South African Tourism has opted not to appoint a strategic partner for its trade shows, Indaba and Meetings Africa, the organisation announced on Monday.

“Following great deliberation, SA Tourism has concluded that the strategic partnership model is not the best option to elevate Indaba and Meetings Africa at the present,” a statement read. “Therefore SA Tourism confirms that, through its newly established Exhibition and Strategic Events division, its leading marketing and communications agency, and its exhibitions management agency SA Tourism will deliver Indaba and Meetings Africa into the future.”

The announcement follows a tender process after SA Tourism issued an expression of interest inviting firms to submit proposals, in line with set criteria, to demonstrate their suitability as a possible strategic partner. Four companies expressed an interest in becoming a strategic partner, including Thebe Reed, which proposed combining Indaba and WTM Africa.

The search for a partner followed a review of Indaba in 2014, which looked at ways to enhance the offering. Pairing with a strategic partner was one of the options suggested.

Next year’s Indaba will be hosted by the city of Durban and province of KwaZulu Natal from May 6-8, 2017.  Meetings Africa will be hosted by the city of Johannesburg and the Gauteng province from February 28 to March 1, 2017.

“We continue to rely on our innovative and passionate tourism industry to support our efforts to make Indaba and Meetings Africa successful, world-class events,” said SA Tourism.

What does this mean for the future of Indaba? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.