Kigali Convention Centre

Kigali, Rwanda, has become the 14th member of BestCities Global Alliance, joining Cape Town as the alliance's second African destination.

Located in East-Central Africa in the "Land of a Thousand Hills", Kigali combines modern meetings infrastructure and ease of access with a commitment to sustainability, innovation and economic development. Rwanda's capital is widely recognised as one of Africa's cleanest and safest cities, offering an accessible environment for delegates from around the world.

Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) has further strengthened its role as a key driver of Dubai’s economic growth, generating a record AED25.03 billion (approx. €5.96 billion) in economic output through its calendar of large-scale business events in 2025. As a leading platform for international trade and industry collaboration, DWTC continues to support the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, by attracting global businesses, talent and innovation to the emirate.

His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General, DWTC Authority, said: “2025 was a record year for DWTC across multiple indicators, underlining both the scale and resilience of Dubai’s business events ecosystem and the growing economic value it generates across the wider economy. For more than 46 years, DWTC has built a strong track record of convening global industries and delivering world-class events. That consistency continues to strengthen Dubai’s position as a leading global hub for business, innovation, and international collaboration.

Record Growth Drives Economic Value

Record Jobs Supported across MICE Ecosystem

DWTC Events Deliver Strong Gains across MICE Ecosystem

Adjacent Sectors Experience Continued Economic Uplift

• Accommodation: AED3.79 billion (approx. €902 million)
• Travel and Transport: AED2.98 billion (approx. €709 million)
• Retail Trade: AED2.55 billion (approx. €607 million)
• Restaurants and F&B: AED2.1 billion (approx. €500 million)
• Business Entertainment: AED1.81 billion (approx. €431 million)
• Government services: AED252 million (approx. €60 million)

Key Industry Sectors Generate Strong Economic Impact

Dubai Business Events (DBE), the city’s official convention bureau and part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), led Dubai’s presence at IMEX Frankfurt from 19–21 May, bringing together a delegation of 20 stakeholders from across the emirate’s business events ecosystem.

The delegation included destination management companies, hotels and venues such as Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), Coca-Cola Arena, the Museum of the Future and JW Marriott Marquis.

The city's participation came as Dubai further consolidated its position within the global meetings industry. According to the latest International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) rankings, Dubai retained the number one position worldwide for average attendance per association meeting in 2025 and remained the leading destination in the Middle East for the total number of association conferences hosted. The city was also ranked first among the Top 25 Meeting Destinations in the Middle East and Africa by Cvent.

Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said: “Business events play a significant role in supporting Dubai’s long-term economic development, not only through the visitors they attract, but through the knowledge exchange, sector engagement and global connections they help create, and further reinforced by the global accolades earned by the city as a business events destination of choice. IMEX Frankfurt remains one of the most important global platforms for the business events industry, and a valuable opportunity for Dubai to engage directly with international decision-makers and partners.

Driven by the ambitions of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, and the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, our participation at IMEX Frankfurt reflects the collective efforts of our stakeholders and partners to continue attracting events that create value over time for industries, institutions, talent and the wider economy, anchored by in-market expertise and innovation.”

Beyond visitor numbers, Dubai continues to position business events as a tool for knowledge exchange, professional development and sector growth. Aligned with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), the city's approach increasingly focuses on attracting meetings and congresses capable of generating broader economic and societal benefits while strengthening Dubai's role as a hub for innovation, collaboration and international dialogue.

The focus also aligned closely with this year's IMEX Frankfurt theme, Design Matters, which emphasised the intentional design of events to create meaningful outcomes. In Dubai's case, that philosophy is reflected in a sustained investment strategy spanning venue infrastructure, accessibility, service capabilities and collaboration across multiple sectors.

IMEX Frankfurt remains a central pillar of DBE's international engagement programme, alongside initiatives such as IMEX America, IBTM World, destination showcases, sales missions and familiarisation programmes across key markets. The event also provides an opportunity to strengthen relationships with industry organisations including ICCA, IAPCO and the BestCities Global Alliance.

The results of this international engagement continue to be reflected in Dubai's event pipeline. During 2025, DBE submitted 747 bids and secured 504 wins for events scheduled through 2029, representing a 15 per cent increase over the previous year. Those events are expected to attract more than 272,000 delegates, a 29 per cent year-on-year increase. The city also hosted 481 DBE-supported business events during the year, compared with 429 in 2024.

Among the most significant wins were the SWIFT Annual Conference and Exhibition (SIBOS) 2029, expected to attract 12,000 delegates, the SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition (ATCE) 2028 with 8,000 delegates, Apimondia 2027 with 5,000 delegates and the World Engineers Congress 2027, which is expected to welcome 3,000 participants.

Dubai's participation at IMEX Frankfurt formed part of a broader effort to sustain this momentum and strengthen its position within the increasingly competitive global business events market.
 

Powered by Meeting Media Company, publisher of Headquarters Magazine (HQ) – a leading international publication based in Brussels, serving the global MICE industry and association community.

jwc has appointed Daniel Mesfin as Managing Director Africa, reinforcing the company’s strategic commitment to supporting the growth and transformation of the events industry across the African continent.

The newly created role will see Daniel Mesfin lead jwc’s business development activities throughout Africa, working closely with venue operators, governments, destinations, investors, exhibition organizers, and industry stakeholders to identify growth opportunities and deliver strategic consulting services tailored to the region’s rapidly evolving events sector.

Bringing extensive international experience in business development, strategic partnerships, and market expansion across Africa and the Middle East, Daniel Mesfin combines a strong regional network with deep market insight. He is set to play a key role in strengthening jwc’s footprint across the continent, supporting clients in the development of world-class exhibition and conference infrastructure, operational excellence, sustainable growth strategies, and destination development and marketing initiatives.

“‘Africa represents one of the most dynamic and promising growth markets for the global exhibition and conference industry,’ says Daniel Mesfin (on the right). ‘I am excited to join jwc and contribute to building stronger industry ecosystems across the continent by connecting international expertise with local market opportunities'.”

For Gerd Weber, CEO of jwc, the appointment marks an important step in the company’s long-term expansion strategy: “‘We are delighted to welcome Daniel to the jwc team. His extensive regional expertise, entrepreneurial mindset, and strong industry relationships will significantly strengthen our ability to support clients and partners across Africa. We see tremendous potential in the African business events market and are committed to contributing to its long-term development.’”

Through this appointment, jwc aims to further expand its activities in Africa, supporting clients in areas including:

• Exhibition and conference market development strategies;
• Venue feasibility studies and operational optimization;
• Business development and internationalization support;
• Destination development and positioning;
• Strategic partnerships and stakeholder engagement;
• Event industry transformation and innovation initiatives;
• Investment advisory and market entry strategies.

Angola has officially launched the Angola Convention Bureau (ACB), a significant step forward in the country’s ambition to establish itself as one of Africa’s rising destinations for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE).

The bureau was officially inaugurated on 6 May at the Talatona Convention Centre in Luanda, during a high-profile gathering that brought together around 400 delegates from government, tourism, aviation, hospitality and the international events industry. Ministers, investors, tourism stakeholders and international partners attended the launch, reflecting the growing momentum behind Angola’s tourism and business events strategy.

Among the international guests was Senthil Gopinath, CEO of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), whose presence underscored Angola’s increasing engagement with the global meetings industry. Held under the theme “Meet in Angola – The Meeting Room in Africa”, the initiative forms part of a broader national strategy focused on economic diversification through tourism, international investment and business travel.

The launch arrives at a defining moment for Angola’s tourism sector. In 2025, the country welcomed 223,140 international visitors, representing a year-on-year increase of 27.9%. Notably, business travel arrivals reached 59,750, surpassing leisure arrivals, which totalled 52,072. The figures reinforce Angola’s growing status as a regional business and investment hub, while highlighting the potential to transform corporate travel into broader tourism growth.
 

Tourism as a driver of economic diversification

Opening the event, José de Lima Massano described the Angola Convention Bureau as a strategic instrument for positioning Angola competitively within the international events market. He pointed to the country’s progress in economic diversification, the expansion of the non-oil economy and tourism’s increasing role as a pillar of national development, supported by initiatives such as visa exemptions for more than 100 countries and ongoing investment in tourism infrastructure and connectivity.

Meanwhile, Márcio de Jesus Lopes Daniel framed the ACB as a platform designed not only to attract international conferences and corporate events, but also to stimulate employment, investment and global visibility for Angola.

“Angola is prepared to host events of international scale,” he said. “The launch of the Angola Convention Bureau represents an important step in strengthening our international positioning and showcasing Angola as a modern and competitive destination for business tourism in Africa.”
 

Angola targets the rise of ‘bleisure’ travel

Alongside traditional MICE tourism, Angola is also seeking to capitalise on the growing global trend of ‘bleisure’ travel, where business travellers extend work trips for leisure and cultural experiences. From the Atlantic coastline and the energy of Luanda to the dramatic landscapes of Namibe, Iona National Park and Kalandula Falls, the country is increasingly promoting itself as a destination where business travel and authentic exploration can coexist.

“Today’s business travellers are looking for more than conference facilities alone,” said Julia Kleber, CEO of the KLEBER GROUP, which manages Angola’s international tourism representation and supported the development of the ACB.

“Angola offers something genuinely different: modern infrastructure combined with one of Africa’s most undiscovered and culturally rich destinations. There is a real opportunity to position Angola at the intersection of business travel and meaningful travel experiences.”
 

Building Angola’s international events infrastructure

The launch of the ACB also reflects wider investment in tourism and transport infrastructure aimed at strengthening Angola’s position as a regional hub for international events.

Key developments include:

• The new Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport, with capacity for up to 15 million passengers annually
• Expanding international connectivity through airlines including Lufthansa, Emirates, Qatar Airways and Ethiopian Airlines
• The future Luanda Conference Centre, scheduled to open in 2026 with capacity for up to 3,000 delegates
• Continued investment in internationally branded hotels, hospitality infrastructure and tourism services

Throughout the event, panel discussions explored the future of the global MICE industry, the economic impact of international events and Angola’s long-term positioning within Africa’s meetings sector. Speakers from ICCA, AIPEX, the hospitality sector, tourism operators and event specialists highlighted the broader economic contribution of business tourism across accommodation, transport, food services and investment attraction.

During the ceremony, the Ministry of Tourism also awarded certificates of intent to join the Angola Convention Bureau under the “Meet in Angola” initiative, bringing together organisations from the transport, hospitality, catering and events sectors as part of the country’s developing MICE ecosystem.
 

Angola’s next tourism chapter

As Angola continues opening itself to international tourism markets, the MICE sector is increasingly viewed as a gateway for introducing global audiences to the country. The strategy aligns with Angola’s broader tourism vision under the destination brand “The Rhythm of Life”, positioning the country as one of Africa’s last great undiscovered destinations.

With growing international awareness, significant infrastructure investment and rising business arrivals, Angola is seeking to position itself not only as a place to do business, but as one of Africa’s next emerging destinations to experience and explore.
 

Published by Meeting Media Company, the publisher of Headquarters Magazine (HQ) – a leading international publication based in Brussels, serving the global MICE industry and association community.

Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) has reported a strong performance for 2025, further consolidating Dubai’s position as a leading global hub for business events. The organisation delivered notable growth across its Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) portfolio, underpinned by a diverse and expanding events calendar.

Across its two main venues — the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) and Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) — DWTC welcomed 2.97 million attendees in 2025, marking a 12% year-on-year increase. This growth was driven by 401 events held throughout the year, up 6% compared to 2024, spanning international exhibitions, conferences, and both business and consumer-focused gatherings.

H.E. Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General, Dubai World Trade Centre Authority, said: “2025 was a record year for DWTC, reflecting the resilience and maturity of Dubai’s business events ecosystem and its continued contribution to the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. Strong participation and sustained international engagement across a broad range of industry sectors demonstrate the enduring economic value that business events generate for the emirate.

A major milestone in the year was the completion of Phase 1 of the Dubai Exhibition Centre expansion, significantly increasing Dubai’s capacity to host large-scale international events. The venue’s readiness for flagship gatherings in early 2026 underscores our ability to deliver complex projects at scale while maintaining operational continuity.”

