Johannesburg, normally the 16th of December which is celebrated as the National Reconciliation Day in South Africa mark the start of the Festive Season with industries and majority of departments winding down in preparation for the Christmas and New Year holidays. This time around, the golden province of Gauteng is showing no signs of slowing down as the province rolls-out the red carpet and opens its doors to thousands of national and international delegates and media set to attend the 55th African National Congress (ANC) Elective National Conference from the 16th – 20th December 2022 at the Nasrec Johannesburg Expo Centre.
The event is anticipated to be one of the largest gathering in the province with over 5000 delegates from around the country, as well as a host of both local and international media and guests expected to attend and once again reinforcing Gauteng as Africa’s premiere business events destination. The hosting of the 55th ANC Elective Conference in December follows the back-to-back hosting by Gauteng Tourism of the World Congress on Constitutional Law and the rAGE Event & Exhibition in Johannesburg which combined created over 800 temporary jobs while attracting over 25 000 attendees contributing more that R86million into the provincial economy.
With the ANC Conference delegates and visitors expected to stay in the province for more than 6 days, the GTA is estimating a net-injection and boost of over R257million into the visitor economy and GDP of Gauteng. “Each delegate and visitor will be spending on accommodation, transportation, food and beverages, petrol etc. while the entire conference ecosystem supports the audio-visual and eventing sector with related sub-sectors like events management, security, printing, digital and information technology, financial services and cleaning services all activated fully in line with the province’s established quality event hosting protocols”, explains Gauteng MEC for Economic Development Tasneem Motata
Located in the South-West of Joburg, the Nasrec Joburg Expo Centre is recognized as South Africa’s largest purpose-built exhibition, conference, convention, and events venue, and is one of province’s best-known landmarks. Positioning itself as an event organizers’ venue of choice, the centre has a capacity of 100 000 people, 4000 m² of conference space and 20 000 parking bays – more than enough to accommodate the multitudes of ANC delegates, media and guests that will convene over the long weekend. In addition, the facility boost Africa’s most “wired” place as it was used as the global hub and feed for the international broadcasters during the FIFA 2010 World Cup.
Conferencing and events are an important tourism growth area, and as the GTA remains committed to its objectives of affirming destination competitiveness and growing tourism; the destination marketing agency will promote a diverse array of tourism options that will ensure local and visiting delegates leave with a memorable experience. GTA CEO Sthembiso Dlamini articulates Gauteng as having a highly professional and advanced sector in terms of hosting meetings, incentives trips, conferences, and exhibitions.
“Events like the ANC Elective Conference as well as the recent World Congress of Constitutional Law have and will be hosted to the highest standards, earning us a reputation as one of the most popular conferencing destinations,” says Dlamini. “So, while our credentials as a major events host are firmly established, we remain fully supportive of the hosting of provincial events and conferences and recognize the impact they continue to have on the economy especially in supporting SMMEs and township-based enterprises post the 2 year pause and devastation infused by the COVID-19 pandemic,” adds Dlamini.
As gracious hosts of this much-anticipated political gathering, Gauteng province will showcase to delegates and locals alike, its capabilities in transport, accommodation, safety, and security, and of course an abundance of leisure and “after dark” activities to explore while reflecting on the heavy discussions.
Delegates booked into hotels and guest houses close to the Nasrec Centre can take advantage of unique transport features like the local Reya-Vaya Bus rapid transport system as well as the popular high-speed express commuter rail system – the Gautrain in the nearby CBD and plethora of e-hailing transport services.
Those opting to stay and enjoy a festive #GPLifestyle summer vibe pre-and post-conference can experience tailored festive shopping experiences, #RooftopGP dining, Konkaring AmaPiano Mogodu Mondays, outdoor adventure, picnic vibes as well as lifestyle and entertainment events that are bound to make it a memorable and uniquely GP Festive Summer ena’ lanto. “Of course, there is always more to discover in our urban playgrounds enough to entice the business or events traveller to stay another day. With rising petrol costs, unaffordable flights tickets and some of the irresistible golden discounts offered by the hospitality and tourism sector in Gauteng this Festive Summer, staying and exploring Gauteng remains the most value-for-money and rewarding decision, concluded Motara.
For more information on the GP Festive Summer Campaign Events Calendar, pre and post events tours opportunities and varied accommodation in the province visit www.gauteng.net follow us on @visitgauteng on twitter and Instagram and I love Gauteng on Facebook. //Ends
Enquiries: Barba Gaoganediwe, Spokesperson Gauteng Tourism
0834467844
@Barba_G74 on twitter
124 Main Street, Marshalltown, Johannesburg
