South Africa will host the first ever UNWTO Summit on Tourism, Sport and Mega-events at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg from 24 to 26 February 2010. This event will bring together the world's leading experts, and create a platform for best practice and knowledge sharing towards mega-events excellence.
The year 2010 highlights the invaluable role that tourism, sport and mega-events can play in destination growth and development, and the summit will therefore provide a forum to reflect on the impact of mega-events – particularly sport, culture, exhibitions and entertainment – from a tourism perspective.
The following key events will be held parallel to the summit:
1. Meetings Africa
Meetings Africa is the continent’s top business tourism exhibition, showcasing conference and event venues, incentive travel destinations and various industry support services. It will take place from 24 to 26 February 2010, and will be open daily from 10:00 to 17:00, and from 10:00 until 13:00 on the last day.
2. Research colloquium
At the research colloquium scheduled for 24 February 2010, academics from all over the world will focus on research about the impacts and sustainability of mega-events across the globe.