As we write this newsletter we are busy preparing for Meetings Africa 2022.  The mere fact that this “in person” show is taking place in Johannesburg is a really positive sign and we are delighted to be participating especially as it gives us the opportunity to personally showcase South Africa after 2 years of lockdown.

Theme for 2022 is Building BridgesWe have been involved in a number of planning meetings with the National Convention Bureau and the theme that keeps recurring is the importance of hosting this show as the start of (re)building bridges to our international partners and to rebuild confidence in South Africa as a destination.  There is common consensus that MICE business will have a longer lead time for this confidence to return and Meetings Africa is an important stepping stone in this regard.The building of bridges takes many formats and we are excited to see hotels (re)opening to full capacity and more airlines flying into South Africa.  The airlift is a key indicator of confidence and we watch this space with anticipation.Nothing says confidence like Air AccessThere is no question that travel to Southern Africa is returning and nothing says confidence in this market more than the opening up of flights, linking us to major destinations and markets.Key highlights of the current international airline lift:-

United Airlines reopens with 3 flights per week New York/Cape Town, year round from June 2022.

Delta Air Lines reopens with 3 flights per week Atlanta/Johannesburg.Eurowings (Lufthansa) has announced 3 flights per week Frankfurt/Windhoek/Kruger National Park, November to March.Quantus is offering 2 weekly flights Sydney/Johannesburg.

Virgin Atlantic are offering 3 weekly flights London/Johannesburg
 

Alex attends a virtual meeting with the National Convention BureauSouth Africa still has some restrictions in place regarding COVID – namely the wearing of masks in public places and limitations on numbers of people attending public events.  Meetings Africa is working within these constraints but we remain hopeful that the restrictions on numbers will be eased by the time the show takes place – at the beginning of March.There is no escaping that we still live in a hybrid world.  One positive of this reality is that we will be attending the Our Africa virtual trade show (22 March – 1 April).  This is the second of these shows that we will have exhibited in.  While clearly disappointing not to be meeting in person we enjoyed the opportunity to reconnect with existing partners and the reach Our Africa offers to meet new potential partners.See you in person

Luciano attends IBTM World in Barcelona in December 2021UPCOMING TRADE SHOWS
Don’t miss your chance to see with us at the following shows, we would love the opportunity to demonstrate what we can offer you and your clients.

Meeting Africa, 1 – 2 March, Sandton
Our Africa, 22 March – 1 April, Virtual
IMEX Frankfurt, 31 May – 2 June, FrankfurtContact usVisiting SA in December 2021
‘Best decision we could have made!’
We are delighted that our leisure clients are starting to travel.  In the theme of building bridges these travelers are the frontrunners and ambassadors in building confidence.  The feedback we have has been incredible positive.  A small group of golfers from Sweden have been in the country since before Christmas.  In the dark December days when Omicron was at its’ zenith and all the talk was of red lists and flight cancellations this group still decided to travel and for them it was the best decision they could have made.
Our ‘pre-Covid’ Meeting Africa guests were somewhat distracted by the giraffes in the background of our group pic.  Mind you, the feeling looks to be somewhat mutual.       Building Bridges Together!
We look forward to reengaging with you either at Meetings Africa or on line at Our Africa and to helping rebuild the bridges to South Africa.