The South African business tourism industry has set itself a target of achieving a spot as one of the top 10 most popular conference and exhibitions destinations in the world.

Acting CEO of the Johannesburg Tourism Company, Eddy Khosa, said it is up to the industry to ensure that South Africa takes up its rightful place in the international business tourism arena.

Khosa said this will only be possible if the major players in the conference industry embrace the opportunities that exist, especially in terms of skills transfer and empowering small businesses, whether directly involved in the industry or supplying supporting products and services.

"Major players often bid for huge international events and bring them home to South Africa. The challenge is now to use emerging, professional companies to assist in the staging of such events."

Currently South Africa is ranked 27th by the International Congress and Convention Association and Africa as a continent receives only 4% of all events globally.

(Source: Joburg Tourism Darren Sandras / 27 July 2005)