Environmental Affairs and Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk says South Africa has become a meeting place of note and a business tourism destination of distinction.

Mr Van Schalkwyk was speaking during the 43rd General Assembly of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) currently underway here today.

It is the first time the country gets to host this event, in its 20-year membership to this international body.

ICCA is the only association that compromises membership representing main specialists in handling, transporting and accommodating international events.

"When the global leaders in conventions and congresses choose a destination for their own meetings it is high praise indeed," said the Minister.

South Africa accounts for more than 63 percent of the total conference activities in Africa and has been ranked consistently in the top 30 global convention country ratings and in the top 10 global incentive travel destinations.

It is estimated that business tourism already accounts for more than R21 billion annually in revenue, sustaining more than 260 000 jobs.

"In just ten years we have seen South Africa improve from 63rd place to become the 27th most popular conferencing destination in the world.

"We aim, by 2010, to break into the Top Ten global conferencing destinations - an ambitious target but one which we believe is highly achievable."

The Minister also made use of the opportunity to indicate South Africa's willingness to serve on the executive of the ICCA.

"As a serious role-player on the world conference and convention stage, South Africa offers its services in playing a more meaningful role in global business tourism development. We would welcome the opportunity to strengthen the ICCA executive," he asserted.

He said this was why much of the country's current effort was directed towards ensuring the quality of the tourism experience in every part of the country, especially in the less-visited provinces.

"We want conference and convention delegates to explore our country and to be overwhelmed by their adventure," he said.