowveld’s most prestigious business function of the year and is the only platform in the Kruger Lowveld that specifically honours outstanding accomplishments in business and tourism operations as well as business and tourism leadership in this region. Angels View is an elegant designer hotel that straddles the Drakensberg

32 Business Events Africa November 2023

escarpment on the doorstep of the Panorama route near the tourism haven of Graskop, Mpumalanga in South Africa. The one-hundred-hectare estate boasts a blend of natural high-altitude fauna and spectacular landscaped gardens. Capturing the essence of the Khoza family’s legacy, this unique destination offers an eclectic combination of accommodation styles, and sweeping lounges and terraces gaze across the breathtaking views. Angels View boasts a myriad of facilities that promise to engage our travellers and cater to the most discerning visitors.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

MARKET PAGE STRAP NEWS

Africa wins big at the 2023 Global Responsible Tourism Awards • Gold finalists in Africa’s Regional Responsible Tourism Awards win five out of eight categories in the 2023 Global Responsible Tourism Awards • Official winners from Africa include Lemala, Ngwenya Glass, Uthando, Weeva and Wildlife Act • Entries now open for the WTM Responsible Tourism Awards 2024

frica has made a significant impact at the 2023 Global Responsible Tourism Awards, securing wins in five out of eight categories. This achievement highlights the continent's growing influence and commitment to sustainable travel practices. Harold Goodwin, managing director of the Responsible Tourism Partnership, revealed the winners, spotlighting the achievements of Lemala, Ngwenya Glass, Uthando, Weeva and Wildlife Act, from the continent. “We set very specific award categories and always ask for hard evidence of why that applicant feels they deserve to win,” Mr Goodwin said. “We also make sure that judging is done by people who have a strong knowledge of sustainability in that area. We believe that this process shines a light on really exceptional examples of responsible tourism around the world.” The awards drew a competitive field of gold finalists from regions including Africa, India, and Latin America, all of whom had previously triumphed in the Regional World Responsible Tourism Awards. The African organisations recognised in the 2023 awards are: • Lemala – Best for Tackling Plastic Waste – Tanzania • Ngwenya Glass – Best for Local Sourcing Craft and Food – Eswatini • Rede Batuc – Best for Diversity and Inclusion – Brazil • RT Mission Kerala, Best for Local Sourcing Craft and Food – India • Soar Excursions, Best for Meaningful Connections – India • Uthando – Best for Meaningful Connections – South Africa • Weeva – Best for Addressing Climate www.businesseventsafrica.com

Megan De Jager, Portfolio Director at Africa Travel Week.

Harold Goodwin, Managing Director of the Responsible Tourism Partnership.

Change – Global, out of Africa • Wildlife Act – Best for Nature-Based Tourism – South Africa “Congratulations to all the winners on their well-deserved success. Your relentless passion and commitment to driving sustainability in tourism is truly inspiring,” said Megan De Jager, portfolio director — travel, tourism & RX Africa marketing. “Considering the rigorous judging criteria, we are especially excited to acknowledge and celebrate our regional finalists, who secured first place in five out of the eight categories." “The WTM World Responsible Tourism Awards not only showcase the best of the best in responsible tourism, but sets

the compass for our global industry in creating sustainable travel and holiday experiences,” Ms De Jager added. In light of these achievements, Africa Travel Week is now inviting applications for the WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards 2024, seeking to build on the continent’s strong performance and leadership in responsible tourism. “As we turn the corner to the new year, we’re calling all sustainability champions and changemakers to help carry the flame for responsible tourism and represent Africa on the global stage,” she concluded. Entries are now open for the 2024 WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards. For more information, click here.

Business Events Africa November 2023 33

PAGE STRAP EVENT GREENING FORUM

Bridging the divide from here to a net zero carbon events future You’ve likely heard about the Net Zero Carbon Events (NZCE) pledge, and you might have even signed it as a supporter or pledged to achieve the target of net zero by 2050. But what does this really mean, for you and your business? Our upcoming workshop will help you answer these questions and more.

et Zero Carbon Events (NZCE) is a global initiative by the meetings and events industry to collectively address climate change. The initiative was launched in 2021 and now counts over 550 supporters in over 50 countries. It is free of charge and open to all stakeholders from the events industry. The Event Greening Forum (EGF) NPO is hosting an interactive workshop to establish what NZCE signatories need to know and do next, and how to report on the ambitious target it presents. The format is an interactive session that will walk participants through their next steps, using the EGF (which is an NZCE signatory) and other signatories as case study examples. The purpose is to engage with industry stakeholders around key performance indicators that need to be measured at events, to allow for realistic and impactful change. This workshop will furthermore feed into the review of the EGF’s Sustainable Events Standards to ensure that they remain aligned with international best practice. Questions and engagement will be encouraged — fielded by our two facilitators, Grace Stead and Morwesi Ramonyai, who are among South Africa’s leading sustainable event experts. While the event is specifically geared to help NZCE signatories, everyone who has an interest in signing the pledge or achieving net zero is encouraged to attend and will benefit from understanding more about what it means to achieve a net zero status for your business. There will also be an opportunity for networking.

