{"id":36988,"date":"2026-05-21T14:03:45","date_gmt":"2026-05-21T12:03:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=36988"},"modified":"2026-05-21T14:03:47","modified_gmt":"2026-05-21T12:03:47","slug":"imex-frankfurt-2026-south-africa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/imex-frankfurt-2026-south-africa\/","title":{"rendered":"IMEX Frankfurt 2026: South Africa Pushes Business Tourism Growth and Investment"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">South Africa (SA) has once again been ranked as Africa\u2019s leading business events destination, strengthening the country\u2019s position ahead of IMEX Frankfurt 2026, one of the world\u2019s largest global trade shows for the meetings and conference industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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\u2019s top city for international association meetings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The announcement comes as South African Tourism prepares to showcase the country\u2019s meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions sector at IMEX Frankfurt from 19 to 21 May 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">ALSO READ:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/barba-g-victor-tharage-tourism-growth\/\"> Gauteng Life With Barba G: Victor Vele Discusses Tourism Growth, Investment and Gauteng\u2019s Future<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">SAContinues Leading Africa\u2019s Business Events Sector<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.iccaworld.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The ICCA rankings <\/a>are widely regarded as one of the global business events industry\u2019s most important benchmarks for measuring international association meetings and conference performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to South African Tourism, the latest rankings reaffirm the country\u2019s ability to compete globally while maintaining continental leadership within the meetings and events sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">South Africa\u2019s strong performance reflects continued investment in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Conference infrastructure<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Convention centres<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>International connectivity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tourism partnerships<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hospitality services<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Destination marketing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tourism officials say the rankings also demonstrate growing international confidence in South Africa\u2019s ability to host large scale business events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-3402085668\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">IMEX Frankfurt Seen as Strategic Global Platform<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">SA is participating in <a href=\"https:\/\/frankfurt.imexevents.com\/newfront\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">IMEX Frankfurt 2026, <\/a>one of the world\u2019s leading trade exhibitions for the global meetings and events industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The event brings together:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>International buyers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tourism boards<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Conference organisers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Investors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Convention bureaus<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hospitality groups<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Global industry leaders<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"578\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/image-78-1024x578.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-36992\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/image-78-1024x578.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/image-78-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/image-78-768x434.png 768w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/image-78-150x85.png 150w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/image-78-450x254.png 450w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/image-78.png 1195w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/frankfurt.imexevents.com\/newfront\/schedule-at-a-glance\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> IMEX events<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Business Events Continue Driving Economic Growth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to tourism officials, international conferences and business events contribute far beyond tourism revenue alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The sector is increasingly linked to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Trade and investment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Skills transfer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Scientific collaboration<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Innovation exchange<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sector development<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Job creation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Officials say international association meetings often create long term economic and knowledge sharing benefits for host cities and countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Conferences linked to healthcare, climate change, technology and science can also influence national policy discussions and industry growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-909875303\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Gauteng Remains a Key Business Events Hub<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While Cape Town retained its position as Africa\u2019s leading city for international association meetings, Gauteng continues playing a critical role within the business tourism economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The ICCA report included Johannesburg and Tshwane among the country\u2019s strongest business events destinations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tourism analysts say Gauteng remains strategically important because of its:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>International airports<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Diplomatic presence<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Conference venues<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Corporate headquarters<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hotel infrastructure<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Transport connectivity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Johannesburg and Tshwane continue attracting conferences, exhibitions and international meetings linked to finance, government, mining, technology and manufacturing industries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pretoria\u2019s Diplomatic Influence Supports Conference Tourism<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tourism officials have increasingly highlighted Pretoria\u2019s diplomatic significance as part of Gauteng\u2019s business tourism strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pretoria hosts one of the highest concentrations of foreign embassies and diplomatic missions globally outside Washington DC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Industry experts say this creates opportunities for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Diplomatic conferences<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>International forums<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Government summits<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Policy meetings<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Trade and investment events<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Conference tourism is viewed as especially valuable because international delegates often spend more on accommodation, transport, dining and local experiences than leisure travellers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-183044033\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Smaller Tourism Regions Also Showing Growth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While major cities continue dominating business tourism, the ICCA report also recognised growth in smaller tourism destinations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to South African Tourism, areas such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sun City<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Paarl<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pilanesberg<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">have also featured within the latest business events data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tourism officials say spreading conferences and events beyond major metros could help support regional tourism growth and local economic development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">SA Positions Itself as a Global Meetings Destination<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to Koch, South Africa\u2019s performance demonstrates international confidence in the country\u2019s infrastructure, professional capabilities and ability to deliver world class events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tourism authorities say South Africa aims to position itself as a destination where:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Business and culture intersect<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Innovation is showcased<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Knowledge exchange takes place<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tourism creates long term economic impact<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-2741404249\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Business Tourism Seen as More Stable Revenue Stream<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Industry analysts say business tourism often generates more predictable economic benefits than seasonal leisure tourism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">International conferences and exhibitions usually support:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Hotels<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Restaurants<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Transport operators<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Entertainment venues<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Event production companies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Small tourism businesses<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The sector also contributes to year round tourism activity rather than relying heavily on peak holiday seasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What This Means for Gauteng Residents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For Gauteng residents, South Africa\u2019s continued leadership within Africa\u2019s business events sector could contribute to increased tourism activity, investment and employment opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Business tourism growth may support:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Hospitality jobs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Event industry employment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Small business opportunities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Infrastructure investment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>International partnerships<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Conference tourism growth<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Johannesburg and Tshwane\u2019s continued inclusion within major business events rankings also strengthens Gauteng\u2019s role as a gateway for international business travel into South Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-1360121575\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is IMEX Frankfurt?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">IMEX Frankfurt is one of the world\u2019s largest international trade exhibitions for the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are the ICCA rankings?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The ICCA rankings track international association meetings hosted by countries and cities globally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How many international meetings did SA host?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to the ICCA Globewatch Business Analytics 2025 Report, SA hosted 115 international association meetings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why is business tourism important?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Business tourism contributes to economic growth, investment, job creation and international collaboration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Which Gauteng cities are recognised for business tourism?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Johannesburg and Tshwane remain among South Africa\u2019s strongest business events destinations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Happens Next?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>South Africa (SA) has once again been ranked as Africa\u2019s leading business events destination, strengthening the country\u2019s position ahead of IMEX Frankfurt 2026, one of the world\u2019s largest global trade shows for the meetings and conference industry.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":36994,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[53],"tags":[109,11532,11531,101],"class_list":["post-36988","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-visit-gauteng","tag-gauteng-tourism","tag-icca","tag-imex-frankfurt","tag-visit-gauteng"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36988","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/23"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=36988"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36988\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":36995,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36988\/revisions\/36995"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/36994"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=36988"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=36988"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=36988"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}