Joburg Tourism Company is starting 2025 on an exciting note by participating in the esteemed Vakantiebeurs travel trade and consumer show, set to take place in Utrecht, The Netherlands, from 8–12 January. This annual event provides a vital platform for global tourism stakeholders to connect with partners and consumers, driving arrivals and facilitating business opportunities.
“The participation of Joburg Tourism at the 2025 Vakantiebeurs aligns with its primary role of promoting the destination as a leading business and lifestyle tourism hub,” says CEO Thandubuhle Mgudlwa.
“The Dutch tourism market ranks as the fifth-largest international source market for South Africa, attracting both business and leisure travellers. Participating in the Vakantiebeurs allows Joburg Tourism to showcase our diverse offerings and engage with partners on strategic collaborations,” Mgudlwa explains.
While enhancing Johannesburg’s positive destination image and elevating its global profile, the event also serves as a prime networking and marketing opportunity, drawing influential trade partners, media, and tourism association members.
“This platform allows us to create and consolidate business opportunities while boosting confidence in Joburg as a vibrant and welcoming destination. Our presence is pivotal for growing market share and enhancing visibility on the global stage,” Mgudlwa adds.
Key focus areas for Joburg Tourism at Vakantiebeurs 2025 include promoting the city’s diverse tourism offerings, from iconic historic attractions such as the Apartheid Museum and Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory to its vibrant culinary scene. Joburg was recently voted the second-best city in the world for dining, behind Naples, Italy, in Time Out’s 2024 rankings.
Engagements with tourism bodies and travel trade representatives will centre on exploring joint marketing partnerships and collaborations for destination promotion and international representation. This includes facilitating distribution channels for tour packages through intermediaries and wholesalers, supporting SMMEs by creating business linkages, and seizing opportunities derived from Joburg Tourism’s participation in the exhibition.
Joburg Tourism’s presence at Vakantiebeurs is facilitated by South African Tourism, which enables municipal and provincial destination marketing bodies to engage with international trade buyers, media, and consumers. These engagements not only showcase South Africa’s tourism products but also highlight destinations like Joburg as must-visit locations.
Joburg Tourism’s participation underscores its commitment to fostering partnerships, supporting local businesses, and ensuring that Johannesburg remains a key player on the global tourism stage.
06/01/2025