This year’s Sports & Events Tourism Exchange (SETE) conference, which takes place from 28 to 29 October 2015 in Tshwane, will again focus on the need for the Industry to support Durban in its preparations over the next seven years to stage a successful Commonwealth Games, a first for Africa, writes Jacques Maritz.
“On behalf of Thebe Reed Exhibitions we would like to congratulate SASCOC and the Durban Bid Committee for securing the rights to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Through the annual Sports and Events Tourism Exchange (SETE) conference, industry leaders came together to support Durban in its bid for the CGF Games, in 2014 and we are proud to be associated with this historic announcement” stated Sugen Pillay, Director at Thebe Reed Exhibitions.
EThekwini Mayor, Councillor James Nxumalo and the Durban 2022 bid committee delegation from South Africa signed the contract in Auckland, New Zealand that will bring the games to Africa for the first time. Nxumalo says: “We will be hosting these Games on behalf of the African continent which is about one billion people. It is history in the making, as these Games will be coming to the African continent for the first time. South Africa is under reconstruction and development, as we are building this new country which is non-racial, non-sexist, and democratic. “The Games will be used to promote social cohesion and build our nation. Hosting the games will give our young people an opportunity to showcase their talent on the world stage in 2022, because we want them to be the champions of tomorrow.”
Lessons from previous Commonwealth Games Host Destinations in the Management of the Games will be a highlight at this year’s conference. Issues that will be highlighted and debated in this session are:
• Challenges of the operational management of the event
• Partnerships and the role of key partners
• The role of the tourism industry
• Marketing campaigns and strategies to promote the destination through the event
• Legacy issues resulting from the Games.
Prof. Douglas Turco, International Sports Tourism Expert and Senior Research Associate, Sport Business School, Finland will be chairing this session and panellists including Prof. John Nauright, Sport & Leisure Management, University of Brighton, UK, SASCOC, and experts from previous host cities of the Commonwealth Games, will share their knowledge and experience in the operational management of the Games.
The annual Sports & Events Tourism Exchange is the only event of its kind in Africa and provides a platform that brings together businesses from the Sports, Events & Tourism industries, and encourages collaboration between these sectors, consisting of a two-day conference, table top exhibition and networking events.
To book your attendance for Sports and Events Tourism Exchange 2015 contact Rene Staack on [email protected] or call +27(0)11 549 8300.
For more information visit www.sportsandevents.co.za
About the Author: Jacques Maritz is the Media Liaison for SETE and can be contacted on +27 (0)84 444 0775 or via email at [email protected].
About Thebe Reed Exhibitions: Operated as a joint venture between Thebe Tourism Group Pty Limited and Reed Exhibitions, Thebe Reed Exhibitions is Southern Africa’s most forward thinking and successful exhibition and venue management company responsible for exhibitions such as the Africa Travel Week consisting of ILTM Africa, IBTM Africa and WTM® Africa; the Business Entrepreneurship and Franchise Expo; Decorex SA; 100% Design South Africa; the Gauteng Motor Fest; Mediatech Africa and the Sports & Events Tourism Exchange (SETE). Thebe Reed Exhibitions aims to provide the best platform for showcasing industries and nurturing business and networking opportunities on the African continent. For more information visit www.ThebeReed.co.za
