Dubbed "Africa's business tourism lekgotla", Meetings Africa was officially opened by outgoing Tourism Minister, Tokozile Xasa, and SA Tourism CEO, Sisa Ntshona. It took place in Johannesburg for the 13th time and had established itself as the top MICE (Meetings, Incentives Conferences and Events) industry event on the continent.

Speaking at the opening, Minister Xasa said: "Tourism is a key growth sector for the South African economy, sustaining over 700 000 jobs. The business tourism sector alone sustains more than 252 000 of direct and indirect jobs and generated more than R115 billion for the South African economy in the last financial year. Our President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on us to double our efforts in growing the tourism sector, and we all need to put out hand to the wheel and not let him down."

About 200 hosted international buyers from over 40 countries attended Meetings Africa, together with some 50 African association buyers and more than 60 local corporate buyers. Among the more than 300 exhibitors, 14 African countries participated, including Botswana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Ntshona said: "The tourism industry is a strong contributor to our economy on the continent, offering great opportunities for growth … South Africa has already secured event bids estimated to contribute R2,2 billion between now and 2021."

Speaking at Meetings Africa, Lebogang Maile, Gauteng MEC of Economic Development, Environment, Agriculture and Rural Development, said he was glad the prestigious event had found a home in the province.

"The hosting of this event in our city region is further evidence that we are indeed a world-class destination for MICE. Business events, mainly meetings and exhibitions, are the largest segment of the events industry. Research conducted by the International Special Events Society in 2015 indicated that the global spend on events was approximately US$500 billion," he said.