About The Destination

South Africa has the perfect blend of ingredients to provide the ideal backdrop for an international congress: rich cultural diversity, magnificent scenery, wildlife, great food and wine, and efficient infrastructure. Few regions in the world can match the fun, beauty, and excitement you will find in South Africa.

Over the last ten years South Africa has been one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in the world. The climate, the accessibility, the location between East and West, the rich cultural heritage, and the favourable exchange rate all combine to make South Africa a popular destination for more and more international visitors.

One of the most geographically varied countries in Africa, South African has within its borders scenic attractions from the dramatic, arid landscapes of the northwest to the forest-fringed coastline of the Garden Route; from the flat, dry Karoo interior to the craggy Drakensberg Mountains in the east; from the manicured vineyards of the Cape, to the flower fields of Namaqualand and the bushveld of the Kruger National Park.

Blue skies, big game safaris, wilderness areas, and the promise of a sun-drenched beach holiday are what draw most visitors to South Africa. But the cultural diversity and the warmth and spirit of the people make it an even more inspiring place to explore.

At the foot of the vast continent of Africa is Cape Town, known as “the Mother City”. She is set in a dramatic landscape of exquisite natural beauty, nestled between the majestic Table Mountain and the sea, and is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Cape Town has previously been voted the world’s best incentive destination by readers of Conference & Incentive travel magazine – and there is no doubt this city is every planner’s dream.

Called the ‘Mother City’ and nestling in the protective lap of Table Mountain, Cape Town is known as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is home to superb restaurants, shops, markets and galleries, and the nightlife on Long Street is legendary. There are fantastic cultural and heritage attractions and experiences to be had in and around the city, or head off to the winelands to sample the fantastic food and wine on offer.

Important information for all TAT 12 2023 participants

Please be aware that you may be contacted by phone or email by third party companies that act as travel agencies to solicit you with aggressive or deceptive tactics for hotel reservations. These unauthorised agents may misrepresent themselves as the official TAT 12 housing bureau and may even illegally use the congress name or logo, but these agents are not affiliated with the TAT 12, it’s hosts, or it’s organisers in any way.

Please be aware that this can be a phishing scam designed to obtain your credit card information so you should use extreme caution if you are contacted. Do NOT share any information – not your credit card number, your personal information, or any details about your hotel reservation. You may incur credit card charges, service fees, hotel cancellation fees, or even lose your legitimate hotel reservation.

Please also note that the TAT 12 organiser, African Agenda, will not call you to solicit hotel reservations. You may receive emails regarding hotel reservations, but these will come from the official congress domain “@tat12.com” or the organiser’s domain “@africanagenda.com”.

If you choose to make a hotel reservation for TAT 12, you should only use the links provided on the congress website, or by emailing or calling the congress organiser (+27 21 683 2934, secretariat@tat12.com). If you are not sure who has contacted you about your hotel reservation, or if a scammer has contacted you, please inform the congress organiser on info@tat-12.com right away.

The official hotels are within close proximity of the Cape Town International Convention Centre 2 (CTICC 2) where the congress will be held. It is a busy and safe part of the central business district of Cape Town, with convenient access to public transport, the airport, and the V&A Waterfront.

We have selected a range of official hotels for participants to choose from and we have negotiated guaranteed, preferential rates. There is a comfortable and convenient option suited to every participant’s budget and preferences.

Please note that rates are in South African Rand (ZAR). Rates quoted are per room, per night, including breakfast, 15% VAT, and a compulsory 1% Government Tourism Levy.

Reservations are made on a “first come, first served” basis and terms and conditions do apply. The stated room rates are valid through February – March 2023.

Travel regulations with regard to COVID are in flux. Immigration and visa regulations are known to change without notice to the public. We recommend that you check the current COVID and visa regulations with the South African Consulate in your home country before you travel. Please see this list of South African Consulates around the world >>

TAT 12 participants should be particularly aware of visa requirements to visit South Africa. Please plan your travel well in advance and allow plenty of time to apply for a visa.

Many countries are exempt from the visa requirement, but the status can change at any time. Please visit the South African Department of Home Affairs for more information on exempted countries >>

The congress secretariat cannot issue actual visas to attend the congress but can issue a Visa Support Letter to assist with your visa application. Visa Support Letters are issued through the online registration system. If you require a Visa Support Letter, please complete the relevant sections when you register.

Please note that Visa Support Letters will only be issued upon confirmation of registration and after full payment for registration fees has been received. Visa Support Letters are issued via email in PDF format and will be sent within approximately two weeks after your information and confirmation of payment is received by the congress secretariat.

Please visit the South African Department of Home Affairs visa page for more information >>

Paperwork needed to enter South Africa

• An acceptable passport or travel document valid for your intended stay

• At least two blank pages in your passport for endorsements

• A valid visa, if required. Here is the list of countries exempt from the visa requirement >>

• Sufficient funds to pay for your day-to-day expenses during your stay

• A return or onward ticket

• Yellow fever certificate if your journey starts or entails passing through the fever belt of Africa or South America

Closer to the time of the congress we will provide the up-to-date COVID-related requirements for entering South Africa, and what will be required at the congress venue.

Please visit the South African Department of Health coronavirus website for the latest COVID regulations >>

Or visit the government Coronavirus page >>

National Institute for Communicable Diseases >>

A yellow fever vaccination certificate (International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP)) is required for those entering South Africa within six days of leaving (or travelling through) a yellow fever zone. You cannot get vaccinated upon arrival and your vaccination certificate must be dated at least 10 days prior to your arrival in South Africa. South Africa considers ICVP to be valid for life. Babies under 1 year are exempt.

While the closest malaria and bilharzia regions are approximately 1600 km from Cape Town, if you plan to visit other parts of South Africa please be aware that malaria is endemic in some parts of Mpumalanga, Northern Province, and northern KwaZulu-Natal and it is essential to take precautions if you intend to visit these areas. The bilharzia parasite is present in streams, rivers, lakes, and dams in some of the northern and eastern parts of the country, and visitors should avoid contact with the water in these regions.

Please consult your local doctor or travel clinic for further advice.
Read more about non-coronavirus related travel health in South Africa >>