Lindiwe Kwele, CEO of Johannesburg Tourism is thrilled that the conference is returning to South Africa - 30 years after it was held in Durban in 1981. “An indication of the confidence that associations, PCOs, and events organizers have in Joburg as a destination is the impressive line-up of international events – with an estimated economic benefit to the city in excess of R200 million - set to take place in Joburg over the next three years,” said Kwele.

“Joburg is also seeing a pleasing increase in overseas incentive groups visiting (and spending time) in the city.” During the past six months, JTC has hosted three large groups of medical professionals from India – during their two-day, stay-over in Joburg - on incentive trips to South Africa. “The increased business we’ve seen in the recent past gives credence to our positioning of Johannesburg as a sought-after lifestyle destination with diverse product appeal. Joburg is certainly making strides in its reputation, and developments of this nature indicate that it is indeed on the radar as an appealing destination among DMCs and international associations.”

The three Gauteng-based orchid societies (from Johannesburg, Edenvale, and Pretoria) will be the hosts for this illustrious event. “Our theme for the conference and show in 2014 will be ‘Orchids: Gold in the Green Age,’” said Gerrit van Ede, Chairman of the bid steering committee, “With this area forming the nucleus of our ageing mining industry, the theme pays tribute to this, while drawing inspiration from conservation as the only way forward.”

South Africa is well known for its wild life, and a visit to the Kruger National Park is normally high on every tourists’ list to see the big five – elephant, lion, buffalo, hippo, and leopard. Today, bird watching has also become popular among tourists. The unique flora kingdom in the Western and Northern Cape is attracting more and more overseas visitors. Orchids have started to become another item on the list of eco tourists. Seeing the beautiful Disa uniflora in full bloom on Table Mountain is a must for many. Areas like Dullstroom and Crissiesmeer in Mpumalanga are becoming hotspots for eco tourists.

City.Mobi

Also in South Africa today, City.Mobi is celebrating the success of its new guide to Johannesburg.

City.Mobi offers the most comprehensive mobile travel guides available, with over 800 cities in 200 countries listed. Each is developed by the City.Mobi team to combine into a single global travel directory.

However, each city retains its own mobile identity via a dedicated domain. Already on offer are Brussels.Mobi, Paris.Mobi, Sanfrancisco.Mobi and Sydney.Mobi.

Joburg.city.mobi is the latest in this illustrious line up, offering click to call functionality – which means no scribbling down telephone numbers.

Most entries are also linked to websites where users can quickly access more detailed information if needed.

Other key features include information on accommodation, restaurants, attractions, entertainment, nightlife, shopping, and transport.

City.Mobi guides include user reviews and traveller utilities such as a translation guide, currency converter, news and local weather guide.