IAAPA to host first summit in South Africa in collaboration with AAVEA

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA (20 Aug. 2024) – IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, has joined forces with the African Association of Visitor Experiences and Attractions (AAVEA) to organize the first-ever IAAPA and AAVEA Africa Summit. The two-day event, taking place in Johannesburg, South Africa, from 30 October to 31 October 2024, will be filled with insightful education sessions, networking, and EDUTours to various visitor experiences and attractions.

The IAAPA and AAVEA Africa Summit will deliver a comprehensive educational program designed to equip attendees with the latest strategies and insights to succeed in the ever-evolving attractions industry landscape. These sessions will delve into critical topics such as Africa’s unique attraction landscape, the influence of global trends on local markets, guest safety and experience, revenue optimization, sustainability, and more.

Complementing the robust education program, the summit will feature EDUTours to some of Africa’s premier attractions, including Valley of Waves and Waterworld, Mankwe GAMETRACKERS, Sun City Resort and the world-renowned Gold Reef City Theme Park.

This collaboration with AAVEA was formed to elevate the global presence of AAVEA members. By broadening our education programs and research initiatives, this joint effort aims to foster deeper knowledge and expertise within our community and the greater tourism industry. Additionally, this alliance allows members to connect with industry professionals not only across Africa but also on an international scale.

“We are incredibly excited to partner with AAVEA. As a member-based organization committed to supporting the attractions industry, we found that our goals align closely with those of AAVEA. This event exemplifies the idea that we are stronger together. IAAPA is eagerly anticipating its first event with AAVEA, and members can look forward to even more benefits as we continue to connect and educate the attractions industry,” said Peter van der Schans, executive director and vice president of IAAPA’s Europe, Middle East, and Africa region.

AAVEA members can now also add an IAAPA membership for just R1,300.00 ($72.61 USD) per year or R130.00 ($7.26 USD) per month. Additionally, AAVEA members can enjoy the same event pricing as IAAPA members, further enhancing the value of this partnership.

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ABOUT AAVEA

The African Association for Visitor Experiences and Attractions (AAVEA) is the leading voice for the attractions industry in Africa. A first on the African continent, AAVEA is a membership-driven association, governed by a board of experienced industry professionals, which offers educational opportunities for visitor experience and attractions professionals in Africa. AAVEA was established in 2014 as an annual conference for the attractions industry and was officially launched as an association in 2018. AAVEA’s mission is to enhance the competitiveness of Africa through collaborations that elevate industry standards and professionalise the sector. The association is committed to representing the interests of tourism attractions, creating and sharing industry knowledge, enabling connections and facilitating collaborations. The goal is to showcase the richness and diversity of Africa’s tourism experiences. Visit https://aavea.org.za/ for more information or follow us on social media @attractionsafrica.

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