AFRICA - Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) has claimed "significant international buyer interest" ahead of IBTM Africa in Cape Town, part of the inaugural Africa Travel Week on 28-30 April.
The organiser said the interest from international Hosted Buyers applying to attend the event illustrates the rapidly growing demand for meetings industry suppliers within Africa.
"We are excited about the launch of IBTM Africa within our IBTM Global Events Portfolio," said Shinu Pillai, project manager at IBTM Africa. "Africa is emerging rapidly as a destination of choice when it comes to hosting meetings and incentives, with many global associations looking to include Africa in their rotation patterns."
IBTM Africa will match 50 regional exhibitors through a pre-scheduled appointment system with 50 qualified Hosted Buyers from Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and Asia Pacific, all of whom have proven purchasing power and guaranteed business to place in Africa.
David Dodgeon from DMC Green Route, who will attend IBTM Africa with a group of qualified buyers, said: "Trade shows are one of the most effective ways of obtaining and securing new business. We have supported EIBTM, the flagship event of the IBTM Global Events Portfolio, since the early days and we are pleased to be bringing a group of 16 international buyers to its new show set to launch in Africa.
"Africa provides a perfect meetings industry destination for a number of reasons. The continent offers a huge contrast in terms of culture and history and is well situated in terms of flight routes and global access. The table-top format which IBTM Africa will offer will allow us to spend quality one-to-one time with potential clients," he added.
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