MICE Events and International Participation on the Rise

DWTC hosted 134 MICE events in 2025, attracting 2.19 million participants — an 8% increase year-on-year. International engagement remained a defining feature, with approximately 951,000 international attendees accounting for 43% of total participation.

Exhibitor numbers also saw steady growth, with more than 63,000 companies represented across these events, 78% of which were international. This reflects Dubai’s continued ability to attract global businesses and decision-makers across key sectors.

Flagship Events and Global Expansion

DWTC’s 14 flagship events attracted close to 630,000 participants, up 7% year-on-year, including 261,000 international attendees (41%). These events featured over 20,000 exhibiting companies, three-quarters of which came from outside the UAE.

Gulfood Manufacturing recorded the strongest growth, increasing by 12%, followed by GITEX Global with a 10% rise in participation.

The year also marked an acceleration in DWTC’s international footprint, with editions of GITEX Global successfully delivered in Europe and Africa, alongside expanded engagement across Asia.

DXB LIVE Expands Global Reach

DWTC’s integrated event management and experiential agency, DXB LIVE, delivered more than 442 major projects in 2025, including exhibitions, conferences, festivals and international events. Alongside key projects in Dubai — such as World of Coffee Dubai, World Police Summit, ICOM and Hatta Cultural Nights — the agency expanded its presence across 13 global cities, earning recognition for both execution and creativity.
 

Sector Diversity Driving Performance

DWTC’s event calendar reflected a broad spectrum of industries aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.

The Healthcare and Medical sector led performance, with 23 events attracting 436,000 participants — representing 20% of total MICE attendance. Major events included World Health Expo (formerly Arab Health), AEEDC, DUPHAT, Medlab and Dubai Derma.

The ICT, Electronics and Emerging Technology sector followed, with 341,000 participants across 11 events — a 21% increase year-on-year — driven by GITEX Global and Expand North Star.

Food and Beverage ranked third, with 280,000 participants across seven events, including Gulfood and Gulfood Manufacturing.

Other strong-performing sectors included Consumer Goods and Retail (117,000 participants), and Security, Defence and Safety (105,000 participants), alongside continued momentum in Construction, Beauty and Wellness, Energy, Automotive, Tourism, and Sports.

Seven new exhibitions were introduced during the year, contributing an additional 30,000 participants and 750 exhibiting companies, further diversifying the overall portfolio.

Conferences and Association Events Gain Momentum

DWTC hosted 25 conferences in 2025, welcoming 62,000 participants, including 11 new conferences that contributed 12,000 attendees. Key events included Arab Media Summit, Affiliate World Dubai, HR Summit & Expo, Dubai International Food Safety Conference & Applied Nutrition, and AWS Summit Dubai.

Additionally, 14 international association meetings attracted 29,000 participants, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a preferred destination for global congresses and professional networks. These included the EROC Global Forum, Emirates Diabetes & Endocrine Congress (EDEC), WCA World, and the 27th ICOM General Conference.

Dubai Exhibition Centre Expansion Enhances Capacity

A major highlight of 2025 was the completion of Phase 1 of the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) expansion at Expo City, delivering 140,000 square metres of new event space.

Even as expansion works continue, DEC hosted 36 events and welcomed 319,000 participants. Ten exhibitions and eight conferences alone attracted 130,000 participants and 1,800 exhibitors, demonstrating the venue’s operational readiness and its role in increasing Dubai’s capacity to host large-scale and concurrent mega-events.

Strengthening an Integrated Business Ecosystem

Beyond events, DWTC continued to strengthen its broader ecosystem. Its Real Estate Division advanced its joint venture with Emaar Properties through the launch of Terra Gardens, part of the Expo Living residential community.

The Asset Management Division maintained high occupancy rates across key commercial assets, reaching 97%, while the residential Expo Village achieved 96% occupancy.

Meanwhile, the DWTC Free Zone licensed 850 new companies in 2025, expanding its role as a dynamic, sector-focused business hub. Enhancements included new specialised platforms, expanded partnerships with 11 licensed business centres, and the introduction of a Multiple Share Class Framework to support evolving corporate needs.

H.E. Helal Saeed Almarri added: “The record number of events and breadth of international participation in 2025 highlight the strength of Dubai’s dynamic business destination and its role as a global meeting place for industries and ideas. In a rapidly evolving landscape, adaptability and long-term planning are essential. DWTC remains committed to sustained investment in infrastructure and capabilities, including the continued expansion of the Dubai Exhibition Centre, to support Dubai’s long-term economic priorities.

These investments ensure that DWTC remains well positioned to support the emirate’s long-term growth ambitions, strengthen global partnerships and create lasting economic impact in the years ahead.”
 

Powered by Meeting Media Company, publisher of Headquarters Magazine (HQ) – a leading international publication based in Brussels, serving the global MICE industry and association community.

Kigali Convention Centre © Rwanda Convention Bureau

The International Association of Professional Congress Organisers has announced the return of the Rwanda Convention Bureau (RCB) as a Destination Partner, further strengthening its global network of convention bureaux working in close collaboration with accredited Professional Congress Organisers (PCOs).

Rwanda’s re-entry into the IAPCO Destination Partner community signals a renewed commitment to international collaboration and highlights the country’s continued drive to advance the meetings and events sector across Africa. The move reinforces a shared belief in the power of strong destination–PCO alignment to attract and deliver high-value international meetings, while enhancing bid competitiveness, expanding global networks and generating long-term economic legacy.

Positioned at the heart of Africa, Rwanda has rapidly emerged as a leading meetings destination, ranked third on the continent, with Kigali placed second, according to ICCA 2024. Backed by strong international connectivity and a growing track record of high-profile global events, the country continues to position itself as a compelling and accessible hub for international congresses.

Reflecting on the renewed partnership, Sissi Lignou, President of IAPCO, said: “We are delighted to welcome Rwanda Convention Bureau back to the IAPCO Destination Partner community. Rwanda continues to demonstrate strong ambition and capability as a global meetings destination, and its re-engagement with IAPCO reinforces the importance of collaboration in strengthening the international meetings ecosystem.

By reconnecting with our global network, Rwanda is well positioned to expand its global reach, support its local PCO community, and contribute to the continued advancement of professional congress organisations across the region,” said Lignou.

Janet Karemera (right side), Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Convention Bureau, added: “The Rwanda Convention Bureau is thrilled to rejoin IAPCO’s partnership programme, a platform that has been instrumental in promoting Rwanda to the global meetings and events community. This partnership not only strengthens our connections with planners around the world but also opens up meaningful opportunities for our local Professional Conference Organisers and industry stakeholders to grow, learn and share in global best practice.

Being part of the IAPCO community reflects our commitment to delivering world-class experiences for organisers and delegates, and to strengthen Rwanda’s position within the international business events industry,” said Karemera.

Beyond the announcement, the Rwanda Convention Bureau continues to play a key role in supporting organisations at every stage of the event journey, enabling the successful delivery of international congresses. This renewed partnership is expected to further elevate Rwanda’s global profile, while attracting business events that generate lasting economic impact and foster knowledge exchange.

Established in 2013, the IAPCO Destination Partnership Programme brings together leading convention bureaux from around the world, each contributing distinct expertise and capabilities that drive progress across the global meetings and business events industry.
 

Powered by Meeting Media Company, publisher of Headquarters Magazine (HQ) – a leading international publication based in Brussels, serving the global MICE industry and association community.

Dubai further cemented its status as one of the world’s leading destinations for international business events in 2025, recording a strong year of growth across bidding, hosting and future pipeline development.

Led by Dubai Business Events (DBE), the city’s official convention bureau and part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Dubai secured the opportunity to host 504 global business events across key economic sectors and professional fields over the next four years. This represents a 15% year-on-year increase in successful bids, underscoring the city’s rising global competitiveness as a business events hub aligned with long-term economic priorities.

The events secured during 2025 are expected to attract an estimated 272,262 delegates to Dubai through 2029 — a 29% increase compared to the 209,545 delegates secured in 2024. Beyond generating direct impact across the meetings, incentives and conferences segments of Dubai’s wider tourism ecosystem, these events will bring global expertise, talent and investment opportunities to the city, reinforcing Dubai’s role as a platform for knowledge exchange, innovation and cross-sector collaboration.

Alongside building its forward pipeline, Dubai also delivered a strong hosting performance in 2025. A total of 481 DBE-supported business events took place during the year, up from 429 in 2024, marking a 9% increase year-on-year. This momentum was mirrored in bidding activity, with 747 bids submitted in 2025 compared to 669 the previous year — an 11% rise — reflecting sustained international demand and confidence in Dubai’s proposition.

Dubai’s continued success reflects the strength of its destination offer and the collaborative efforts of public and private sector stakeholders working together to attract global business events. The city’s accessibility, safety, world-class infrastructure and depth of experience in delivering complex, high-profile international gatherings continue to underpin its appeal. Importantly, this performance also highlights the growing contribution of business events to the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, supporting the ambition to position Dubai as a leading global city for both business and leisure.

Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, said: “Guided by the vision of our leadership, business events continue to play a pivotal role in supporting Dubai’s economic growth, knowledge economy, and global positioning. The strong performance delivered in 2025 reflects the confidence international associations, corporates and incentive planners place in Dubai as a destination that consistently delivers excellence, scale and impact.

“As we look ahead to 2026, we remain focused on deepening collaboration with our partners and stakeholders alike, elevate Dubai’s standing in the global business events landscape, in line with the ambitions of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, and to create long-term value for the city, organisers and delegates alike.”

Dubai’s future pipeline includes a series of major international congresses across high-value knowledge sectors, such as the World Engineers Congress 2027 (3,000 delegates), Apimondia 2027 (5,000 delegates), SICOT World Congress 2027 (2,700 delegates), World Congress of Intensive and Critical Care 2028 (4,500 delegates), SPE ATCE Annual Congress 2028 (8,000 delegates) and the World Ophthalmology Congress 2028 (12,000 delegates). A particularly significant win was the Annual SWIFT Conference and Exhibition – SIBOS 2029, one of the world’s leading financial services events, expected to attract 12,000 delegates to Dubai.

The city also strengthened its position in the corporate and incentive segments, securing major global programmes including The Africa Energy Forum 2026 (2,000 delegates), UNLEASH Middle East 2026 (2,000 delegates) and the Herbalife India President Retreat 2026 (2,500 delegates), reinforcing Dubai’s ability to attract complex, large-scale events with long-term economic and reputational impact.

To sustain this momentum, DBE maintained an active international engagement programme throughout 2025, participating in key industry platforms such as IMEX Frankfurt and America, IBTM Barcelona and IBTM World, alongside a year-round schedule of sales and study missions across priority markets. DBE also continued to strengthen strategic initiatives including the Al Safeer Congress Ambassador Programme, mobilising UAE-based subject-matter experts to attract international congresses, while partnerships with global industry bodies such as BestCities Global Alliance, IAPCO, ASAE and ICCA further enhanced Dubai’s international connectivity and bid success.

This strong performance builds on Dubai’s continued recognition by leading global benchmarks, including ranking first worldwide for average attendance per association meeting and first in the Middle East and Africa for meetings hosted by ICCA and Cvent. The city’s broader competitiveness was also reflected in its rise to fourth place in the IMD Smart City Index 2025 and record air connectivity, with Dubai International Airport recording its busiest half-year on record in H1 2025.

Entering 2026 with a robust forward pipeline of confirmed international business events, Dubai is firmly positioned to deliver sustained economic impact, global visibility and long-term knowledge-led growth through its business events strategy.

Powered by Meeting Media Company, publisher of Headquarters Magazine (HQ) – a leading international publication based in Brussels, serving the global MICE industry and association community.

CIMGLOBAL, a global leader in association management and Professional Congress Organiser (PCO) services, today announced a major strategic expansion into Africa with the appointment of respected tourism expert Nomasonto “Sonto” Ndlovu (cover photo) as Regional Director.

This move marks CIMGLOBAL’s first permanent footprint on the continent and comes at a pivotal moment for Africa’s meetings and business events industry. Valued at $17.9 billion in 2024 and projected to reach $65.6 billion by 2032, Africa is one of the fastest-growing MICE markets worldwide, driven by demographic growth, rising knowledge sectors, and new infrastructure investments.