• RSVP: Please complete the RVSP form at www.eventgreening.co.za/events/

The workshop details • Date: Tuesday, 21 November 2023 • Time: 09:00-12:00 • Venue: the forum/the campus (57 Sloane Street, Bryanston) and online • Cost: Free to EGF members and for the online event; R250 for non-members attending the in-person event

More information To find out more about the workshop, and to RSVP, please visit www.eventgreening.co.za/ events/. Alternatively, you can contact Lynn McLeod at lynn@eventgreening.co.za. To find out more about NZCE, visit www.netzerocarbonevents.org and www.eventgreening.co.za/journey-to-nzce/.

Meet the speakers Grace and Morwesi are active EGF committee members – Grace having co-founded the EGF with Justin Hawes in 2009, and Morwesi being the current chairperson – and they work closely as directors of WrapZERO, a consultancy team that promotes, enables, and supports sustainable productions in film and events. Grace is also the founder and director of sustainability consultancy Steadfast Greening, established in 2006, and is a skilled facilitator, trainer, and public speaker. She authored the Smart Events Handbook for Cape Town and the Gauteng Event Greening Guidelines. Morwesi is an impact entrepreneur with twelve years’ experience in the green economy focusing on renewable energy and sustainability as the MD of Borena Energy. Morwesi built her own green home, which you can read more about on Instagram @mygreenpozi. Morwesi and Grace have jointly been involved with greening and auditing some notable national and international events and they are also accredited auditors for FairTrade Tourism and Travelife. Thank you to our sponsors The EGF would also like to extend its thanks to the sponsors for this event: the forum company, which is very generously sponsoring the use of its beautiful five-star venue at the forum | the campus, as well as Chat’s Xperience, Scan Display and WrapZERO.

34 Business Events Africa November 2023

Grace Stead.

Morwesi Ramonyai.

About us The Event Greening Forum is a non-profit organisation that promotes sustainability within the business events sector. To find out more, please visit www.eventgreening.co.za.

For more information, please contact: Lynn Mcleod Tel: 082 891 5883 Email: lynn@eventgreening.co.za

www.businesseventsafrica.com

SAACI PAGE STRAP NEWS

Let’s avoid another hard stop Mid-September 2023 saw the release of a circular from the National Treasury which communicated the need for consideration of austerity budget cuts across the South African Government in the run-up to the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS), which was delivered on 1 November 2023. By Glenton De Kock, chief executive officer of SAACI

ou may ask why we, SAACI, would want to raise this with you. Well, some of these measures are having, and may continue to have an impact on many within the meetings and events industry, either directly or indirectly. While we appreciate the real fiscal constraints facing the state and the need to tighten and reprioritise expenditure, the solutions offered by the Treasury of slashing expenditure will further impede the state, when the economy is in desperate need of stimulus, and will only serve to choke the economy. As citizens, we welcome the need by our government to manage the Fiscus a little better, but we may need to realise that we can find solutions to manage the fiscus more effectively. The meetings and events industry is a significant

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financial contributor to the fiscus and the work we do within the communities we serve. With the past year’s operating environment being a challenging one to date, the meetings and events industry has always managed to work through these challenges. What we don’t want is a hard stop, as we had during the pandemic. We have already seen a pullback from the government on meetings, events and travel as well as in-person engagements in certain parts of our country. This ripple effect is felt throughout the value chain and may lead to a further slowdown of activities by corporates as well. We are clear in welcoming the need for the government to manage the fiscus. It must be done in a way that has one eye on stimulated

growth that helps the communities we serve, as the government steadies the ship economically. This is the time for government to activate that social partnership they speak about. As an industry, we have reached out to engage with the necessary parties and have raised our concerns, by providing solutions that may be considered. Aggressive austerity measures in South Africa can lead to reduced government and corporate spending, decreased tourism promotion, lower attendee participation, venue changes, strain on event suppliers, and potential long-term impacts on the industry’s growth and development.

