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Community Business Directory, Event Listings, News and Views from Gqeberha, Nelson Mandela Bay

Win as One Pledge to Boost Business Tourism

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The National SAACI Congress at the end of July 2012 saw numerous sectors of the Conference and Events Industry come together to “Shift Paradigms” (the theme of the national conference this year). In its 25th year, SAACI has grown to become a voice of the industry it represents, with the national congress educating delegates on numerous initiatives this year. One such initiative is that of the National Convention Bureau who, through Thulani Nzima (SA Tourism CEO), announced the objectives of the SA National Convention Bureau at the Conference.

Nzima said that the Bureau will strive to consolidate and co-ordinate national efforts to grow the country’s share of the international business events market. With a goal to bring 15 million international tourists to South Africa by 2020, he called on all present to join TEAM SOUTH AFRICA in the “WIN AS ONE” pledge to work together in the spirit of partnership to position the country as the world’s preferred business destination.

Through the pledge, Magnetic Storm took the opportunity on the evening to commit in this public affirmation of their support and collaboration as a partner to “sign up ultimately for the benefit of our destination, the profitability of business, the strength of their industry and the success of our economy” through business tourism.

Magnetic Storm partner’s Glenn van Eck and Liam Prince signed the pledge which read:

“I pledge to inspire my colleagues and the entire South African Events Industry, to create truly unforgettable business events in our country, because I believe that there is no limit to what we can build when we work as one. When we work as one, we win as one. What we do today will reaffirm our position as a global player; as the leading destination for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions, both big and small.

I believe we all have a part to play in our future successes: Convention Bureaus, Provincial Tourism Authorities, Professional Conference Organisers, Destination Management Companies, Hoteliers, Convention Centres and ALL Event Suppliers… because the magic of South Africa lives within all of us, and we each bring our own special something to ensure our mutual successes to WIN AS ONE. I pledge to work towards our country’s National Business Events Strategy to increase the number of business events in South Africa by 57%.

I pledge to work towards: growing our industry’s capacity and skills, improving our professionalism, continuing our programmes to create jobs, develop skills and harness our knowledge and creativity.

I pledge to honour our collective spirit and energy, to create a winning business events destination… and I pledge to do it in my own unique South African way. Together we will WIN AS ONE.”

Magnetic Storm was responsible co-ordinating the Nelson Mandela Bay FIFA Fan Fest™ in 2010 and hopes to bring the spirit of the WIN AS ONE pledge into the current planning of the 2013 International Mohair Summit and Festival, bringing international delegates to the Eastern Cape next year.

Magnetic Storm partners, Liam Prince and Glenn van Eck, commit to support Business Tourism in SA
Magnetic Storm partners, Liam Prince and Glenn van Eck, commit to support Business Tourism in SA

Author: Liam Prince
Website: http://www.magnetic.co.za

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