South Africa (SA) has once again been ranked as Africa’s leading business events destination, strengthening the country’s position ahead of IMEX Frankfurt 2026, one of the world’s largest global trade shows for the meetings and conference industry.
According to the latest International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Globewatch Business Analytics 2025 Report, South Africa hosted 115 international association meetings, placing the country first on the continent. Cape Town also retained its ranking as Africa’s top city for international association meetings.
The announcement comes as South African Tourism prepares to showcase the country’s meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions sector at IMEX Frankfurt from 19 to 21 May 2026.
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SAContinues Leading Africa’s Business Events Sector
The ICCA rankings are widely regarded as one of the global business events industry’s most important benchmarks for measuring international association meetings and conference performance.
According to South African Tourism, the latest rankings reaffirm the country’s ability to compete globally while maintaining continental leadership within the meetings and events sector.
South Africa’s strong performance reflects continued investment in:
- Conference infrastructure
- Convention centres
- International connectivity
- Tourism partnerships
- Hospitality services
- Destination marketing
Tourism officials say the rankings also demonstrate growing international confidence in South Africa’s ability to host large scale business events.
IMEX Frankfurt Seen as Strategic Global Platform
SA is participating in IMEX Frankfurt 2026, one of the world’s leading trade exhibitions for the global meetings and events industry.
The event brings together:
- International buyers
- Tourism boards
- Conference organisers
- Investors
- Convention bureaus
- Hospitality groups
- Global industry leaders
South African Tourism said the event creates opportunities to strengthen partnerships, attract future conferences and position South Africa as a competitive global destination for business events.
Business Events Continue Driving Economic Growth
According to tourism officials, international conferences and business events contribute far beyond tourism revenue alone.
The sector is increasingly linked to:
- Trade and investment
- Skills transfer
- Scientific collaboration
- Innovation exchange
- Sector development
- Job creation
Officials say international association meetings often create long term economic and knowledge sharing benefits for host cities and countries.
Conferences linked to healthcare, climate change, technology and science can also influence national policy discussions and industry growth.
Gauteng Remains a Key Business Events Hub
While Cape Town retained its position as Africa’s leading city for international association meetings, Gauteng continues playing a critical role within the business tourism economy.
The ICCA report included Johannesburg and Tshwane among the country’s strongest business events destinations.
Tourism analysts say Gauteng remains strategically important because of its:
- International airports
- Diplomatic presence
- Conference venues
- Corporate headquarters
- Hotel infrastructure
- Transport connectivity
Johannesburg and Tshwane continue attracting conferences, exhibitions and international meetings linked to finance, government, mining, technology and manufacturing industries.
Pretoria’s Diplomatic Influence Supports Conference Tourism
Tourism officials have increasingly highlighted Pretoria’s diplomatic significance as part of Gauteng’s business tourism strategy.
Pretoria hosts one of the highest concentrations of foreign embassies and diplomatic missions globally outside Washington DC.
Industry experts say this creates opportunities for:
- Diplomatic conferences
- International forums
- Government summits
- Policy meetings
- Trade and investment events
Conference tourism is viewed as especially valuable because international delegates often spend more on accommodation, transport, dining and local experiences than leisure travellers.
Smaller Tourism Regions Also Showing Growth
While major cities continue dominating business tourism, the ICCA report also recognised growth in smaller tourism destinations.
According to South African Tourism, areas such as:
- Sun City
- Paarl
- Pilanesberg
have also featured within the latest business events data.
Tourism officials say spreading conferences and events beyond major metros could help support regional tourism growth and local economic development.
SA Positions Itself as a Global Meetings Destination
Chief Convention Bureau Officer at the South African National Convention Bureau, Corne Koch, said the ICCA ranking reflects years of investment into destination competitiveness and partnership driven tourism growth.
According to Koch, South Africa’s performance demonstrates international confidence in the country’s infrastructure, professional capabilities and ability to deliver world class events.
Tourism authorities say South Africa aims to position itself as a destination where:
- Business and culture intersect
- Innovation is showcased
- Knowledge exchange takes place
- Tourism creates long term economic impact
Business Tourism Seen as More Stable Revenue Stream
Industry analysts say business tourism often generates more predictable economic benefits than seasonal leisure tourism.
International conferences and exhibitions usually support:
- Hotels
- Restaurants
- Transport operators
- Entertainment venues
- Event production companies
- Small tourism businesses
The sector also contributes to year round tourism activity rather than relying heavily on peak holiday seasons.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
For Gauteng residents, South Africa’s continued leadership within Africa’s business events sector could contribute to increased tourism activity, investment and employment opportunities.
Business tourism growth may support:
- Hospitality jobs
- Event industry employment
- Small business opportunities
- Infrastructure investment
- International partnerships
- Conference tourism growth
Johannesburg and Tshwane’s continued inclusion within major business events rankings also strengthens Gauteng’s role as a gateway for international business travel into South Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is IMEX Frankfurt?
IMEX Frankfurt is one of the world’s largest international trade exhibitions for the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions industry.
What are the ICCA rankings?
The ICCA rankings track international association meetings hosted by countries and cities globally.
How many international meetings did SA host?
According to the ICCA Globewatch Business Analytics 2025 Report, SA hosted 115 international association meetings.
Why is business tourism important?
Business tourism contributes to economic growth, investment, job creation and international collaboration.
Which Gauteng cities are recognised for business tourism?
Johannesburg and Tshwane remain among South Africa’s strongest business events destinations.
What Happens Next?
South African Tourism is expected to continue engaging global buyers, investors and conference organisers at IMEX Frankfurt 2026 as the country works to attract more international events and strengthen its position within the global business tourism market.
Tourism authorities are also expected to intensify efforts around conference tourism, destination marketing and infrastructure development as South Africa competes for future international meetings and exhibitions.