Despite this potential, the continent currently captures just 3% of the global business tourism market, highlighting a significant opportunity for international partnerships, capacity building, and professionalisation.

A Strategic Commitment to Africa’s Growth

“We are entering Africa with purpose, partnership, and long-term vision,” said Prasant Saha, CEO of CIMGLOBAL. “Our three decades of experience across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe have shown us that Africa is the next frontier for global associations. With the right support systems, the continent can play a defining role in shaping the future of international meetings. Sonto’s leadership will be central to this mission.”

A Respected Leader to Shape the Next Chapter

Sonto Ndlovu brings more than two decades of senior leadership across tourism, marketing, and the business events ecosystem. Her track record spans from Unilever, Standard Bank and includes steering destination growth at the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism Board, serving as Global Manager: Business Tourism & COO at South African Tourism, and leading the Limpopo Tourism Agency as CEO. As Global Manager for Business Tourism at South African Tourism, she spearheaded the repositioning of Meetings Africa into the continent’s flagship MICE platform,  elevating Africa’s profile globally and strengthening intra-African business opportunities. She is also the founder of Beacon Africa Tourism Consultancy, a firm driving strategic tourism and MICE development across the continent.

“It is an honour to lead CIMGLOBAL’s African expansion,” said Ndlovu. “Africa is ready to take its place on the global stage. By combining CIMGLOBAL’s international expertise with our continent’s creativity, talent, and ambition, we will build platforms that elevate African voices and attract meaningful global collaboration. This is more than a business opportunity; it is a chance to create long-lasting impact.”

Transforming Opportunities into Global Access

Africa’s MICE landscape is undergoing rapid transformation, supported by digitalization, innovation, and the rise of industries such as technology, healthcare, and agriculture. However, operational gaps and technological challenges remain significant barriers for many local organisations.

CIMGLOBAL aims to bridge these gaps by:

• Supporting African associations in international growth
• Enhancing professional standards and capacity
• Attracting global events to African destinations
• Creating sustainable, knowledge-driven meeting platforms

The company’s African headquarters will be based in Johannesburg, serving as a hub for regional operations and future expansion.

Published by Meeting Media Company, the publisher of Headquarters Magazine (HQ) – a leading international publication based in Brussels, serving the global MICE industry and association community.

Saudi Arabia will host the second edition of the International MICE Summit (IMS25) in Riyadh this week (26-27 November), with more than three thousand participants expected to attend. The event arrives at a moment of sustained sector expansion, supported by large-scale venue development, rising international visibility and the country’s long-term focus on tourism and business events under Vision 2030.

For readers seeking further insights, HQ has also published an interview with Hatim Alkahily, CEO of SCEGA, who reflects on the organisation’s priorities and the role of the summit in supporting the sector’s expansion. You can read the interview here.

 

Registration for the International MICE Summit 2025 is now open. Participants can secure their place or follow the summit’s updates through its online channels. You can register here or follow IMS25 on X, LinkedIn or YouTube.

Saudi Conventions & Exhibitions General Authority (SCEGA) has announced record growth in the Kingdom’s business events infrastructure, with a 32% year-on-year increase in capacity across 923 accredited venues.

The capacity increase reflects investment growth in the Kingdom’s events sector in line with Vision 2030 tourism and event sector priorities, driving an exhibition space increase of 320% since 2018 to 300,520 square meters.

The figures were released in SCEGA’s event infrastructure snapshot, highlighting capacity growth across the Kingdom’s Provinces as new tourism destinations are opened to the world. Riyadh, Makkah and the Eastern Province accounted for 75% of capacity, led by Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center (70,000 sq. m), the Jeddah Superdome (34,000 sq. m) and the Dhahran Expo Center (25,600 sq. m).

Other provinces establishing exhibition centers include Madinah (King Salman International Conference Center), AlUla (Maraya Hall), Asir (King Khalid University Conference Center and Najran (Prince Mishaal Exhibition Center).

Saudi Arabia’s business event sector opportunities will be showcased to more than 2,000 global event leaders at the International MICE Summit (IMS) between 26-27 November in Riyadh. The second edition of the event will provide attendees with unparalleled access to the world’s fastest-growing business events sector.

The IMS gathers global leaders from the MICE sector, as well as professionals, and organisations from across event-based industries including tourism, culture, sports and entertainment. Hosted by SCEGA, IMS25 will provide a platform to connect with the world’s newest destinations, decision-makers and innovations to shape the next decade of industry growth. 

“Saudi Arabia is creating unprecedented growth and opportunities for the business events sector, as Vision 2030 delivers a golden decade of events including Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup 2034,” said His Excellency Fahd Al-Rasheed, IMS host and Chairman of SCEGA during his panel at TOURISE.

“The International MICE Summit will bring together decision-makers from across Saudi Arabia’s provinces including newly established destination management organizations, to collaborate with global event leaders and support Saudi tourism’s 2030 target of welcoming 150 million visitors” added Al-Rasheed.

Saudi Arabia achieved its initial 2030 tourism target of 100 million visitors seven years ahead of schedule, prompting the target to be revised upward to 150 million visitors. The Kingdom welcomed 60.9 million visitors— both local and international — in the first half of 2025, with total tourism spending crossing SAR 161.4 billion (US$43 billion).

The two-day IMS25 programme will feature Ministers, private sector CEOs and commercial announcements in a range of settings, including innovation clusters, a future MICE leaders’ platform, and a celebration gala dinner.

Registration is now open at the International MICE Summit website

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Dubai is consolidating its role as the leading global financial centre for the MEASA region (Middle East, Africa, and South Asia), according to recent data from the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

The DIFC has surpassed 8,000 active registered companies, with over 1,000 entities regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), its independent regulator. Meanwhile, DIFC Courts have recorded cases with total claim values exceeding AED 17.5 billion (€4.1 billion) so far this year.

Dubai’s progress is also reflected in the Global Financial Centre Index, where the city climbed to 11th place globally, cementing its status as the region’s most credible financial hub and one of the top four global FinTech centres.

H.E. Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC, said, “DIFC’s success reflects its ability to attract global talent, foster innovation, and support sustainable economic growth. Our focus is not just on issuing licences, but on providing a platform for companies to lead and grow.”
 

A Financial Centre Growing Since 2004

Since its founding in 2004, DIFC has turned Dubai into a magnet for international financial institutions, FinTech innovators, and professional services firms. Its structure combines strategic leadership, globally aligned regulatory oversight, and a specialised court system, offering businesses stability and predictability.

With over 8,000 registered companies, DIFC employs approximately 48,000 professionals, making it the region’s largest financial talent pool. The centre hosts the largest clusters in banking, capital markets, wealth and asset management, and insurance, establishing itself as the region’s only financial centre operating at full scale across all sectors.

H.E. Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority, noted: “The depth and diversity of DIFC enable us to contribute significantly to Dubai’s economic growth while shaping the global financial services landscape. Beyond finance, our agenda is also driving Dubai’s emergence as the region’s leading city for technology innovation.”
 

Banking and Assets on the Rise

The 289 licensed banks and capital markets institutions at DIFC, including 27 of the world’s 29 globally systemically important banks, now manage around USD 240 billion (€208 billion) in banking assets — up from USD 80 billion (€69.3 billion) in 2015, a near 200% increase.
 

Strong Regulation and Innovation

The DFSA regulates more than 1,000 entities within DIFC, the largest number in any regional financial centre, under a common law framework aligned with leading global standards. Mark Steward, CEO of DFSA, said, “Financial regulated entities are coming here because this is where they are growing, connecting to investors and markets all over the world and linking global capital to new growth opportunities in banking, capital markets, wealth and asset management across developed and emerging markets.”

DFSA plans to evolve its funds regime to maintain DIFC’s position as a preferred destination for hedge funds, wealth and asset management, and alternative investment firms, supporting the centre’s future growth.

Courts Trusted for Efficiency and Reliability

The DIFC Courts remain the region’s leading English-language commercial court, offering dispute resolution services to domestic and international businesses. This year, total claims filed have already exceeded AED 17.5 billion (€ 4.1 billion).

H.E. Wayne Martin, Chief Justice of DIFC Courts, said: “the substantial increase in overall claim values in 2025 demonstrates a sustained pattern of growth, particularly in opt-in matters and higher-value claims. These developments reinforce the DIFC Courts’ status as a trusted regional jurisdiction of choice for resolving complex commercial disputes, supported by experienced judges, and ready enforceability in the UAE and Gulf region.”

Powered by Meeting Media Company, publisher of Headquarters Magazine (HQ) – a leading international publication based in Brussels, serving the global MICE industry and association community.

“Welcome to Bahrain, Jesús.” The customs officer’s greeting, delivered in perfect Spanish, was a small moment that set the tone for the days ahead, a welcome that reflected the spirit I would encounter throughout the trip.

Author: Jesús Parrado

Held in Bahrain for the first time, the ICCA Middle East Summit gathered association leaders and regional stakeholders to discuss the future of meetings in the Gulf and beyond. Taking place at Exhibition World Bahrain (EWB), the programme combined high-level insights with local engagement.

The event was officially opened by Anju Gomes, ICCA’s Senior Regional Director for the Middle East, and Dutch moderator Robert Daverschot, who kept the audience engaged with live polls and discussions. Khalid Al Zadjali, Chair of the ICCA Middle East Chapter and Director of the Oman Convention Bureau, emphasised the growing popularity of the host destination: “Bahrain stands as a beacon of resilience and innovation in the global meetings industry. This forum marks a pivotal step in shaping the future of tourism and business events in the Middle East”.

According to ICCA Deputy Chair Sumaira Isaacs, the Middle East still accounts for only one to two per cent of the global convention market. Membership growth across the region and sustained investment in infrastructure nevertheless point to a clear determination to expand its role. For Bahrain, hosting the Summit served as a deliberate step in strengthening its MICE positioning. “Business events are at the very heart of our Tourism Strategy 2022–2026, one of its seven key pillars for economic diversification,” said Sara Ahmed Buhiji, CEO of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority and Chairperson of Exhibition World Bahrain. “Perhaps our greatest strength is not just the facilities, it is the Kingdom’s strategic location at the heart of the Arabian Gulf, our culture of hospitality, and our collaborative approach to working with organisers.”

One of the Summit’s thematic highlights was the keynote by consultant Dolores Semeraro on ‘Smart Tourism: Advanced Technologies to Future-Proof the Industry of People’. She explored how artificial intelligence, big data, and human-centred design can reshape visitor experience, citing case studies such as Emirates’ AI-powered services and VisitScotland’s predictive itinerary tools.
 

Her message directly aligned with Bahrain’s broader technological ambitions. The Kingdom launched its National Artificial Intelligence Policy in July 2025, establishing one of the Gulf’s most comprehensive national AI frameworks and providing a roadmap for the ethical deployment of AI across government and society. Bahrain’s commitment to this cause is further demonstrated by its hosting of various sector-specific conferences, Bahrain will host the 2026 IEEE 10th International Conference on Engineering Technologies and Applied Sciences (ICETAS), organised by the University of Technology Bahrain and themed ‘Paradigm Shifts in Industry 4.0: Transforming Economy, Technology, and Efficiency’. Against this backdrop, the Summit’s focus on AI in destination marketing took on particular significance. “Showcasing how AI can transform destination positioning, delegate engagement, and data-driven decision-making sends a powerful message that we are forward-looking, innovative, and ready to lead the conversation,” said Sara Buhiji.

Exhibition World Bahrain: A Regional Landmark

The site inspection at EWB highlighted a venue conceived to compete with the largest international convention centres. With 19 adaptable meeting rooms, high-capacity halls, and the country’s largest kitchen, EWB has already positioned itself as a flagship facility for the region.

The venue was named World’s Leading New Exhibition and Convention Centre 2023 and Middle East’s Leading Large-Scale Wedding Venue 2024 at the World Travel Awards (WTA). That trajectory has now led the WTA to select Bahrain for its first-ever ceremony in the Kingdom, with the Grand Final Gala Ceremony scheduled in December 2025 at EWB, an occasion set to convene leaders from across global travel and tourism. 

