#MeetingsAfrica2020: How COVID-19 is impacting the events industry

The events industry has been significantly impacted by the outbreak of COVID-19, causing concerns and uncertainties among industry professionals. CNBC Africa recently spoke to Barba Gaoganediwe, Head of Destination Promotions & Marketing at Gauteng, and Jeanette Moloto, Director of Global Sales at Marriott International, during the Meetings Africa event. The conversation revolved around the challenges faced by the events industry due to the coronavirus outbreak and the expectations from Finance Minister Tito Mboweni's budget speech. Barba Gaoganediwe voiced his concerns regarding the national carrier, emphasizing the need for the finance minister to address the issues surrounding it. He mentioned the importance of restoring trust among international customers and local buyers by resolving the challenges faced by the national carrier. Gaoganediwe highlighted that resolving these issues would significantly impact the industry's credibility and provide a sense of relief to stakeholders. On the other hand, Jeanette Moloto emphasized the need for incentives in the tourism sector. She stressed that incentivizing the sector would facilitate growth, create jobs, and ensure a hassle-free environment for businesses. Moloto highlighted that the tourism sector is a vital component of the economy and urged the finance minister to consider measures that would support and promote its development. The conversation also delved into the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on the industry. Both Gaoganediwe and Moloto expressed their concerns about the global health crisis. Moloto, who has been in the industry for 16 years, admitted to feeling a sense of worry for the first time due to the airborne nature of the disease. However, she remained hopeful in the resilience of the global health system and the collective efforts that could overcome the challenges posed by the virus. Gaoganediwe echoed Moloto's sentiments, emphasizing the strength of Africa's health systems and the belief in overcoming the current challenges. He highlighted the importance of unity and collaboration in tackling issues such as the coronavirus outbreak. Despite the uncertainties surrounding the situation, both industry professionals remained optimistic about the industry's ability to navigate through these challenging times. As the events industry continues to grapple with the repercussions of the coronavirus outbreak, stakeholders are eagerly awaiting the finance minister's budget speech. The expectations from the budget speech include addressing the issues surrounding the national carrier, providing incentives for the tourism sector, and laying out a roadmap for the industry's recovery and growth. In conclusion, the impact of COVID-19 on the events industry has brought to light the importance of collaboration, resilience, and proactive measures to overcome challenges. Industry professionals remain hopeful and determined to navigate through these turbulent times and emerge stronger on the other side.