Ed’s comment

RESET, READY, GO…

Incentive travel and rewards are seeing a rapid return in 2022. Encouragingly, a trend in the race to recovery is that people and planet are firmly on the agenda, and it’s not only about profit.

Putting together this bumper issue of The Incentive Planner has been a wonderful experience, as I have had the privilege of speaking to many inspiring people while learning about what they are doing to reimagine and rebuild the incentives industry. I just wish I had more than 56 pages to showcase all the stories and news of what is happening!

One organisation that deserves special mention is the South Africa National Convention Bureau (SANCB), which celebrated its 10th anniversary this year. And there is much to be celebrated! Being the very first African convention bureau, the SANCB has forged its own path to successfully grow the local – and arguably continental – MICE events industry. Today, South Africa is the top African business events destination, and one of the top 50 in the world, according to the ICCA rankings. To find out more about how the SANCB operates, including a case study of one of their partnerships, turn to pages 6 to 9.

THE ROAD TO SUSTAINABILITY A key part of the SANCB’s mandate is to see the benefits of business events being made available to the people who have historically been denied them. It’s heartening to see that this people-centric approach to business is increasingly common across the full MICE value chain, from clients to planners, venues and suppliers. ‘The future of tourism is – and must be – sustainable’ on page 14 unpacks how vital social upliftment and inclusion are in engendering truly sustainable businesses and projects, while our pieces on city breaks, corporate gifting and building itineraries bring to life just what this can look like in the incentives space.

Another highlight of this issue is the spread of industry views that share insights for the different MICE pillars – from incentives to inbound tourism, conferences and exhibitions, we have it all on pages 11 to 13.

Happy reading,

Pippa

Editor Pippa Naude (pippa.naude@3smedia.co.za) Chief Sub-Editor Tristan Snijders Head of Design Beren Bauermeister Contributors Gillian Kabe, Tes Proos

Production & Client Liaison Manager Antois-Leigh Nepgen

Group Sales Manager Chilomia Van Wijk Bookkeeper Tonya Hebenton

Distribution Manager Nomsa Masina Distribution Coordinator Asha Pursotham

Advertising Vanessa De Waal +27 (0)84 805 6752 | Vanessa.DeWaal@3smedia.co.za

PUBLISHED BY

Publisher Jacques Breytenbach 3S Media Production Park, 83 Heidelberg Road, City Deep, Johannesburg South, 2136 Tel: +27 (0)11 233 2600 Fax: +27 (0)11 234 7274/5 www.3smedia.co.za

The Incentive Planner 2022/23 © Copyright 2022. All rights reserved. www.theplannerguru.co.za

SUBSCRIPTION R330.00 per annum (incl. VAT) | subs@3smedia.co.za ISBN 978-0-6397-2294-8

NOTICE OF RIGHTS The Incentive Planner is published annually by 3S Media. This publication, its form and contents vest in 3S Media. All rights reserved. No part of this book, including cover and interior designs, may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher, nor be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser. The authors' views may not necessarily reflect those of the publisher or associated professional bodies. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation and compilation of this publication, the publisher assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions, completeness or accuracy of its contents, or for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein. While every effort has been taken to ensure that no copyright or copyright issues is/are infringed, 3S Media, its directors, publisher, officers and employees cannot be held responsible and consequently disclaim any liability for any loss, liability damage, direct or consequential of whatsoever nature and howsoever arising.

MEMBER OF

IN COLLABORATION WITH