A new South African Meetings Industry Federation (SAMIF) will be launched this month, according to Rick Taylor, head of the National Convention Bureau for South African Tourism.

The umbrella body, which will be chaired by Taylor, will promote the common interests of business tourism associations.

Members will include the Exhibition Association of South Africa, the South African Association for Conference Industries (SAACI), the International Special Events Society (ISES), the Society for Incentive Travel Executives (SITE), the Technical Production Services Association (TPSA), the South African Federation of Convention Cities (SAFCC) and the National Convention Bureau.

“SAMIF will get South Africa on international agenda via corresponding bodies globally,” Taylor said. “This collaboration could not be more timely since we are entering, as a country, into one of the most exciting periods of business tourism.”

Taylor highlighted the fact that during October South Africa has hosted three major business tourism meetings - Best Cities.net; the ICCA general assembly and congress; and the global forum of the IACVB.