In the meetings industry, the EWB will host the 93rd UFI Global Congress in 2026, again the first time the event takes place in the Kingdom. The congress is expected to bring together more than 1,500 exhibition and business events professionals worldwide for keynotes, workshops, and strategic forums.

Alan Pryor, General Manager of EWB, described the venue as more than a building: “This is a space where ideas and innovation come together. We are proud to host events that not only showcase Bahrain’s infrastructure but also its people”.

The venue’s adaptability was a particular highlight, making it equally suited to small gatherings and large-scale events. For visiting media representatives, the focus was on both scale and the seamless integration of hospitality services, which was reinforced by the warmth of the staff who accompanied the inspection.
 

Discovering Bahrain: Culture, Tradition and Modernity

Beyond the sessions, our fam trip offered insight into how Bahrain balances long-standing traditions with contemporary development. The delegates were guided through Showaiter's artisanal sweet makers, where trays of halwa, a spiced, dense dessert made with nuts and aromatic ingredients, showcased the country’s culinary heritage. At the dhow shipyard, craftsmen worked on wooden vessels, recalling Bahrain’s long maritime tradition. Fishermen explained their bread-based bait for fish cages, while a pearl-opening demonstration offered a glimpse into the Kingdom’s historic pearling culture.

At the bustling fish market, the mingling of locals and expatriates underscored Bahrain’s social diversity, a mix of local traditions and international influences. The visit to the Bahrain International Circuit, home of Formula 1, introduced a different angle to the programme, with high-speed karting for delegates at a venue that symbolises Bahrain’s global sporting profile.

Cultural visits deepened the sense of continuity between heritage and hospitality. The Al-Fateh Grand Mosque, the National Museum, the Pearling Path, the Manama souq, and the Bahrain Fort each revealed layers of history. Even modern landmarks such as Avenues Mall demonstrated how Bahrain integrates international standards with a uniquely local welcome.
 

Hospitality as Competitive Advantage

What was evident throughout was not only the coordination, but also the personalised approach. Everyone, from the customs officers to the venue staff and guides, was committed to making visitors feel included, whether it was in the souqs or cafés or during everyday encounters.

“The Middle East is evolving into a powerhouse for business events, and collaboration across borders is key,” said ICCA CEO Dr Senthil Gopinath. “This forum is a testament to the region’s shared commitment to sustainability, innovation, and cultural authenticity”.

In Bahrain, authenticity and hospitality go hand in hand. The fact that locals and expatriates work side by side shows the country's openness, which strengthens its MICE offering. Strategically located between Europe, Africa, and Asia, Bahrain is accessible, but it is the cultural readiness to welcome that may prove its strongest advantage.

By the time I left Bahrain, I confirmed that the initial welcome I received at the airport was more than just routine courtesy; it was an early indication of the consistent hospitality that defined my entire visit. They captured a philosophy that defines the Kingdom’s role in the meetings industry, prioritising connection, shared learning, and collaboration, all grounded in a culture of genuine hospitality.

For more on Bahrain’s strategic direction, read our interview with Sara Ahmed Buhiji, CEO of BTEA and Chairperson of Exhibition World Bahrain.

Published by Meeting Media Company, the publisher of Headquarters Magazine (HQ) – a leading international publication based in Brussels, serving the global MICE industry and association community.

Dubai continues to set new records in international visitation, reinforcing their leadership strategic vision to make the city a major global business and tourism destination

Dubai’s evolving destination offering, driven by impactful public-private partnerships and amplified through a robust global marketing strategy, resulted in the city welcoming 9.88 million international overnight visitors from January to June 2025 – a 6% increase compared to the same period in 2024, according to data published by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, said: “Dubai continues to set new records in international visitation, reinforcing the strategic vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai to make the city a major global business and tourism destination.

This milestone reflects Dubai’s steady growth as a focal point for trade, investment, talent and opportunity and its rise as the world’s most connected city. Dubai’s ability to create compelling experiences that meet the evolving needs of visitors has strengthened its status as one of the world’s most sought-after destinations. From exceptional infrastructure to unique attractions, Dubai offers a model of excellence in the tourism and hospitality sectors grounded in innovation.”

As we advance the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, tourism will remain key to driving GDP growth and cross-sector value creation in the emirate’s economy. By continually anticipating the needs of travellers and exceeding their expectations, we are strengthening Dubai’s position as the world’s best city to visit, live, and work in."

Partnerships, global campaigns, events, and a series of new openings showcased the city to both new and returning international visitors, while DET’s bespoke market strategy, working in collaboration with more than 3,000 global and domestic partners, led to growth in key regions.

According to the DET data, the GCC and MENA proximity markets had a combined 26% share of overall visitors to Dubai from January to June 2025, with 1.51 million (15%) and 1.12 million (11%) arrivals respectively. Western Europe was the largest source market to Dubai, with 2.12 million visitors (22%), followed by CIS and Eastern Europe (15%), South Asia (15%), North East and South East Asia (9%), the Americas (7%), Africa (4%) and Australasia (2%).

With unique offerings, safety and connectivity, Dubai has sustained its status as a preferred travel destination for visitors from both traditional and emerging markets. Adding to its appeal for international audiences, Dubai’s accommodation portfolio continues to evolve, offering quality at every price point. In the first six months of 2025, the city expanded its hotel inventory with new openings across all segments and in various locations, including Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab in Umm Suqeim, Cheval Maison in Expo City, The Biltmore Hotel Villas in Al Barsha, and Vida Dubai Mall in Downtown Dubai.

Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), said: “Dubai’s strong tourism performance in the first half of 2025 reflects the enduring strength and adaptability of our economic model, even amid persistent global headwinds. Inflationary pressures, shifting traveller behaviours, and wider macroeconomic uncertainty continue to challenge destinations worldwide. Yet Dubai remains on an upward trajectory, an outcome shaped by the long-term vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the precision of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33.

“Our response has been both deliberate and future-focused: enhancing visitor experiences through technology, investing in high-growth segments such as luxury, wellness, and experiential travel, and promoting deeper cultural exchange through local community engagement. We are embedding sustainability across our tourism ecosystem and focusing on the needs of next-generation travellers, from Gen Z and digital nomads to high-spending global tourists.

“This multifaceted approach not only supports our ambition to become the world’s best city to visit, live, work and invest in; it also reinforces Dubai’s position as a world-class centre of commerce, innovation, and cultural connection. As we look ahead, we will continue to scale this impact and deliver on the D33 Agenda by driving growth that is both diversified and globally relevant.”

Campaigns and partnerships

Showcasing Dubai’s ever-evolving and diverse destination offering, the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of DET, launched a series of campaigns in H1 2025, including ‘Find Your Story’, with Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi; ‘Dubai. That’s How You Summer’; and ‘Dubai, Ready for a Surprise?’, with Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma. These dynamic global marketing campaigns continue to be a key driver of visitation by promoting Dubai to new international audiences.

Further supporting the D33 goals, DET signed strategic partnerships in the first half of the year with hospitality companies Marriott International, Hyatt, and Premier Inn to enhance the visitor experience and elevate the city’s global appeal. Dubai’s accommodation portfolio will also continue to grow with upcoming high-profile openings such as the Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai; ZUHHA Island on The World Islands; and Ciel Dubai Marina, Vignette Collection, which is set to be the world’s tallest all-hotel tower.

His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of DET, said: “Guided by visionary leadership and the strategic goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, Dubai’s tourism performance reflects the strength of public-private partnerships and the power of community, which have been instrumental in showcasing Dubai’s destination offering to the world. Our residents, businesses and visitors have played a supporting role in our tourism success, with their authentic voices and genuine advocacy promoting the city and its unique experiences. Dubai has become even more accessible, with a robust infrastructure and a business-friendly environment that fosters collaboration, while a year-round calendar of leisure, trade and MICE events have further diversified the city’s visitor base and generated significant economic impact. In collaboration with our key stakeholders, we remain committed to enhancing quality of life for visitors and residents through infrastructure development and sustained investment in capacity to attract new international audiences.”

Global recognition and trade events

Dubai received numerous global accolades in the first half of 2025. Reinforcing the city’s commitment to accessible travel, one of the major milestones of the year so far came in April when Dubai was recognised as the first Certified Autism Destination™ in the Eastern Hemisphere. In terms of global tourism recognition, Dubai continues to garner top rankings as one of the ‘best of the best’ destinations in the 2025 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards, while in a study by travel insurance company InsureMyTrip, Dubai was named the world’s best city for solo female travellers, receiving the highest scores across the 62-city survey for ‘feeling safe’ and for ‘feeling safe walking alone at night’.

Dubai Business Events (DBE), the city’s official convention bureau and part of DET, reinforced Dubai’s position as a strategic destination for impactful business events. Dubai again ranked No.1 in the Middle East for the total number of association meetings hosted in 2024, according to the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA). DBE secured 249 successful bids in the first half of 2025 to host international conferences, congresses and incentive programmes, with these events set to attract over 127,000 delegates to Dubai in the coming years.

Hospitality and gastronomy   

DET’s data revealed that the emirate’s hotel sector achieved impressive results across all hospitality metrics. From January to June 2025, average occupancy for hotels in Dubai stood at 80.6%, up from 78.7% compared to the same period in 2024. Occupied room nights increased by 4%, with 22.24 million at the end of H1 2025, compared to 21.35 million in H1 2024, with guests’ length of stay averaging 3.71 nights. The average daily rate (ADR) rose to AED584 during H1, an increase of 5% compared to 2024, while revenue per available room (RevPAR) increased by 7% compared to last year, from AED439 to AED471. Meanwhile, the total available rooms in Dubai reached 152,483 by the end of June 2025, with the number of establishments standing at 822.

Gastronomy continues to be a key attraction for international visitation and investment to Dubai, with the city’s diverse culinary scene consistently recognised globally. The fourth edition of the MICHELIN Guide Dubai was unveiled in May and it featured a total of 119 restaurants across 35 cuisines, including the city’s first three-starred restaurants: FZN by Björn Frantzén and Trèsind Studio. With this latest recognition for FZN, Björn Frantzén became the first chef globally to hold three MICHELIN stars for three different restaurants, while homegrown concept Trèsind Studio became the world’s first Indian MICHELIN three-starred restaurant. The 2025 Guide also included three two-starred restaurants, 14 one-starred, 22 Bib Gourmands, and three MICHELIN Green Stars. On The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 list, announced in June, two Dubai restaurants were included in the top 50. Trèsind Studio was ranked at No.27, and named the best restaurant in the Middle East, while Orfali Bros re-entered the top 50, ranking at No.37.

To see the full January-June 2025 Tourism Performance Report, visit the website
 

Published by Meeting Media Company, the publisher of Headquarters Magazine (HQ) – a leading international publication based in Brussels, serving the global MICE industry and association community.

Exhibition World Bahrain (EWB) is hosting the ICCA Middle East Summit 2025 on 1-2 September, bringing together key regional and international stakeholders from meetings and events industry.

Organised in partnership with the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), the summit will be held in Bahrain for the first time, reinforcing the Kingdom’s strategic position as a growing centre for business events in the area.

The forum will feature a focused agenda of panel discussions, case studies, workshops, and structured networking, targeting critical topics shaping the global MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) landscape. The summit will also introduce the ICCA Middle East Recognition Awards, aimed at acknowledging institutional excellence and innovation within the region’s business events sector.

Her Excellency Sara Ahmed Buhiji, CEO of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) and Chairperson of Exhibition World Bahrain stated: “Hosting this regional summit is aligned with Exhibition World Bahrain’s broader efforts to cement Bahrain’s positioning as a destination for global business and knowledge exchange. Exhibition World Bahrain is an important national asset in achieving these objectives, and we look forward to welcoming stakeholders who are shaping the future of the MICE sector across the region.”

"ICCA is excited to head to Bahrain for the next iteration of the Middle East Summit," said Dr. Senthil Gopinath, CEO of ICCA. “Bahrain presents a compelling value proposition for the global meetings industry, with its infrastructure, government support, and strategic clarity. We are looking forward to leading the charge in innovation and high-tech developments, particularly in how artificial intelligence is transforming destination marketing and the way cities position themselves globally. This Summit will provide participants with valuable insights and unmatched opportunities for networking."