Business Events Africa November 2023 35

Image by LEANDRO AGUILAR from Pixabay

PAGENEWS SITE STRAP

Dealing with legal issues The tourism industry is one of the world’s largest industries. The tourism industry spends a great deal of money on promotions and marketing campaigns. Because many people assume that large tourism businesses also have deep pockets, in litigious societies such as the United States, there are also multiple lawsuits and/or other legal problems. By Dr Peter Tarlow, Tourism & More. inc.

ften, local convention and visitors bureaux (CVBs) or tourism offices are unaware of their own nation’s laws and obligations. This ignorance of the law can be very costly. It is for this reason that the following issues are highlighted: Make sure that you have a legal team, and meet with them on a regular basis It is essential that you have a legal team that knows you well and understands your business. Having a legal team or a lawyer on a retainer permits you to ask questions and get advice that may save you a great deal of money and help you avoid problems. Meeting with your lawyer or legal team on a regular basis also helps to immunise you in an evermore litigious world. Take the time to ask your legal team to develop a series of questions about tourism law? What questions are you not asking? In what areas of the law are you ignorant or ought to have more information? Have you done a review of those tourism

laws that apply to your business, product, and employees? With what laws are you failing to comply? What are the consequences of a compliance failure? Review with your legal staff your obligations and duties How do these responsibilities differ, according to different types of law, such as: maritime law, international law, airline codes, local property law, contract law, or statutory law? Then make sure that you understand legal subtleties. For example, you should know if there are differences between a local person as a guest in your hotel and an out-of-towner as a guest. Do you know your rights and obligations with a trespasser? Are there legal requirements to treat a VIP differently from other guests and is there a clear definition of who is and who is not a VIP? Update the legal requirements and laws concerning your part of the tourism industry on a regular basis with qualified legal experts Often tourism bureaux hire lawyers and

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legal experts who have never studied how tourism law impacts their part of the industry. As tourism and terrorism become more intertwined it is essential to know your city’s, state’s, or nation’s legal requirements. Make sure that your legal staff stays up-to-date Tourism law is both international and national in scope. As such, it is complicated and changes quickly. It is essential that your legal staff stay up-to-date on how the tourism law changes around the world. There is no ‘one-stop legal shopping’. Instead, develop with other local professionals a listing of who is an expert in various aspects of tourism law. www.businesseventsafrica.com

PAGE SITE STRAP NEWS

Develop tourism law exchanges Remember that a legal mistake in any one part of the tourism industry can impact the entire industry. Do not forget to include the local police departments in these seminars and work with allied industries so that those industries do not act (or fail to act) due to legal confusion. Know what help you can expect from your government regarding damages In some nations, but not all nations, tourism is considered a critical asset and governments have special agencies to help with recovery. The smart tourism or travel professional takes the time to meet, along with a member of the legal staff, with government agencies to learn of all of their services and what legal help these agencies can provide. Know what types of damages you can be accountable for and for which types of damages you can hold another accountable Tourism is different from other types of laws in that the victimiser and the victim may not be in the same community or even country. What are your rights and obligations if you are

sued from a different locale? How can you protect your community from someone who comes into it, victimises it, and then leaves? Are there different laws dealing with how a locale interacts with physical damages or financial damages, or emotional damages caused by a ruined vacation? Know what your assets are Many tourism assets are non-tangible assets. For example, is your locale’s reputation an asset? How much reputational damage can come from someone seeking to do harm? What is the asset damage multiplier effect? If your business goes under, how much are other tourism-related businesses impacted by your error or having suffered an attack? Be aware of what is happening in the world and how that can impact your part of the tourism industry A lesson from the international Covid-19 pandemic is that tourism threats and risks come in many forms. All too often, tourism/travel professionals are stuck in the old paradigm that stated that tourists were afraid of security and the less that

security is mentioned, the better. The post-Covid world is different. It is essential that your visitors understand that your locale worries about all aspects of their security, from food safety to heath regulations, from acts of terrorism to crime on the streets. The best way to avoid or win a lawsuit is to take the time to do good risk management and know what your obligations are. Make sure that you understand the differences between a criminal act and a terrorist act These two negative events have very specific definitions in different nation’s laws and the legal consequences are determined by how the courts may define the event. It is essential that you review, with your legal team, these differences and understand what your rights and responsibilities are should either of these two events occur. Please note: Tourism & More. inc. is not providing anything in legal advice, this is an opinion piece. Please consult a legal expert and licensed lawyer for specifics pertaining to your business or role in the tourism industry.

What we’re all about: motivational experiences Why we do it? Business results! Site is the only global network of travel and event professionals committed to motivational experiences that deliver business results. Site provides insights and connections that inspire the utilisation of this powerful tool across diverse industries, regions and cultures. Site serves as a source of knowledge and best practices where members can make personal connections that sustain professional growth.

Contact

Only one organisation sits at the critical intersection between those who seek the benefits of motivational tools and those who can provide these extraordinary experiences. That organisation is Site...

