ETW Staff – Mumbai
This year, more than 900 meetings have been scheduled for INDABA 2015 with the Online Diary and Matchmaking System. This service will give buyers and exhibitors a platform to plan their INDABA meetings and extract optimal business value from the tradeshow. Buyers and exhibitors can view and select companies they would like to meet, and confirm their meetings before INDABA starts from May 9-11, 2015 at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre.
“INDABA is the soul of the African tourism industry. It is the single most important event in the year to drive the industry, and the continent forward. The INDABA 2015 Online Diary and Matchmaking System have, over the years, proved to be key platforms in linking exhibitors and buyers that are serious about maximising their time at the show,” stated Thulani Nzima, CEO, South African Tourism.
Both the Matchmaking and Diary components of the system are available to all INDABA exhibitors, delegates and visitors. Users need to set up a profile that includes detailed information about their company and meeting requirements. This information is then used to match their profile to the right individuals. A private online report is generated that enables the user to view companies matching their profile and use it as a basis to set up meetings. To access the Online Diary and Matchmaking System, INDABA exhibitors and buyers need to visit the website. Once they have selected the companies they wish to meet, meetings will be scheduled on their behalf.
“Last year, 19 399 meetings were set up using these tools. This is proof of just how valuable this digital platform is, and its critical role in INDABA’s success. Taking into account user feedback, these tools have been further optimised for INDABA 2015,” added Nzima. INDABA 2014 saw increased use of the matchmaking system, with 4.4 meetings per participant scheduled as opposed to 3.3 meetings per participant in 2013. In 2015, the system will also incorporate search filters to help exhibitors identify buyers of most relevance to them.
INDABA is the biggest platform for African tourism businesses to meet global buyers of their products and services. About 1,200 tourism products from 25 African countries were exhibited at INDABA 2014. Over 2000 buyers from around the world attended the show.