Inaugurated in November 2022 and owned by BTEA, EWB is the World’s Leading New Exhibition and Convention for 2023, the Middle East's Leading Large-Scale Wedding Venue 2024 and the newest MICE venue in the Middle East. The venue offers a wide range and variety of leasable spaces for all types of events of all sizes, from large conventions and exhibitions to conferences and meetings, live entertainment performances, large weddings, galas, celebrations, corporate functions and more. 

In addition to 10 large Exhibition Halls, EWB’s Convention Centre features a Grand Hall and an adjacent Meeting Hub of 19 meeting rooms of varying sizes. Its extensive capacity enables it to host several events and exhibitions simultaneously.

Published by Meeting Media Company, the publisher of Headquarters Magazine (HQ) – a leading international publication based in Brussels, serving the global MICE industry and association community.

The 63rd International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Congress is set to make its mark in Abu Dhabi from 20-23 October 2024 with multiple thought-provoking panels, workshops and talks designed to enrich attendees’ knowledge and give them the tools needed to navigate the association meetings industry.

A gold standard within the industry, the Congress is being hosted in the emirate for the first time in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau (ADCEB), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. The event will offer unrivalled access to MICE and business events industry leaders, innovators, and professionals, promising opportunities for deep learning on emerging technologies, sustainable practices, inclusivity, best practices and more, in addition to networking for the sector locally, regionally and globally.

Held at the multi-award winning venue ADNEC, under the theme ‘Tomorrow Starts Today’, the ICCA Congress 2024 is set to host over 70 sessions, including panel discussions, keynote addresses, and workshops, covering an array of topics critical to MICE and association event professionals. These sessions, which are interspersed with multiple networking lunches and breaks, will provide essential knowledge and strategies to empower attendees to drive business development, foster knowledge exchange, and promote their destinations on the global stage.

Mubarak Al Shamsi, Director of the Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau, said: “We are proud to welcome the global meetings industry to Abu Dhabi for the ICCA Congress 2024, where they will experience our state-of-the-art infrastructure and exceptional hospitality. Moreover, this event represents a significant opportunity for MICE and events professionals to collaborate, communicate, and create, gain cutting-edge insights and contribute to the future of our rapidly evolving industry. Over the course of three days, attendees will discover numerous valuable opportunities to drive positive change in their professional growth, within their organisations, and across the broader industries.”

Senthil Gopinath, CEO of ICCA, said: “I am so excited to welcome everyone to the spectacular ADNEC venue in Abu Dhabi for another outstanding ICCA Congress. Our team and our partners have put together an incredibly impressive programme that is designed to inspire, educate, and instruct, and we can’t wait to show you what we have in store. We are proud of the work we’ve done and the amazing collaboration with our hosts in Abu Dhabi. I’d like to extend my thanks to the management and entire team of DCT for creating a memorable experience. I hope you’ll join us this October.”

Some of the highlights of the ICCA Congress include a talk titled ‘Transforming Events with Augmentation: A New Era of Engagement and Interaction’, which unveils how AR can transcend novelty to become crucial for innovative event planning and management.

Also on the agenda is the panel discussion titled ‘Navigating Event Trends for 2025’, which will provide researchbacked insights into the future of event planning. ‘Transforming Events: Empowering Inclusion Through Neurodiversity’ will delve into the transformative power of neurodiversity in event planning, while ‘Winning Bids: A Hands-On Introduction to ICCA Skills’ is an interactive workshop that will offer a practical, engaging introduction to the strategies and insights that have shaped winning bids across the globe. To access the full agenda, click here.

Hosting the ICCA Congress in Abu Dhabi underscores ADCEB’s strategic vision for the emirate as a leading hub for business events in the MENA region, in keeping with Tourism Strategy 2030 goals to boost visitor numbers to 39.3 million, increase the sector's GDP contribution to AED 90 billion by 2030 and create 178,000 new jobs within the tourism ecosystem. With its robust event and hosting infrastructure, strategic location as a gateway between East and West, superior connectivity and a commitment to innovation and sustainability, Abu Dhabi is perfectly poised to lead the MICE industry into the future.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, approved an AED10 billion expansion plan for the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City Dubai.

On completion, the DEC will become the largest purpose-built indoor events and exhibitions venue in the region. Part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, the expansion is integral to Expo City Dubai’s vision of becoming a dynamic economic hub, driven by global exhibitions and events.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said: “We have approved the master plan for the expansion of the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai, with an investment of AED10 billion (US$2.7bn). This iconic venue will not only become the largest indoor exhibition and events destination in the region but also set new global standards for excellence in the industry. We are committed to consolidating Dubai’s status as a global leader in the events and exhibitions sector and the top destination for mega events.”

The DEC-master plan outlines the venue’s expansion in three key phases to accommodate the increasing demand for large-scale venues. In Phase 1, set for completion by 2026, the Dubai Exhibition Centre will feature 140,000 square metres of exhibition space, nearly two and a half times its current capacity of 58,000 square metres. Phase 2, expected to be completed by 2028, will expand the total exhibition space to nearly 160,000 square metres, along with enhancements to supporting infrastructure, road networks, and dedicated multi-story parking.
 

The final phase, expected to be completed by 2031, will increase the total indoor exhibition space to 180,000 square metres, featuring 26 halls on a single contiguous level that spans 1.2 kilometres. This will accommodate one mega event or up to 20 simultaneous smaller events. The final phase will include a 300+ key hotel, retail outlets, commercial offices, and an industrial kitchen for fully integrated operations.

Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai World Trade Centre Authority (DWTCA), highlighted DWTC’s commitment to tripling the economic contribution of its MICE sector to AED54bn (US$14.7bn) annually by 2033, in line with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. This ambitious expansion plan is set to significantly increase DWTC’s share of the multi-billion dollar MICE industry.

Building on its world-class event-hosting infrastructure and over four decades of sustained economic value generation, the planned expansion of the Dubai Exhibition Centre will further strengthen the emirate’s position as a preferred global hub for international exhibitions, conferences, and experiential consumer events.

Building on the success of our first Youth in Action Expo in 2023, the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) will be hosting this interactive event once again on, 13 June 2024, to celebrate the youth of South Africa.

This year, CTICC will partner with Gift of the Givers and SMILE FM! This interactive event aims to empower the youth with innovative and inspiring programmes. The expo, featuring over 90 exhibitors, is open to all with free entry. 

The Youth in Action Expo will welcome attendees from 09:00 to 17:00 at CTICC 2, Halls 5 and 6, focusing on career guidance and educational opportunities. It will offer visitors access to counsellors, bursary options, networking sessions, and information on further education and training.

The CTICC has long been committed to uplifting communities and fostering skills development. “I firmly believe that we can all play a role in nurturing the potential of our future leaders. For us, the expo is more than an event hosted by the CTICC; it’s an opportunity for us to provide a platform for the youth to explore possibilities for their future,” said Taubie Motlhabane, CEO of the CTICC. 

As an interactive expo, attendees can engage with mentors and industry leaders, creating an environment where they can explore various career paths, enhance their skills, and gain insights into the professional world. Participating in such initiatives equips young individuals to make informed career decisions and empowers them to take proactive steps towards achieving their goals.

“It’s going to be the largest of its kind on the African continent with over 90 institutions, universities, private companies, and a host of other people on site to guide you, to open your mind, and to expand your horizons. In these challenging times, we need to respond to the challenges of our country and our continent,” said Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, Chairman and Founder of Gift of the Givers. 

The CTICC invites all young people, their families, educators, schools and businesses to join in celebrating the youth and supporting the future leaders of South Africa at the CTICC’s 2024 Youth in Action Expo. "We are thrilled to once again host an event that celebrates the boundless potential of our youth. Together with our partners, we are committed to providing young people with the support and guidance they need to thrive in an ever-changing world,” concluded Motlhabane. 

Visitors and schools can register their attendance here

Industry leaders from more than 15 countries gathered in Rwanda for the UFI MEA 2024 Conference, where an international line-up of speakers explored the region's exhibition landscape.

The UFI Middle East & Africa Conference brought together meetings industry leaders, professionals, and stakeholders in Kigali, Rwanda, from 15-17 April. Hosted by the Rwanda Convention Bureau at the Kigali Convention Centre, the conference explored opportunities, challenges, and innovations shaping the region.

Over the course of three days, attendees from 15+ countries had the opportunity to network, exchange knowledge, and collaborate with colleagues from MEA and beyond. Engaging sessions tackled our industry’s most pressing topics, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), emerging market growth, industry trends, and sustainability, providing invaluable perspectives to navigate the region’s evolving exhibition landscape.

“Our profound appreciation goes to the Rwanda Convention Bureau for graciously hosting the UFI Middle East and Africa Conference, an event that has undeniably set a new benchmark for industry gatherings in this region, through thought-provoking discussions and diverse topics, a strong line-up of speakers and experts, unparalleled networking opportunities, in addition to memorable social activities. We are immensely thankful to our sponsors, partners, and the diverse group of attendees, whose collaboration and insights turned this conference into a unique experience. Rwanda's warmth and hospitality have left an unforgettable mark on us all”, commented Naji El Haddad, UFI Regional Director MEA.

Janet Karemera, CEO of Rwanda Convention Bureau, added: “Hosting the UFI MEA Conference for the first time in Africa is a testament to Rwanda's commitment and the continent at large to establish its presence in the global exhibition sector landscape. We were privileged to learn from peers about how vast the possibilities are to expand our portfolio as a destination with the right investment and support from industry stakeholders.”

The conference was also an opportunity for the UFI Middle East & Africa Chapter to convene and exchange strategies for enhancing the Chapter's growth, along with fostering greater diversity and inclusion. UFI Regional Director MEA Naji El Haddad outlined forthcoming plans for the MEA Chapter in 2024, emphasizing upcoming events and activations, advocacy efforts, including Global Exhibitions Day on 5 June, and initiatives in education and research. The subsequent chapter meeting is scheduled to occur in Cologne, Germany, during the 91st UFI Global Congress.

One of the highlights of the conference was the social activities that provided participants with the opportunity to forge new partnerships and strengthen existing relationships, all with vibrant Rwanda as their backdrop. Numerous post-conference tours immersed participants in the host city’s rich culture and history, showcasing Kigali as a dynamic and emerging hub for exhibitions and business events.

All conference sessions will be made available to UFI members and conference participants in the coming days as on-demand videos.

As the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, UFI organises annual regional conferences in the Middle East & Africa, Asia-Pacific, the Americas, and Europe, as well as the UFI Global Congress.

Full details about the 2024 UFI Middle East & Africa Conference can be found on the event website

Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the global events and exhibitions industry powerhouse and a leading business enabler, has unveiled its 2023 results with outstanding performance, offering an insight into Dubai’s unprecedented economic growth and its position as a powerful international convening platform for business and trade enablement.

Home to a diverse, economy-shaping roster of business and trade events, DWTC welcomed 2.47 million participants in 2023, marking a remarkable 25% increase in visitation compared to the previous year. The results were driven by 301 Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE), business and consumer events, a notable 23% rise year-on-year.

The impressive increase in visitors reflects the strength of DWTC’s diversified content-rich calendar, led by 107 Exhibitions and International Association Conventions and Industry Conferences. These events collectively attracted 1.56 million attendees, marking a substantial 33% increase compared to the previous year. Of these, over 722,000 were international attendees, representing an unprecedented 60% growth year-on-year.

These industry-leading events and exhibitions saw a participation of 53,789 exhibiting companies, representing a remarkable 45% increase over last year. An unprecedented 78% of these exhibiting companies were international (41,864), further reinforcing DWTC’s ability in consistently drawing both new and repeat international participants. The surge in foreign business attendees furthers the aspirations of the D33 Agenda, to propel Dubai to be a top three global economic city by 2033.

The diversity of DWTC’s robust events calendar was further reinforced with its consumer and leisure events portfolio growing last year to host a total of 35 entertainment, live, and leisure events collectively attracting over 850,000 visitors.

