Where are the tourism and business events buyers?
It is a question that continues to surface across the global business events sector as destinations compete for meetings, conferences, exhibitions and incentive travel business.
Based on discussions highlighted at the Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI) National Annual Conference, the challenge is not that buyers have disappeared, but that they are operating in a more complex environment shaped by rising costs, tighter budgets, procurement requirements and increased competition between destinations.
In an increasingly competitive global marketplace, what does destination readiness, accessibility and competitiveness mean for South Africa's business events sector?
SAACI, a member association of the TBCSA, recently explored this topic. Read more: https://t.co/PEIUkpL4m4
#BusinessEvents #MICE #Tourism #SouthAfrica #TBCSA #Travel
Tourism conversations are easy to have. Being in the room where decisions, ideas and partnerships take shape is something different.
Registration is now open for the TBCSA Tourism Leadership Conference 2026, taking place from 27-28 October 2026 at Sun City Resort, North West Province.
Bringing together tourism businesses, associations, policymakers, academics, media and industry stakeholders, the conference remains one of South Africa's leading platforms for tourism engagement, collaboration and networking.
Whether you are looking to stay informed, build new connections or engage with the opportunities presented, challenges and practical actions shaping South Africa's tourism sector - the conference provides an opportunity to connect with leaders and stakeholders from across the tourism value chain.
Register here: https://t.co/SGlwASVQQF
SouthAfrica #Tourism #Travel #TBCSA
Home to some of South Africa's most recognisable tourism attractions, Mpumalanga continues to play an important role in the country's tourism offering.
Industry stakeholders are increasingly highlighting the importance of collaboration between government and the private sector to strengthen destination marketing, improve visitor safety, support infrastructure development and unlock new tourism opportunities across the province.
As South Africa's tourism sector continues to evolve, partnerships that support destination competitiveness and visitor experiences remain an important part of long-term tourism growth.
Read more: https://t.co/7gqjOBiuDx
#SouthAfrica #Tourism #Travel #Mpumalanga #DestinationDevelopment #TBCSA
Cape Town Tourism's newly released 2025 Destination Performance Report highlights continued growth in international tourism, alongside changing domestic travel patterns.
According to the report, international visitor arrivals and spending strengthened during 2025, while domestic travellers continued to visit Cape Town in significant numbers, although shorter stays contributed to lower domestic tourism spend.
The report also provides insights into source markets, airport arrivals, accommodation performance and visitor attractions across the destination.
Read the full report: htthttps://buff.ly/DOjXheq
https://t.co/ThMYR8dEqC #Tourism #Travel #CapeTown #TBCSA
Tourism and hospitality professionals: an international learning opportunity is now open.
The Department of Tourism and TBCSA will facilitate the implementation of a 21-day Tourism Seminar in the People's Republic of China for 22 middle-management tourism professionals from across South Africa.
The programme will provide participants with exposure to operational expertise, leadership strategies, industry insights, practical workshops and immersive visits to high-end hospitality establishments.
Successful participants will also benefit from travel, accommodation, meals, training and ground transportation covered by the People's Republic of China.
Applications close on 30 June 2026.
Applications should be submitted to: [email protected] and [email protected]
#Tourism #Hospitality #SkillsDevelopment #TourismTraining #SouthAfrica #TBCSA
Nelson Mandela Bay welcomed approximately 1.4 million visitors during the 2024/25 financial year, although visitor numbers remain below the levels recorded in 2019, according to a recent industry discussion on the destination's tourism potential.
The discussion highlights the role that destination development, tourism investment, events, cruise tourism and industry collaboration can play in supporting future growth across the metro and the wider Eastern Cape.
Home to Blue Flag beaches, rich biodiversity, cultural heritage attractions and a growing events calendar, Nelson Mandela Bay remains an important part of South Africa's tourism offering.
Read more: https://t.co/5AoPebm5pO
#SouthAfrica #Tourism #Travel #NelsonMandelaBay #EasternCape #DestinationDevelopment #TBCSA
As the FIFA World Cup 2026 unfolds across Mexico, United States and Canada, South Africa is leveraging the heightened global focus on North America to strengthen its presence in one of Latin America's largest outbound travel markets.
Recent tourism promotion activities in Mexico have highlighted the breadth of South Africa's tourism experiences, from wildlife safaris and coastal tourism - to culture, food, wine tourism and adventure travel.
The initiative reflects the importance of market diversification as South Africa seeks to grow arrivals from a wider range of international source markets while strengthening its position as a year-round tourism destination.
Read more: https://t.co/KNHJidrtuG
#SouthAfrica #Tourism #Travel #DestinationMarketing #TourismGrowth #TBCSA
As South Africa prepares to host the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup, destination readiness remains an important part of ensuring that tourism businesses are positioned to benefit from the opportunities associated with a global sporting event.
The Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) recently participated in the Buffalo City Tourism Compliance Workshop alongside industry partners including SATSA, FEDHASA, SAACI and the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA).
