The International Congress and Convention Association has in the past three years improved Joburg’s international rating by 92 places from 234 to 142 in 2012 to position 136 in 2013, and to 101 in 2014.
Within Africa the association improved the city’s ratings from number four in 2013 to position two last year.
The association is said to be the only global organisation comprising a membership representing specialists which organise international events. It has a network of almost 1 000 members in more than 90 countries.
Expressing delight at Joburg’s rise in the ratings, Mayor Parks Tau said it was yet another demonstration that Joburg was a city at work. This following other accolades including the MasterCard’s most visited city on the African continent last year. He commended various events and activities for bringing tourism to the city which contributed to building its brand internationally and changing its negative perception as a destination.
The mayor thanked the collaborative effort of industry partners, peers and stakeholders in achieving the new ratings. Their contributions included attracting foreign spending and creating jobs through hosting international events.
Tau also noted tourists’ preference for the city as an all-year-round destination for leisure, lifestyle and sports, and also as a centre for trade development and investment with spin-off benefits to other local cities. Some of the major tourist attractions the mayor identified were the Origins Centre at WITS university, Hector Pietersen Memorial and Museum, Museum Africa, Montecasino and the SAB World of Beer in Newtown.
Details: Johannesburg Tourism Company; 011 703 5327
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