Commenting on the outstanding results, H.E. Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai World Trade Centre Authority, said: “DWTC’s increasingly diverse exhibitions and events portfolio, along with its allied businesses, continue to go from strength to strength. Our results underscore the robust dynamics of the emirate’s thriving economy and strategic focus on key industry sectors, reinforcing Dubai’s leading status as a global hub for knowledge, innovation and business.

The past year has been shaped by extraordinary momentum across the entire business and trade ecosystem, with DWTC emerging as a catalyst for agenda-shaping discussions and actionable agreements. Culminated by successful hosting of COP28, Dubai remains a frontrunner in the global events and exhibitions landscape, supported by DWTC’s leading role on the international stage in alignment with the government’s 2033 strategic economic goals”.

DWTC further solidified its appeal as the venue of choice with 33 new entrants to its events calendar, including 17 Exhibitions, 9 International Associations Conventions and 7 conferences. These events collectively attracted nearly 95,000 participants and over 2,000 exhibiting companies. Some of the prominent new additions were World of Coffee, World Police Summit, International Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies - IFOS 2023, Seatrade Maritime Logistics Middle East, and Asia Baby Children Maternity Exhibition.

New highs for DWTC-organised exhibitions and events

In 2023, DWTC organised 20 exhibitions and events, attracting a staggering 519,000 attendees, marking an impressive increase of 42% year-on-year. Of these, 265,000 were international attendees, recording a massive jump of 108% year-on-year. DWTC’s own events attracted over 17,000 exhibiting companies, up by a solid 45%. Of these, over 13,000 were international, marking an impressive 68% increase.

Flagship events such as GITEX Global and Gulfood maintained their leadership positions in their respective sectors, experiencing notable growth in visitors by 44% and 31% respectively.

GITEX Global (cover photo) expanded to a city-wide scale, with Expand North Star serving as a satellite event, held at Dubai Harbour, a strategic move to accommodate the event’s unprecedented growth. The world’s largest tech showcase attracted a remarkable 245,000 attendees and hosted over 7200 exhibitors demonstrating increasing popularity.

Gulfood, renowned as a crucial platform for food and beverage producers, welcomed more than 134,000 trade visitors, while boasting an impressive showcase of 5,200 exhibitors.
DWTC’s global expansion endeavours, through KAOUN International, saw the successful launch of the GITEX Africa and Saudi Food Show in 2023. GITEX Africa held in Morocco made a ground-breaking debut as the largest tech and start-up show in Africa, attracting attendees from 128 countries, including representatives from 46 African nations.

Top-performing MICE sectors

In 2023, DWTC continued to demonstrate its ability to meet the demands of the global MICE sector across a range of high-performing sectors including healthcare, science, Food&Beverage, hospitality, technology, consumer goods, leisure and travel, transport, energy and environment.

The Healthcare, Medical, and Scientific sector emerged as the top performing industry at DWTC, with 24 events that attracted 275,000 attendees, representing one fifth of all exhibitions and conventions held at the venue. The number of events in this sector grew from 18 in 2022, with total participation increasing by 29%. Key highlights included major events such as AEEDC and Arab Health.

The Information Technology sector came in second, attracting 260,000 attendees, a 17% share of the MICE category. This sector was dominated by GITEX Global and its associated events, with participation up by 41% YoY.

The Food, Hotel, and Catering sector followed closely, attracting 226,000 attendees, a 14% share of MICE events. Led by Gulfood and Gulfood Manufacturing, this sector experienced a substantial 42% increase in participation compared to 2022.

The top five industries are rounded out by Consumer Goods sector which attracted 96,000 attendees and Building, Construction and Facility Management sector, with 93,000 attendees. Notably, China Home Life and The Big 5 emerged as the leading events in their respective sectors. Other notable exhibitions and events making it to top 10 in terms of participation were Automechanica and Beauty World.

“MICE sector fuels Dubai’s growth.”

H.E. Helal Saeed Almarri said: “DWTC is steadfast in its commitment to advancing Dubai’s economic objectives and the D33 agenda, ensuring the emirate remains a forward-looking hub for emerging industries and technologies. The notable increase in international participation underscores the global recognition of Dubai’s significance. Looking at 2024, we’re committed to building on these successes, driving forward our mission to position Dubai as a hub for pioneering ideas and transformative initiatives”.

DXB LIVE experiences robust growth locally and internationally

In 2023, DXB LIVE, the experiential agency of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), demonstrated remarkable expansion, managing a diverse portfolio of 500 events, including exhibitions, conferences, public entertainment events, concerts, weddings, graduation ceremonies, and more, the agency showcased its versatility and proficiency. Among these events, DXB LIVE served as the primary contractor for 65 exhibitions, including flagship events like Gulfood, GITEX Global, GISEC, CABSAT, and the Dubai International Boat Show.

Throughout 2023, the experiential agency built 300 exhibition stands, collectively spanning over 145,000 square metres – a doubling of previous year’s figures. As part of its international expansion plans, DXB LIVE produced exhibition stands in Barcelona, Amsterdam, Istanbul, Riyadh, Marrakech and Hisar in India. As well as exhibition pavilions for the UAE Ministry of Economy in Russia and South Korea.

DWTC Free Zone and Asset Management records strong performance

DWTC Authority Free Zone, Dubai’s leading driver of global competitiveness, known for fostering innovative SMEs, issued 601 new licenses. This brought the total number of licensed companies within the free zone to 1,900, underscoring its pivotal role in driving economic growth and entrepreneurship.

Additionally, DWTC's real estate and asset management business delivered robust performance in 2023. Notably, One Central, DWTC’s flagship development, achieved an impressive 95% occupancy rate. This accomplishment, solidified DWTC’s position as a highly sought-after destination for nurturing growth and innovation within DWTC’s Free Zone.

Dubai further consolidated its status as a major hub for international business events in 2023, with the city winning a record 349 bids to host prestigious international conferences, congresses, meetings, and incentive travel programmes.

Driven by Dubai Business Events (DBE), the city’s official convention bureau, the wins reflected a robust 49% increase in successful bids compared to 2022. These events captured in 2023 are set to attract over 191,000 international delegates.

Under its business events and delegate boosting strategy, DBE brought an impressive citywide offering to the global market that resonated with the core needs of the business events industry. Positioning Dubai as the foremost destination for international business events and increasing appetite among associations and corporates to conduct meetings in the city, DBE worked closely with stakeholders across the public and private sectors to covert interest into confirmed events. While some of these already took place within 2023 itself, others are confirmed for coming years, joining wins from previous years, with Dubai’s strong appeal driving a pipeline of impactful events as far as 2029.

Bidding activity and success has continued to accelerate since the global Covid-19 pandemic with the number of bid wins in 2023 exceeding the previous record of 295 bids registered in 2019. The events secured for the city will play a vital role in driving trade, investment and attracting global talent – all critical pillars to build a stronger, more productive, and diverse economy – in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. Importantly, business events also plays a role in creating new advocates for the city further enhancing Dubai’s appeal as a leading destination for business events.

Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, said: “Driven by the leadership and vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the city’s business events ecosystem continues to play a vital role in wider tourism and economic development, in line with the priorities of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.

“Business events have consistently proved to be an important catalyst for the city’s development, driving knowledge growth and contributing the evolution of key sectors and industries. Dubai’s success in securing major international conferences, congresses, meetings and incentives in 2023 was a reward for the robust efforts of all stakeholders across the public and private sectors. The events captured and taking place over the coming years will bring business leaders, innovators and changemakers together in Dubai, with the whole city and emirate benefitting from our fast-growing knowledge economy, further contributing to our collective momentum.

“To keep the momentum going, we have charted ambitious plans for the year ahead and are working closely with all stakeholders – from hotels and event organisers to attractions and venues – to attract the biggest and most prestigious events and congresses to the city and raise the profile of Dubai as a year-round global business events destination. Throughout 2024, the DBE team and partners will engage with meetings professionals and potential clients around the world, further elevating the city’s positioning and competitiveness.”

Prominent among the most noteworthy successful bids in 2023 are association events such as Critical Communications World 2024 with 3,800 delegates, the WCA Worldwide Annual Conference 2024, with 4,500 delegates, the International Trademark Association’s Annual Meeting 2026, with 10,000 delegates, and the Million Dollar Round Table Global Conference 2024, with 10,000 delegates. This is in addition to an impressive line-up of corporate and incentive events coming to the city, including TOKEN2049 and Nuskin Elite, both taking place this year with 4,000 and 1,000 delegates respectively, as well as Amway ESAN 2025, which is expected to bring 3,500 visitors to Dubai.

DBE partnered with hotels, venues, professional congress organisers (PCOs), destination management companies (DMCs) and other service providers across the city to secure these wins, also collaborating with local associations, businesses and other entities to develop comprehensive proposals to showcase Dubai’s capabilities as a business events destination. As a result of DBE’s continuous efforts to drive the business events sector, Dubai was voted the top meeting and MICE destination in the Middle East by Cvent for 2023. Dubai was also named the Middle East's Leading Meetings & Conference Destination 2023 by the World Travel Awards.

In addition to working with various service providers, DBE leveraged its role as one of the co-founders of the Dubai Association Centre (DAC) to support its mission to build relationships with international associations and attract them to Dubai, with 60% of delegates set to come to Dubai as a result of bid wins visiting for association conferences and congresses. Additionally, DBE’s Al Safeer Congress Ambassador Programme played a critical role in identifying and supporting local UAE-based key opinion leaders and government representatives, including doctors, scientists, professors, teachers, government officials and businesspersons, to attract international business events to Dubai in 2023.

DBE has already kicked off its year-round calendar of industry engagements, with a series of sales missions in target markets and participation in major trade shows, including IMEX Frankfurt, IMEX America and IBTM World. DBE also is working closely with industry stakeholders to host meeting planners in Dubai for a series of study missions that will allow them to experience Dubai’s business events and tourism infrastructure and its rapidly growing knowledge economy.

© Government of Dubai

Hosted under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, the industry-defining Dubai Association Centre Conference is set to return for its fourth edition from 27 to 28 February 2024 under the theme ‘Value amplified: Associations empowering change’.

Reflecting Dubai’s continued growth as a global association hub, the conference will once again provide a powerful platform for sector leaders and experts from around the world to come together and consolidate the pivotal role associations play in not only serving the needs and aspirations of their members, but also as agents of positive change within their communities and wider societies.

The event will also aid Dubai’s strategy to attract more businesses and foreign direct investments as part of the Dubai Economic Agenda – D33. One of the priorities of the D33 is to firmly place Dubai in the top three of urban economies globally while doubling the size of its economy in a decade. It also envisages increasing private sector investment from AED790 billion in the past decade to AED1 trillion by 2033.

Organised by the Dubai Association Centre and taking place at Dubai World Trade Centre, the 2024 edition of the conference will explore innovative strategies, best practices, and collaborative approaches to create tangible and lasting value for communities and societies. Targeted at association executives and stakeholders who play a crucial role in leadership and management, including government officials and strategic partners, the conference aims to contribute to the immediate civic, economic and social development of the region.

His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism and Dubai World Trade Centre Authority, said: “Through the Dubai Association Centre Conference, the city has consistently demonstrated a commitment to not only developing a vibrant association community here, but also offering a platform to navigate change and forge new paths for the sector globally.

As Dubai’s own economy continues to evolve to meet the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda – D33 – the city will provide an ideal setting to explore the theme around empowering change, and we look forward to once again welcoming global leaders and experts, as well as stakeholders from across the region, to embrace a collaborative spirit. The conference will also once again provide associations from around the world with the opportunity to discover the competitive advantages of Dubai, allowing them to grow their memberships and expand their reach in the Middle East and beyond.”

His Excellency Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, commented: “The Dubai Association Centre Conference creates a valuable platform for dialogue and knowledge sharing for associations interested in exploring opportunities for expansion across the Middle East. These organisations play a vital role in promoting innovation and driving the development of knowledge-based economies around the world. As a leading global hub for business, trade, and investment, Dubai’s strategic location and competitive advantages position the emirate as an ideal venue for this important event, which enables associations to connect with key stakeholders from the public and private sectors and paves the way for sustainable economic and social development.”

