Indaba 2007 – Last Day of the Show & into Zululand!
The Mole’s favourite part of the show has now arrived – shortly it will be time to collect the showbags…!
Followed by the great purge in the hotel room (Keep it clean, I’m talking about brochures and other paraphernalia)!
As of 3pm yesterday (Day 3 of 4), Indaba 2007 had welcomed 12,223 delegates, already up 6% from last year. This already exceeds South African Tourism’s expected attendance of 12,000 and this is not counting today, the last day of the show.
Increases were driven across all categories, with 15% more visiting delegates attending, and an encouraging increase in exhibitors – reflecting the growth and range of South Africa’s tourism products and services.
A hugely significant development has taken place in the ‘Historically Disadvantaged Individual’ category (cracking terminology!) which is up by 62%. The opening ceremony was a highlight, not so much for all the gathered dignitaries in the ICC auditorium, rather for the home-grown entertainment and introducing an instant Michael Parkinson set for a ‘talk show’ style interview with the Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism.
The annual ‘Global Media Face Off was a major feature of the show this year, addressing the controversial issues in the lead up to the Soccer World Cup 2010. South African Tourism launched a new offering at Indaba, the SA Tourism Online Marketing Educational Seminar.
Buyers and trade had an opportunity last night to do even more business at the International Buyers Networking event. The Mole would be in serious trouble if he related some of the later goings-on at this event, suffice to say everyone had a marvellous evening.
South African Tourism CEO, Moeketsi Mosola shook the Mole’s paw, interested to hear all about his Indaba experience, and in his final address he thanked everyone for making this year’s Indaba a great success and urged everyone to return in 2008, saying “Next year’s event promises to be even more diverse, more interactive and more rewarding than ever before”.
Next year’s Indaba is scheduled to take place 10-13 May 2008 so if you are looking for a great tourism experience for your clients, Indaba is a great place to start (and the Beach Party is pretty good too!)
The Mole is now off to sample some wines at the Cape Town & Western Cape stands to round off the show.
Tomorrow, it’s off into Zululand for a first hand experience of Zulu culture and a helping of hippos, rhino’s et al – can’t wait to get there!
The Mole will be a guest of Roy and Sonja Newlands at Stewarts Farm and also of Martin Myburgh from Falaza Game Park & Spa. The final ‘live reports’ may be a little delayed if perhaps the Mole is invited on too many activities in the next few days before flying out on 20th.
In fact, the night of 19th might be a bit tricky, as Martin is a fervent Super 14 Sharks supporter and he has promised to bring all his mates around to ensure that I am not lonely whilst watching the Super 14 rugby final… And no Aussies in sight!!
Report by The Mole
John Alwyn-Jones
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