The International Council of Tourism Partners (ICTP) announced that the Sandton Tourism Association (SAT) has become a destination member of its global alliance, joining the growing list of members from Africa.

President of ICTP, Professor Geoffrey Lipman, said: “My first real experience of Sandton was during the 2002 Earth Summit (the one which put a focus on people and poverty) - I was overwhelmed with the brilliant way the conference complex remained accessible to the community even while it was a perfect home for a global conference attracting heads of state and world attention. I have never been disappointed in my many subsequent visits - it is always a quality experience. We are delighted to have Sandton as our newest ICTP member.”

The Sandton Tourism Association represents business and leisure tourism in the commercial and financial hub of Africa, and acts on behalf of key stakeholders within both Sandton and the greater Johannesburg area.

“We have seen tremendous growth and development in Sandton, where business and leisure are catered for in one easily-accessible destination,” said Karin White, Chairperson of Sandton Tourism Association, “Working in partnership with ICTP, we look forward to promoting what we have to offer as a world-class destination and learning from fellow members as we share our knowledge and experiences.”

Juergen T. Steinmetz, Chairman of ICTP said: “One of the key attributes of Sandton is its conferencing and business tourism. The Sandton Convention Centre is Africa’s preferred premier conferencing venue and is the catalyst around which conferencing and business tourism in this area thrives. ICTP is pleased to welcome SAT as a thriving member.”