Among the topics explored at the conference will be the implication of artificial intelligence for association executives, strategies for attracting and retaining members, dealing with disruptions, and legacy and community-building. Building on previous editions, the programme will also place a strong focus on interactive sessions and open dialogue, ensuring high levels of participation by all delegates. Details of the exciting speaker line-up are set to be announced over the coming months.

The Dubai Association Conference is the flagship event of the Dubai Association Centre (DAC), which was established in 2014 as a joint initiative of Dubai Chambers, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism and Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) to support and license regional and international associations in setting up an office or chapter in Dubai.

DAC opened its state-of-the-art offices in One Central, DWTC, in December 2019, providing a collaborative environment for registered associations. Previous editions of the Dubai Association Conference have explored key themes and priorities such as ‘Building a community’, and ‘Driving change: The societal impact of associations’.

Visit the website for more details and to register interest in attending

m&i announces a new MICE event: m&i Fest will be held in Marrakech, Morocco, from 17 to 21 March 2024.

m&i are evolving the format of MICE trade shows with their exciting new event m&i Fest. Held in Marrakesh from 17-21 March 2024, this brand new event format offers a unique experience for buyers and suppliers, with enhanced destination time and opportunities for meaningful connections and facetime. For the first time, m&i will combine the best elements of a large trade show with the intimacy, high quality meetings, and value of their successful long-running m&i Forums. The introduction of dedicated exhibitor space will allow brands to powerfully tell their story.

With around 240 buyers and 230 suppliers, m&i Fest is expected to be the must attend event of 2024 and a landmark event for the MICE industry.

Richard Barnes, CEO of Worldwide Events who run m&i Fest commented: “After the devastating earthquake, we want to show our support for Morocco, and one of the most vital ways that all of us in the travel and events industries can do this is by continuing to promote tourism and MICE business to the country. Now more than ever it’s important to support Morocco, their people, and their local businesses, and all our partners are very keen to welcome delegates to m&i Fest next year.

m&i Fest will bring together the best buyers in the sector with the most relevant suppliers. Suppliers will be able to showcase their brands, and buyers will be able to meet suppliers in an intimate and focused way without walking around a large exhibition centre. This event is designed for the needs of both and will be our highest value MICE industry event. We wanted to give brands the opportunity to have more visibility and provide them with a platform to tell their story. That platform is m&i Fest.

m&i Fest joins the stable of events that we currently organise. We’ve been running events for 20 years, constantly fine tuning what we do to offer greater value to both suppliers and buyers.

At every m&i event we always include a CSR activity. We don’t just intend to leave a footprint behind, we want to support and make a lasting impact on the community. We are working with our partners in Morocco to identify CSR activities at m&i Fest that will be most helpful to the relief effort and will support charities on the ground.”

Event Programme

m&i Fest is designed to attract the best buyers in the industry, by including a greater focus on authentic destination discovery and more opportunities to connect.

The programme is built around 3 core pillars: Develop, Discover & Celebrate. In the mornings there are 1-2-1 meetings where buyers and suppliers will have opportunities to create and develop great relationships. For the first time there will be dedicated branded areas giving businesses and destinations enhanced visibility and a unique platform to showcase their services. In the afternoons attendees choose their own pathway, creating shared experiences between buyers and suppliers with the time to explore the destination and discover exclusive venues. Evenings are all about networking in style, with exquisite local cuisine, and high-octane events giving more opportunity for buyers and suppliers to connect in a more relaxed setting, whilst celebrating our wonderful industry. The festival nature of the event will encourage authentic relationship building, fostering an appetite to learn and reducing appointment fatigue.

Barnes added; “Feedback from both buyers and suppliers is that they want a break from the trade show format of appointment followed by appointment, normally with a long walk in between. m&i Fest will have sessions that are business focused where RFP’s can be exchanged by legitimate buyers, and then sessions that allow more connection and content to be shared. In our research with both buyers and suppliers the feedback told us that creating connections and having engaging content whilst still allowing the serendipity that networking creates, are of key importance."

Arjen Van der Linden from Van der Valk Hotel Schiphol A4 said; “m&i Fest combines the advantages of a big exhibition and the quality 1-2-1 meetings delivered by m&i. That combination is what attracted me most.” 

Johannes Aign from Hilton Munich Airport added; “m&i Fest will be attracting the best buyers, which for us as a supplier gives us a great opportunity to get a lot of new business there.”

About Marrakesh

Morocco has long been established as a global MICE destination, and over 4 days, attendees at m&i Fest will discover stunning venues around Marrakesh, as well as experiencing the top highlights of the destination. m&i Fest will take place at Palais des Congrès Marrakech: Marrakesh’s largest venue, with accommodation at the Mövenpick Hotel Mansour Eddahbi Marrakech: a 5-star luxury hotel located just a few minutes away from the Medina, and only a 15-minute drive from the airport.

For more information or to book your place visit www.mi-forums.com/mi-fest or email hello@miforums.com.

The Durban Kwazulu-Natal Convention Bureau is set to host the prestigious IAPCO Hosted EDGE Seminar in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa on 17 – 18 October 2023.

The two-day event promises to be an enriching experience for professionals in the meetings and conventions industry. IAPCO faculty members, Ori Lahav, CEO of Kenes and Patrizia Semprebene Buongiorno, VP of AIM Group will share valuable insights and practical knowledge on key aspects of business events management to give participants a deeper understanding of industry trends and best practices to ensure they remain competitive in today's fast-paced marketplace.

Speaking about bringing IAPCO Hosted EDGE back to Durban, General Manager, Sonto Mayise of Durban KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau said:

"We are thrilled to bring the IAPCO EDGE Seminar back to Durban, where it has proven to be a highly popular and well-received event in previous years. Our partnership with IAPCO has been incredibly fruitful, equipping and educating local business events companies to become global players in the industry. We are eagerly anticipating welcoming the IAPCO faculty and delegates to Durban once again and showcasing all that our beautiful province has to offer."

Sonto added, "At Destination Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, we believe that investment in education and training is essential for the growth and development of the meetings and conventions industry. We are committed to providing platforms like the IAPCO EDGE Seminar to arm professionals with the latest knowledge and tools to excel in their careers. We look forward to another successful collaboration with IAPCO and the opportunity to contribute to the advancement of the industry globally."

In addition to the informative sessions, attendees can look forward to exploring the rich culture and heritage of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, during social activities and networking events, there will be plenty of opportunities to experience the local flavour and create lasting memories with fellow colleagues and peers.

Durban Kwazulu-Natal Convention Bureau is also the official supporter of IAPCO Ambassadors who are integral to IAPCO’s international outreach and engagement programme.

For registration details and further information on the seminar, please contact Mabongi Khuzwayo

Dubai Business Events captured 143 conferences, congresses, meetings and incentives in the first half of 2023 expecting to bring more than 94,000 experts and leaders in their respective fields to Dubai, further contributing to economic growth in line with the objectives of Dubai Economic Agenda D33.

Dubai's stature as a global MICE destination continues to soar with the city registering a strong year-on-year growth of 44% in business event bid wins in the first half of 2023. The outstanding growth in the number of global events being hosted by the city contributes further to its economic growth in line with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.

Dubai Business Events (DBE), the city’s official convention bureau and part of the Department of Economy and Tourism, worked with partners and stakeholders to win 143 conferences, congresses, meetings and incentives in the first six months of 2023. These events – which will take place over the coming years – are expected to bring over 94,000 additional visitors to the city, including global experts and leaders in their respective fields.

The surge in event wins serves as a testament to the dynamic momentum of growth witnessed not only within Dubai's business events sector but also across its broader economy in recent years. The events captured include 24 association conferences, congresses and meetings, which are set to contribute to driving Dubai’s knowledge economy forward. Renewed growth from China alongside ongoing momentum from India contributed to 84 incentives won by the city.

Ahmed Al Khaja (cover photo), CEO, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, said: “Guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, our focus on capturing business events that bring value to the city continues to deliver strong results. Dubai’s robust proposition, built not only on world-class business events infrastructure and facilities, but also expertise across all key sectors and a growing knowledge economy, is resonating effectively with meeting professionals and decision-makers globally.

“Every bid won is a testament to the culture of collaboration that has seen DBE work with not only industry stakeholders, but also key public and private sector entities across the city to identify, bid for and capture major business events. Recognising the impact hosting business events can have, by bringing major associations and organisations to the city and putting it at the heart of global developments in their respective fields of expertise, our partners are showing a strong commitment to engaging with DBE on bidding activity.”

Announced earlier this year, the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 has outlined a series of ambitious targets to grow trade, develop key sectors and boost innovation and sustainability across the economy. With the aim of cementing Dubai’s status as one of the world’s top three cities, business events are set to play a key role at the intersection of business and knowledge development, in addition to contributing to incremental growth in visitation. Key D33 objectives also include boosting innovation, making Dubai a global hub for higher education and increasing FDI inflows.

Ahmed Al Khaja further said: “With D33 setting ambitious targets over the next decade, we expect Dubai’s business events sector to be a driver and contributor to economic growth, bringing increased focus and expertise to the city and creating new business and knowledge development opportunities. As key sectors and industries in Dubai continue to advance, the business events sector here will also be a beneficiary, with more international associations and organisations expected to take advantage of the opportunity to be part of this growth story.”

Association events set to be held in Dubai over the coming years, thanks to successful bids in H1 2023, include: IATA AGM 2024, World Library and Information Congress 2024, Critical Communication World 2024, Million Dollar Round Table Global Conference 2024 and International Trademark Association’s Annual Meeting 2026. Key corporate meetings and incentives coming to Dubai are: Cardano Summit 2023, Perfect China Incentive 2023, WCAworld Annual Conference 2024, Brand Experience World 2024 and Nu Skin Global Team Elite Incentive 2024.

DBE’s collaborative efforts have played a vital role in winning bids for these prestigious events. Working with its network of business events stakeholders across the city including hotels, airlines, venues, professional congress organisers and destination management companies, DBE created a strong proposition for event organisers. DBE’s commitment to collaboration is further exemplified by the Al Safeer Congress Ambassador Programme, a unique initiative that harnesses the expertise and leadership of professionals and industry leaders in key sectors and industries to identify, bid for and capture major international business events.

DBE’s year-round engagement programmes both in the emirate and across the globe in the first half of the year significantly enhanced Dubai's appeal among meeting planners, association executives, and key decision-makers in the industry. Working with its offices in major source markets and with support from business events stakeholders, the DBE team conducted sales missions across Europe, North America and China. Additionally, DBE organised inbound study missions, inviting meeting planners from around the world to experience first-hand Dubai's impressive capabilities.

The 17th edition of Meetings Africa 2023, held at Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, has been a resounding success, with delegates, buyers, and exhibitors applauding the organization, strategic content, and business opportunities.

According to Acting Chief Convention Bureau Officer at the South African National Convention Bureau (SANCB) Zinhle Nzama, the number of confirmed meetings is edging closer to pre-pandemic levels.

Nzama revealed that a whopping 7,000 meetings were confirmed using the online diary system this year, compared to only 3000 in 2022.

She added: “The trade show is all about buyers meeting suppliers (product and business owners), resulting in real business opportunities and sales, some of which materialise years later.”

She emphasised the importance of sustainable tourism practices, explicitly mentioning the Green Stand Award and Sustainability Village. The former recognises exhibitors who meet green criteria and limit their environmental footprint, while the latter promotes using locally produced, recycled, and reused materials.

The business exchanges and connections made at Meetings Africa 2023 are expected to have a long-term impact, leading to policy changes, new partnerships, and increased business opportunities to benefit Africa’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry for years to come.

First-time exhibitor, Ikala Nala of IPS Tours, was overwhelmed by the beauty of African products and impressed by the connections made, with quality leads established.

Claire Kivedo, Managing Creative Director of Overall Events and Communication from South Africa’s Nelson Mandela Bay, echoed the same sentiments and waxed lyrically about the invaluable connections she made at the trade show.

Buyer Raymon Honings, Managing Director of Travelmediate Global from the Netherlands, was impressed by the diversity of exhibitors. Honings noted that the quality of meetings was higher than in the past, adding that he had access to an entire portfolio of potential suppliers showcasing what the African MICE industry can offer.