The workshop brought together tourism stakeholders, businesses and local government representatives to explore topics such as tourism compliance, quality assurance, accreditation opportunities, industry standards and visitor readiness.
With Buffalo City set to host Cricket World Cup matches in 2027, engagements such as these helps ensure that tourism businesses are equipped to meet the expectations of both domestic and international visitors while strengthening the destination's overall competitiveness.
Located on South Africa's Eastern Cape coastline, Buffalo City is known for its beaches, cultural heritage, business events and growing tourism offering.
#SouthAfrica #Tourism #Travel #TBCSA #SportsTourism #ICCWorldCup2027
Investing in tourism safety is investing in destination confidence.
Today, tourism stakeholders gathered in Nelson Mandela Bay to recognise a new group of Tourism Safety Officers who have completed their training and will support tourism safety operations across the destination.
The programme brings together the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA), Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA), SAPS, Metro Police and tourism stakeholders in a shared effort to strengthen visitor safety and enhance the tourism experience.
The initiative is supported through a partnership between the MBDA and TBCSA, funded via the TOMSA Collaborative Fund, demonstrating how industry and government collaboration can strengthen tourism safety and destination competitiveness.
"Through the TOMSA Collaborative Fund, tourism businesses are investing directly in initiatives that make destinations safer and more competitive. These officers are a tangible example of that investment at work," said TBCSA CEO Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa.
We wish the newly trained Tourism Safety Officers every success as they begin supporting tourism safety operations and enhancing the visitor experience across Nelson Mandela Bay.
#TourismSafety #TOMSA #TBCSA #NelsonMandelaBay #Tourism #SouthAfrica #Travel
The future of tourism is not something we wait for. It is something that is already being built by tourism entrepreneurs, innovators and changemakers across South Africa.
Through the Youth-led Tourism Initiatives Competition 2026, the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) is looking to recognise young people whose initiatives are making a meaningful contribution to the sector.
Four selected initiatives will receive a complimentary opportunity to participate in the TBCSA Tourism Leadership Conference 2026, where industry leaders, businesses, policymakers and tourism stakeholders come together to discuss the future of tourism in South Africa.
If your initiative is contributing to tourism through entrepreneurship, community development, technology, destination promotion, skills development or innovative tourism experiences, we would like to hear from you.
To enter, email your submission to [email protected] with the subject line: Youth-led Tourism Initiatives Competition Entry.
Entries close on 4 July 2026. Terms and conditions apply.
#YouthInTourism #YouthMonth #SouthAfrica #Tourism #Travel #TBCSA
Recently, the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) participated in a series of tourism industry workshops in George and Oudtshoorn, bringing together tourism businesses, SMMEs, product owners, municipalities and industry stakeholders from across the Garden Route and Klein Karoo region.
During the workshops, the TBCSA engaged with stakeholders on tourism growth, destination development, industry collaboration and opportunities to strengthen tourism's contribution to local economies.
The sessions also provided a platform for participants to discuss opportunities and challenges facing tourism businesses, while exploring practical approaches to supporting tourism growth and sustainability across the region.
#SouthAfrica #Tourism #Travel #TBCSA
Today, we celebrate the energy, talent and contribution of young people across South Africa’s tourism sector.
At the TBCSA, young professionals continue to play an important role in supporting the organisation's work and the broader tourism industry.
“As someone who started my journey at the TBCSA as an intern, I understand the value of being given an opportunity to learn, grow and gain experience. Those opportunities can help young people build confidence, develop practical skills and find their place within the tourism sector.”
– Snegugu Dlomo, Events and Membership Coordinator, Tourism Business Council of South Africa
Happy Youth Day, South Africa.
#YouthDay #YouthMonth #Tourism #SouthAfrica #TBCSA
Few experiences capture the beauty of Cape Town quite like a trip to the top of Table Mountain.
If a visit to the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is on your travel plans this winter, take note that the Cableway will be closed for its annual maintenance shutdown from 27 July to 9 August 2026.
The temporary closure allows for essential inspections, testing and maintenance work to be carried out, helping ensure the Cableway continues to operate according to international safety standards.
The Cableway is expected to reopen on 10 August 2026, weather permitting.
Read more here: https://t.co/F7ugZSKYt8
#SouthAfrica #Tourism #Travel #CapeTown #TableMountain #TBCSA
Cape Town's recent recognition as Africa's first Abbott World Marathon Major represents more than a milestone for sport. It is also a significant moment for tourism and destination development.
The Abbott World Marathon Majors series includes some of the world's most recognised marathon events, such as Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, New York, Tokyo and Sydney. Cape Town now joins this prestigious global platform as the first host city on the African continent.
According to the organisers, the achievement is expected to generate substantial economic benefits through increased visitor arrivals, travel, accommodation and tourism-related spending, reinforcing the important role that major events can play in supporting local economies and destination growth.
The milestone also strengthens Cape Town's position as a globally recognised tourism destination and creates new opportunities to showcase South Africa to international audiences.
