Anticipation is building in Durban with the second annual Sports and Events Tourism Exchange (SETE) exhibition set to entertain, educate and inspire from 12 to 14 September at the ICC, with a star-studded Gala Dinner (12 September), exhibition (12–14 September) and conference (12-13 September).
As the only trade show of its kind in South and Southern Africa, SETE has benefitted from key sponsors and partners, such as the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development and Tourism, CATHSSETA, SASCOC, EThekwini Municipality and the SABC, with this year’s edition expected to eclipse last year’s inaugural event in terms of size, scope and efficacy.
When considering that, as one of the quickest growing types of global travel, the sports tourism industry is estimated to have contributed over R6 billion to the South African economy last year, it is no surprise that SETE has attracted such high-level support.
Both the conference and exhibition are intended to promote the country as a popular sports and events destination by facilitating relationships between South Africa’s tourism, sport and event industries, and according to Michael Mabuyakhulu (KZN MEC for Economic Development and Tourism), “South Africa and Africa needed an event of this nature, as the country and continent are both attractive destinations for major events. The SETE exhibition and conference will be exposing major local and international role-players to the excellent sporting facilities that exist in South Africa and the rest of Africa, and we are extremely excited about the potential for growth that exists in South Africa’s sports tourism industry”.
A feature of the SETE conference that is sure to generate significant interest will be the National Sports Tourism Steering committee’s presentation of its 17-year strategy. Shaping and advancing South Africa’s development as a sports tourism destination, this plan will identify the key international events that South Africa should bid for, as well as the domestic events that need governmental support, in order to grow the country’s sports tourism industry.
In what may turn out to be one of the events of the year, the SETE Gala Dinner that will kick off proceedings has been chosen by SASCOC (South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee) to celebrate the South African Olympic Teams’ successful London 2012 campaign. With a limited number of tickets still available, there is an opportunity for Durban and KwaZulu-Natal sports fanatics to share in a night of glitz and glamour with multiple-SAMA winner Lira, Durban-born Olympic gold and silver medalist Chad le Clos, as well as a host of other sports celebrities.
Sugen Pillay, Director for Business Development at Thebe Exhibitions and Projects Group and SETE Conference Director, said that “as TEPG we are looking forward to welcoming the many international speakers and buyers from around the world to Durban. This year’s SETE promises to exceed all expectations and we are confident that the discussions at the conference will contribute towards a proactive plan to bring more events into the country. We call on all industry stakeholders to participate in shaping the future of the sports tourism industry in South Africa.”
For more information, visit www.sportsandevents.co.za or www.ucit.co.za (table bookings), like www.Facebook.com/SETE.ZA on Facebook, follow @SETE_ZA on Twitter.