Phumeza Nywe Ndjock of Mankwe Gametrackers was ecstatic after scoring multiple confirmed bookings for her business, highlighting the success of Meetings Africa 2023.

Myra Theron, Business Development Consultant at Mankwe GAMETRACKERS, proposed using Q codes to share business cards, thus limiting the event’s carbon footprint.

“Meetings Africa is sure to have a long-term impact on the industry, benefiting local communities and the environment,” concluded Nzama.

Africa’s Travel Indaba will once again see Durban’s Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre turn into a lively hub of activity from 9 to 11 May 2023. This follows a momentous signing ceremony, once again confirming the province of Kwa Zulu-Natal as the home of Africa’s Travel Indaba for the next three years. 

Owned and managed by South African Tourism and hosted in partnership with Tourism Kwa-Zulu Natal, the eThekwini Municipality and Durban’s Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre (ICC), Africa’s Travel Indaba is a big economic contributor to the city of Durban and the greater Kwa Zulu-Natal (KZN) province. Registration for Africa’s Travel Indaba opens tomorrow Monday the 12th of December.

“In 2022 we hosted Africa’s Travel Indaba for the first time after a two-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic and we were excited to return with renewed energy and focus. Going into 2023, we are thrilled to have officially re-affirmed our journey for the next few years and beyond with our long-standing partners. Africa’s Travel Indaba contributes to our country’s economy and plays an important role in advancing the growth of our continent’s tourism sector,” said South African Tourism’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Themba Mzilikazi Khumalo.

“Africa’s Travel Indaba brings thousands of travel buyers from across the world to our province and plays a pivotal role in helping us to implement our Tourism Sector Recovery Plan, particularly in reviving our international markets. This trade show is also key in the development of our tourism Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) that are given the opportunity to showcase their products and forge deals that can grow their tourism businesses,” said Acting Chief Executive Officer of Tourism KZN, Mr. Nhlanhla Khumalo.

“We welcome the return of Africa’s largest travel show to Durban. Africa’s Travel Indaba is the perfect platform to promote South African products. As registration is now officially open, we invite businesses in the tourism sector not to miss this opportunity and register early in order to fully explore opportunities to meet new clients next year and expose their work.” adds EThekwini Municipality Mayor, Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda.

“Our association with Africa’s Travel Indaba dates back many years. We are excited and grateful for this opportunity to continue hosting one of Africa’s largest trade shows for the next three years. This is an unequivocal vote of confidence in eThekwini as a premier travel eventing and business destination,” said Mr. Musa Mbhele EThekwini City Manager.

The Board Chairperson of Inkosi Albert Luthuli ICC, Mr. Glen Mashinini and Chief Executive Officer Ms. Lindiwe Rakherebe expressed their excitement about hosting Africa’s Travel Indaba again adding: “We are looking forward to welcoming delegates from across the world who are passionate about the business meetings and opportunities that Africa’s Travel Indaba presents.”

Africa’s Travel Indaba 2023 is anticipated to attract pre-COVID-19 numbers of over 8000 delegates from all over the world.  The 2022 edition of the trade show bustled with more than 634 exhibiting businesses from 19 African countries, showcasing an array of travel and tourism offerings to almost 956 local and international buyers.

Furthermore, almost 282 local and international media representatives attended Africa’s Travel Indaba in 2022, greatly elevating the global profile of tourism on the African continent.

The 2022 event also saw more than 13 804 confirmed business matchmaking meetings taking place between businesses and travel buyers.

“As the South African tourism sector, we cannot wait to connect with all our delegates over our shared passion for the African continent. Africa’s Travel Indaba 2023 has more exciting news in store.  We are looking forward to seeing, meeting, networking, and doing business with all partners and stakeholders from around the world,” concludes Mr. Themba Khumalo.

Exhibitors, buyers, and members of the media are invited to register and get accreditation online by visiting Travel Indaba.

Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) is participating in this year’s IBTM, the biggest Marketing Incentives Conferences and Events (MICE) expo in the world from November 29th to December 1st, 2022, Barcelona, Spain. The Board will showcase the different aspects of Uganda that provide good investment opportunities, incentives and diversity in its attractions that make destination Uganda an ideal place to visit and host conferences. 

UTB is represented by Board member Prof. Suleyman Katende Mubanda and Deputy Chief Executive Officer Bradford Ochieng, among other UTB staff, eight members of the MICE Private Sector Association of Uganda and Uganda Association of Conference and Incentives Industry (UACII). The Ugandan delegation will showcase the significant steps taken to grow tourism numbers, hotel facilities and investments that have improved over the years to make it a competitive spot for visitors. 

The industry growth is also reflected in the sector’s share of economic contribution to Uganda’s development agenda. Several Interventions focused to growing the MICE sector include stakeholder partnerships as channels of business leads, capacity building for the private stakeholders, operationalisation of the convention bureau, participation in MICE international expos and hosting client onsite inspections, subscriptions to the international global MICE association databases, source business leads and development of MICE marketing collateral.

Prof. Mubanda explained that Uganda will leverage on this exhibition to implement activations such as the roll out of Uganda’s destination brand of Explore Uganda - The Pearl of Africa that positions the country as an adventure of the life time in the Spanish source Market. “We have flourishing wildlife numbers, numerous new hotel facilities and attained capacity to host international events and festivals,” he noted. This will improve knowledge regarding Uganda’s tourism potential and create business linkages for investment in the country.

UTB Deputy CEO Ochieng noted that Uganda is to host several conferences next year, such as the Africa Blood Transfusion Conference as well as Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo where numerous delegates and travel trade will be expected in the country. The expo is an opportunity to interest the world about the many unique aspects of the country. 

IBTM World this year will draw more than 3,000 exhibiting companies from more than 150 countries. Exhibitors, include hotels, conference centres, technology companies and suppliers from across the industry as well as travel destinations and other service providers.

South Africa is geared up to host safe events with service excellence. This is the message that South African Tourism is taking to IMEX America.

With 20 South African exhibitors in attendance and showcasing a variety of quality-assured business events products, IMEX America promises to be a great networking platform for doing business and reassuring the global business events industry that South Africa’s doors are indeed open for business. 

Taking place from 11 to 13 October 2022 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, IMEX America is one of the world’s largest global trade exhibitions. South African Tourism is back at IMEX on a larger scale, after the show was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. IMEX America provides South Africa with a rare opportunity to communicate to the global community that we are indeed open for business with no travel or COVID-19 restrictions whatsoever.

According to the organisers, IMEX America brings the meetings industry together to do a year’s worth of business under one roof. 

Speaking in the United States ahead of IMEX America, Zinhle Nzama, Acting Chief Convention Bureau Officer said, ‘We are humbled by the people of America choosing the Republic of South Africa as a destination of choice to do business whilst enjoying the variety of leisure offerings. We invite everyone to come to South Africa and enjoy our warm beaches, our history and heritage, the sun, nature, wildlife and magnificent landscapes and to come do business in our world-class convention venues and facilities. 

Key to South African Tourism’s participation at IMEX America is providing market access to SMMEs as part of the exhibitors showcasing at IMEX. 

‘We brought our best destination management companies and convention bureaus to showcase their offering in person. These include 4 SMMEs that we have sponsored to come and participate on this global platform. Exhibitors also include three of our best international convention centres: Cape Town, Durban and Sandton in Gauteng.  

Nzama said that the platform will also be used as a networking opportunity. 

“It is an ideal platform to provide the most updated information about South Africa as a capable business events destination with the necessary world-class infrastructure. We are here on the ground to reassure the global planning, booking, and facilitating of conferences (MICE) industry that South Africa is very much open for business and that hosting meetings and events in South Africa is a must,” she said. 

‘Similarly, we are also here to invite the world to our beautiful country to attend the Meetings Africa trade show to be held at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa from 28 February to 1 March 2023,’ Nzama said.  

Meetings Africa, South African Tourism’s Pan African strategic business events platform, provides a platform for exhibitors to showcase their offerings to international and local buyers, African associations and corporate planners. 

Africa’s Travel Indaba is just days away. Taking place at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre & Durban Exhibition Centre from 2 to 5 May 2022, the trade show will once again bring the continent’s finest tourism products and experiences under one roof for the world to experience. 

Under the theme, Africa’s stories, your success, Africa’s Travel Indaba 2022, boasts no less than 126 authentic and uniquely African products and experiences. Over 539 buyers will also travel from across the world to come and interact with these products and experiences. 

To date, over 19 000 meetings have been confirmed on the matchmaking diary system, to ensure that the right buyers are matched with the right exhibitors for mutually beneficial business engagements.

South African Tourism Acting CEO, Themba Khumalo, says he is delighted by the interest that the rest of Africa and the world has once again shown in Africa’s Travel Indaba, especially since the show had to take a break due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“I cannot wait for delegates from all over the world to descend upon Durban this coming week, for us as the continent to tell our stories of resilience and beauty while we partner and collaborate in order to move Africa forward,” says Khumalo 

Khumalo is confident that the diversity of Africa’s Travel Indaba programme ensures that there is something for everyone, and that the programme is designed to guarantee maximum value for all delegates attending. 

“The programme is filled with opportunities to provide invaluable outcomes for all the delegates, from the Business Talks focusing on a plethora of tourism related topics for the advancement of the sector, to the speed marketing sessions aimed at showcasing an array of small business from across South Africa. The programme also provides ample networking opportunities,” he says. 

Acting CEO of Tourism KwaZulu-Natal, Phindile Makwakwa says that KwaZulu-Natal is ready and excited to once again be the host province for Africa’s Travel Indaba. 

“The show will contribute immensely to the KZN’s tourism recovery. This translates to a much-needed economic boost for the province.

“Tourism KZN, working together with our partners Durban Tourism and the Durban ICC, will ensure that international buyers, media and all delegates know that our destination is definitely ready to host our international visitors, with an overabundance of diverse and unique tourism offerings,” she says.

Phillip Sithole, Deputy City Manager for Economic Development and Planning Cluster in eThekwini Municipality, says the city is ready to host Africa’s Travel Indaba. He said most of the city’s key tourism infrastructure affected during the recent floods are now fully functional. He said Durban is open for business and it is now safe to visit the city. “Hosting Indaba will give the City of Durban an opportunity to rebuild the tourism sector following many challenges such as the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, 2021 July civil unrest and the recent floods natural disaster. During the COVID-19 outbreak we were unable to host this largest tourism marketing event on the African calendar.”

BONDay (2 May)

Africa’s Travel Indaba opens up with Business Opportunities and Networking Day (BONDay) on 2 May 2022, a with a workshop for small to medium-sized enterprises and youth taking centre stage. Peak performance coach and consultant, Joshua Awesome will look to inspire delegates at BONDay, by looking at ways of unlocking uncommon experiences through personal leadership for peak performance. BONDay will also feature Hidden Gems Training which educates delegates on the opportunities that lie in the lesser known destinations in Africa. 

Digital transformation takes centre stage at Africa’s Travel Indaba

The much-anticipated plenary discussions at Africa’s Travel Indaba 2022 will fall under four educational streams, namely, best practice for Brand Africa, sectoral transformation, leisure opportunities and strengthening and enabling economic opportunities. These streams are a continuation of the conversations held at the African Travel & Tourism Summit hosted by South African Tourism in September 2021.

Digital transformation will feature prominently at Indaba, with two plenaries discussing its role in the future of tourism, as a sector operating in the digital age. 

Indaba headliner Elcia Grandcourt, Regional Director of Africa, at the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), will be one of four panelists discussing digital transformation as a driver of value creation across Africa’s travel and tourism ecosystem. Other plenary discussions will include Bleisure travel, intra-African travel, connectivity and market access and niche tourism business opportunities. 

Sustainability

The perennial Sustainability Village will recreate a market atmosphere unlike any other, with South African vendors selling locally crafted goods ranging from ladies wear to African-inspired crockery.

To ensure a safe environment for all, Africa’s Travel Indaba organisers have in place strict COVID-19 protocols and these include ensuring that delegates keep their masks on, sanitise regularly and keep a safe physical distance from each other. For more on COVID-19 protocols at Africa’s Travel Indaba, visit the official website.
 

Visit the official Africa’s Travel Indaba website for more information.