Read more about Africa's first Abbott World Marathon Major: https://t.co/cNkk17OC1v
#SouthAfrica #Tourism #Travel #SportsTourism #TBCSA
What are the key priorities needed to grow demand, strengthen competitiveness and support sustainable tourism growth in South Africa?
Taking place from 27- 28 October 2026 at Sun City Resort in the North West province, the TBCSA Tourism Leadership Conference 2026 will bring together tourism businesses, associations, policymakers, academics, media and sector stakeholders from across the tourism value chain.
As TBCSA marks 30 years of supporting South Africa's tourism private sector, this year's conference will explore the opportunities, challenges and practical actions required to strengthen the industry's competitiveness, sustainability and long-term growth.
With more than 400 delegates expected to attend, the conference remains one of the sector's leading platforms for industry engagement, networking and collaboration.
Visit the registration page for conference information, programme updates and early bird registration details.
Register here: https://t.co/jZCjfP21PH
#SouthAfrica #Tourism #Travel #TBCSA
As Bafana Bafana prepares for its opening FIFA World Cup fixture, the tournament also serves as a reminder of the important role major sporting events can play in supporting tourism growth and destination visibility.
South Africa experienced this first-hand during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which showcased the country to millions of viewers around the world and helped strengthen awareness of South Africa as a tourism destination.
Beyond the matches themselves, major sporting events can leave lasting tourism legacies through improved infrastructure, enhanced destination visibility and increased international visitor interest.
The TBCSA wishes Bafana Bafana every success in their World Cup campaign and celebrates the important role that sport continues to play in connecting people, destinations and tourism opportunities around the world.
Explore how hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup helped shape South Africa's tourism sector: https://t.co/Gs7lWIo13y
#SouthAfrica #Tourism #Travel #TBCSA #FIFAWorldCup
Tourism is shaped by a wide range of experiences, businesses and ideas. Sometimes, the greatest impact comes not only from serving visitors, but from helping prepare the people who will one day lead the sector.
As part of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa's Youth-Led Tourism Initiatives Competition, Andulela Suka of Arté was selected as one of the 2025 winners and received a complimentary experience to attend the TBCSA Tourism Leadership Conference, at Sun City.
Speaking at the conference, she shared the importance of creating opportunities for young people entering the tourism and hospitality sector. Through networking and industry engagement, her work helps connect students with professionals and expose them to the realities of the working world.
Operating from the University of Johannesburg Arts Centre, Arté combines hospitality services with skills development opportunities for aspiring tourism and hospitality professionals, helping bridge the gap between education and employment.
Watch the full interview to hear how Andulela is using hospitality as a platform for skills development and industry engagement: https://t.co/aGXmTb0bcE
#Tourism #Travel #YouthMonth #TBCSA #SouthAfrica
The Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) sector continues to play an important role in supporting tourism growth, investment attraction and economic activity across destinations.
Topics such as destination competitiveness, revenue optimisation, business event attraction and the application of new technologies remain important considerations as destinations compete for a greater share of the global business events market.
The upcoming Africa Business Tourism and MICE Masterclass, supported by industry stakeholders including the Southern Africa Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI), a member association of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA), will explore a range of topics shaping the future of business events across the continent.
Read more here: https://t.co/Kjl0Q6gvjg
#Tourism #BusinessEvents #MICE #TBCSA #SouthAfrica
The Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) is inviting submissions for the 2026 Youth-Led Tourism Initiatives Competition, which recognises young people whose tourism initiatives are creating meaningful impact within the sector.
Whether through entrepreneurship, community development, technology, skills development, destination promotion or innovative tourism experiences, the competition aims to highlight initiatives that contribute to the long-term growth and sustainability of tourism in South Africa.
Four standout initiatives will be recognised with a full complimentary experience at the TBCSA Tourism Leadership Conference 2026.
To enter, email your submission to [email protected] with the subject line: Youth-Led Tourism Initiatives Competition Entry.
Include your story in the body of the email and attach any supporting material that demonstrates the impact of your initiative. Only one submission is permitted per initiative.
Entries close on 4 July 2026. Terms and conditions apply.
#YouthInTourism #YouthMonth #SouthAfrica #Tourism #Travel #TBCSA
As South Africa's tourism sector looks to diversify its source markets, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region is emerging as a promising opportunity for future growth.
According to insights shared during a recent SATSA webinar, travellers from the GCC region are among the world's highest-spending outbound tourists. They are also increasingly seeking family-friendly holidays, luxury experiences, nature-based tourism and longer-stay destinations.
These travel preferences align closely with South Africa's tourism offering, from wildlife and outdoor experiences to luxury accommodation and family travel options.
Combined with improving air connectivity and competitive value-for-money experiences, this presents an opportunity for South Africa to attract a greater share of travellers from the region.
Read more here: https://t.co/TOSHzKo4UB
#SouthAfrica #Tourism #Travel #TBCSA