South African Tourism (SA Tourism) has officially named Corne Koch as the new chief of the National Convention Bureau (SANCB) business unit, with her appointment taking effect on 1 December 2025.
SANCB has seen remarkable growth, securing 35 major bids in the first half of 2025 alone. These bids, valued at R415 million (US$24.1 million), are expected to attract nearly 16,000 delegates to South Africa, further solidifying the country’s reputation as a leading destination for business events.
Koch brings almost two decades of experience in tourism destination marketing and promotion. Before joining SANCB, she served as the head of the Cape Town and Western Cape Convention Bureau at Wesgro, where she played a pivotal role in enhancing the region’s profile as a premier conference and business tourism destination.
“I am truly honoured to join the SANCB team and continue our mission of positioning South Africa as the continent’s foremost hub for business events,” said Koch. “Business events are not only a major driver of tourism but also a catalyst for knowledge sharing, economic growth, and sustainable development. Our success relies on the dedication of professionals across government, academia, and industry who contribute to the growth of this vibrant sector.”
Darryl Erasmus, Acting CEO and COO of SA Tourism, emphasized the strategic importance of the appointment. “Strengthening leadership within our organisation is crucial as we enter a defining era for South African Tourism. Corne Koch’s appointment demonstrates our commitment to fostering a capable, visionary executive team. Her expertise comes at an ideal time as we prepare for the 20th edition of Meetings Africa in February and Africa’s Travel Indaba in May — two flagship events that highlight the best of Africa’s tourism and business events industry,” Erasmus stated.
In addition to domestic engagements, SA Tourism is showcasing its business events sector at IBTM World in Barcelona from 18-20 November 2025, further highlighting the country’s global capabilities. The organization is also gearing up to host the G20 Leaders’ Summit on 22-23 November, positioning South Africa as a key player in international business and tourism diplomacy.
With Koch at the helm, SANCB aims to strengthen South Africa’s international profile, attract larger-scale conferences, and provide high-impact experiences for delegates, ensuring that the country remains a top choice for global business events.
