Sport event expo to build on 2010 legacy
12 May 2011
The Sports and Events Tourism Exchange conference and exhibition, taking place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 27 to 29 July, aims to build on the legacy of the 2010 Fifa World Cup by promoting South Africa as a world-class host of major future international events.
The World Cup left an indelible mark on the South African sporting landscape, with the country now boasting numerous world-class stadiums, says Carol Weaving, managing director of Thebe Exhibitions and Projects Group.
"Right now, the key is to ensure that we continue to steamroll onto the world's agenda and further position South Africa's providers and product owners as top of mind in the international community."
Funded by the Department of Trade and Industry and South African Tourism, the Sports and Events Tourism Exchange (SETE) conference and expo will focus on the world-class standard of facilities and services that South Africa has to offer as a host for top-level international events, and the exchange between sports tourism and the events industry.
It will also provide a platform for the marketing of the many products and services related to this niche market, both on a local and international front.
A comprehensive international hosted buyer programme will give international buyers the opportunity interact with local service providers and product owners through pre-scheduled meetings, conference sessions and networking events.
"SETE is a first in South Africa, and will provide exhibitors and visitors with a unique platform to network and interact with both local and international industry leaders," says Weaving.
"The aim is to promote South Africa as the beautiful and prosperous country that international organisers and tourists fell in love with during the Fifa World Cup, and encourage them to host their future events on South African soil."
A comprehensive Sports and Events Tourism Academic Conference will take place alongside the exhibition, facilitating high-level networking and incisive debate on such topics as:
- New ways to design and implement leading sponsorship campaigns;
- Bidding for and hosting major international sports events;
- Promoting home-grown sports events; and
- Promoting provinces and the facilities and services they have to offer.
South African Tourism believes SETE will encourage collaboration between the tourism and sports industry, while creating awareness on sports and tourist attractions in the country.
"South Africa has a culture of never backing down, and I believe that SETE will motivate our country and its people to assume this die-hard approach when it comes to the bidding process for large-scale international events," says Sugen Pillay, global manager for events at South African Tourism.
SAinfo reporter and BuaNews
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