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Email: info@sitesouthernafrica.com www.sitesouthernafrica.com www.siteglobal.com

Business Events Africa November 2023 37

PAGE STRAP AAXO NEWS

AAXO celebrates Entrepreneur Month Entrepreneur Month is the perfect time to highlight and recognise the incredible innovation and resilience within the business events industry. By Anthea Buys, office manager of AAXO

his sector has faced unprecedented challenges, and yet, entrepreneurs have risen to the occasion, showcasing their adaptability and creativity. • Innovation: Entrepreneur Month is an opportunity to recognise the remarkable innovation displayed by entrepreneurs in the business events industry. Despite the challenges, they have adapted and shown creativity in finding new ways to deliver their services. • Support for budding entrepreneurs It’s crucial to use this month as a platform to support and encourage emerging entrepreneurs within the industry. This can be achieved

through mentorship, knowledge sharing, and networking opportunities, helping new businesses to not only survive, but thrive. • Economic contribution The business events industry plays a significant role in the economy, generating revenue, creating jobs, and stimulating various sectors, such as hospitality, travel, technology, and entertainment. This contribution should be acknowledged and celebrated. • Discussion of the future Entrepreneur Month should also serve as a forum for discussions about the future of the industry. Entrepreneurs should share their visions for growth, adapt to new technologies and

38 Business Events Africa November 2023

emerging trends and remain agile, to meet changing market demands. • Resilience Entrepreneurs within the business events industry deserve recognition and applause for their ingenuity and tenacity. Their ability to innovate and adapt has not only sustained the industry during challenging times but has also set the stage for a promising and dynamic future. So, let’s celebrate and applaud the ingenuity and tenacity of entrepreneurs in the business events industry. Their innovation and resilience has not only sustained the industry through challenging times, but has also set the stage for an exciting and dynamic future.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

PAGE EXSA STRAP NEWS

EXSA VAT Ruling For the past five years, EXSA members have enjoyed the benefit afforded to them of utilising the VAT benefit. We are exceptionally pleased to announce that SARS has renewed the VAT benefit for a further five years. By Lee-Ann Alder, association manager of EXSA

his has been a team effort, and we are very grateful to Justin Hawes and Moses Nefale from Scan Display and to Shane Ferguson for guiding us through the process. A huge thanks to our treasurer, Ishmael Atanasi, too, for driving the process for EXSA. In accordance with the VAT benefit, the following services supplied by EXSA members to non-resident exhibitors may be zero-rated in so far as the requirements of section 11(2)(l) of the VAT act 89 of 1991 are met: Supply of service: • Arranging for the rental of the exhibition space.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

• Arranging for the rental of goods, décor, fixtures and fittings. • Designing the layout of the exhibition site. • Erecting the stalls. • Dressing and setting up the stalls. Supply of exhibition space • The supply of the exhibition space by EXSA members to foreign exhibitors is subject to VAT at the standard rate in terms of section 7(1)(a) of the VAT act as there is no provision in the VAT act that allows it to be zero-rated. • The supply of movable goods by EXSA members under a rental agreement to a non-resident exhibitor may be zero-rated

in so far as the requirements of section 11(1)(d) of the VAT act are met. EXSA submits membership lists to SARS twice a year and when requested. The VAT ruling is an integral part of our benefit and offering. If you would like any more information or would like to read more about the ruling please contact Lee-Ann at info@exsa.co.za or visit our website www.exsa.co.za.

Business Events Africa November 2023 39

Business Events Africa — November 2023

Articles inside

South Africa’s tourism renaissance: a journey of growth and innovation

MSC Cruises updates on Winter 2023-24 itineraries

AAXO celebrates Entrepreneur Month

Dealing with legal issues

Let’s avoid another hard stop

Bridging the divide from here to a net zero carbon events future

Africa wins big at the 2023 Global Responsible Tourism Awards

Angels View awarded Emerging Entrepreneur Award

IFT scoops Best Domestic Airline at international World Luxury Travel Awards

The sixth Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Challenge launched

City Lodge Hotels’ integrated report 2023 published

Create magical moments at Vivari

An eagle eye for detail perfect for hospitality

Andreas Lackner appointed as Hilton’s vice president operations, Africa and Indian Ocean

Hazyview’s Numbi celebrates 60 years

Propelling South Africa’s economy forward, one tourist at a time

Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino — the city’s leading hotel

Rural tourism investment opportunities on the rise on KZN South Coast

Gustav Miller –‘never give up’

At Inspire — furniture is art

The benefits of RFID technology

New report shows how travel and tourism in Africa could boost continent’s economy

UFI General Assembly reviews a year of advancements

Celebrate at Gallagher

South Africa shines at IMEX America

It is a time of celebration