After scooping the prestigious bid of hosting the 59th CIC General Assembly Meeting in 2012, representatives of the bid partners CIC South Africa, Johannesburg Tourism Company and the Sandton Convention Centre, attended the CIC meeting in St Petersburg in Russia to entice delegates to visit South Africa in 2012.
The International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC) is present in over 80 countries and advocates sustainable hunting through its knowledge, networks and valued traditions to benefit people and conserve nature.
South Africa was chosen as the suitable destination to host the General Assembly in 2012 due to its wildlife ranching model, demonstrating its international leadership and sustainable use.
“It was an honour to travel with our bid partners to St Petersburg, and have the opportunity to be an ambassador for South Africa, Johannesburg and of course, Sandton Convention Centre."
"The delegates were eager to learn more about our country and the specialised services and offerings of the Sandton Convention Centre,” says Karin White, General Manager: Sales & Marketing at the Sandton Convention Centre.
Sandton Convention Centre has been recognised as the venue of choice for many international congresses and exhibitions, building on the momentum generated by the successful hosting of the World Cup and is beyond doubt living up to its reputation of being the centre of business tourism in South Africa.
In addition, the bidding partnership between Sandton Convention Centre, the Johannesburg Tourism Company and Gauteng Tourism has proven to be a formidable team - holding their own against international competition.
“For us in Johannesburg, winning the bid is just the start. We go out of our way to ensure that the event will be successful for the organisers and will bring tourism income to the city. That is why we invest in delegate boosting to promote the event and showcase our destination”, adds Karin.
Business tourism is a key driver for economic growth and development in the province and in February this year Sandton Convention Centre played host to Meetings Africa, the continent’s premier annual business tourism expo. Over 7000 official meetings were scheduled and unaudited numbers showed that the Sandton Convention Centre hosted 3 353 delegates.
In 2011, Sandton Convention Centre will host many diverse events such as Best of India, South Africa Pools Spa and Outdoor Living Expo (SAPSOL), BOOKEX, The Shoe Expo and the Pan African Health Conference & Expo. In addition, the 4th World Anti-Doping in Sport Congress in 2013 and the 21st General Meeting of the International Mineralogical Association in 2014 chose the Sandton Convention Centre as their preferred partner.
“Where wildlife is threatened or endangered, CIC through its relationships has been able to provide technical, legal and in some cases financial support, to bring value back to the species and create a sustainable future. In fact, South Africa has moved beyond conservation in many of the species, to a potential for food security – something very important to the African continent,” says Gary van den Berg of the International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation in South Africa.
