EDITOR’S COMMENT
The world keeps spinning and will continue to do so, regardless. As the world returns to a semblance of normality, I look back at what we have been through over the past 20 months. Isphysical it me,events or has itparts beenofsurreal? in all the industry. have always been
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ovid-19 has left its mark on all of us, in some way or another. Unfortunately, there has been much loss, which has led to another pandemic, the increase of mental health issues. This is something that has to be addressed. We have all been through – probably – the most stressful times in all our existence. Something has to give and, unfortunately, there is only so much any of us can take. As we resume our regular lives, we just need to the remember to take s we approach end of year, I am care ofcautiously how we treat othersPersonally, and, as I’m optimistic. exciting as it isa to things again, just be feeling lot do more upbeat. mindful of others andindustry what they are The business events is slowly going through endured. Our emerging from or anhave enforced hibernation. environment is high paced, and short I am definitely seeing an increase in
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It is fantastic to observe the different sectors in our industry starting up again. The past few weeks have been amazing. I’ve been following industry leaders on social platforms doing what they do best — be it exhibitions, incentives, conferences and events. The industry has been waiting for so long and all it took was a green light from government! After months of despair, finally there is renewed positivity in the industry. One big positive is that South Africa is now finally off most of the world’s travel red lists, including the UK. deadlines can lead to many a stressful The recent Africa’s Travel and Tourism situation. Summit alsothe setbusiness the scene for At the (ATTS) moment, events what is to If anything, I get the industry is come. a hive of activity and it seems feeling that our continent – the like everyone wants to meet, or continent have a of Africa – isincentive, finally realising its own conference, exhibition or event strength in Just unity. Over the to years, African right now. remember breathe, countries have always other take it as it comes andlooked be kindtoand continents tourism business patient, as for there will beand challenging events while, fact, its own situations thatinwill arise, that African is a given. countries overlooked. The fact were that our industry is up and There isagain no doubt there are still aIt running bringsthat much happiness. lot of challenges, liketoairlift, visaindustry brings me much joy see our restrictions, etc. after all these months. being productive One of theguesthouses challenges addressed Hotels and are gettingduring ready ATTS is December that tourism/incentive and for the holidays with much conference/events packages in the past anticipation.
geared to the European Yet, thereoris a small American If part of memarkets. that we, Africans, would remains fearful of the like to cater our own African possibility offor a fourth wave. Whatvisitors will it we should package it differently. mean for the business events sector? It is Over the past fewgovernment years, our industry dependent on our and what leaders havethey done a lot talking about restrictions may or of may not impose. the issue of airlift withinafford our continent Quite bluntly, we can’t another as well as the issue of visas within Africa for hard lockdown. Africans, I hopenote thatthough, ATTS hasthe ignited a On a positive new chapter, where African airlines announcement that Meetings Africalook and at new routes the return continent and is Africa’s Tourismwithin Indaba’s in 2022 break those afinally very exciting one barriers for me. which Finally,have there is hindered travel movement againwithin in theAfrica. right direction. Of course, weme would love to see This also gives muchallhope. international delegates andmy tourists Meetings Africa remains most return to local our shores what prevents favourite trade but show. Next year’s us from exploring new markets within our show will be a reunion of industry continent? who The Covid-19 colleagues will finallypandemic get to seehas one taught usother that in weperson, are able to collaborate another after many a lot better if wewait! keep the months. I can’t communication within our The world has streams changed,open we have continent.but Thewe time now, Africa open changed, areisstill here, andiswe for business and I other, am proudly African! are here for each through it all.
Irene
Email: gomesi@iafrica.com
Credit:Hein HeinLiebetrau Liebetrau Credit:
The changing world Africa is open for business
