London – 20^th June 2019. This summer, CNBC Catalyst and South Africa Tourism invite you to explore South Africa like never before.  British author and explorer Levison Wood features in a new commercial campaign, ‘Where Great Minds Meet’, which sees Wood travel across South Africa to meet leaders in technology, healthcare, sustainability and travel.

The partnership positions South Africa as a leading business and events hub that offers world-class opportunities to invest, network, collaborate, and explore. 

‘Where Great Minds Meet’ is a four-part series with exclusive insights from influential South Africans including the lead technologist of MeerKAT, the world’s biggest telescope, and a surgeon who has performed world-first surgery with 3D printed prosthetics.

Developed by CNBC Catalyst, the commercial arm of CNBC International, this multi-platform campaign provides the high value business and leisure traveler with South African business and adventure inspiration.

Speaking ahead of the launch of the campaign, the Head of CNBC Catalyst’s Content Studio, Karen Murray, said:

CNBC Catalyst offers premium brands access to a global audience who are affluent and frequent travelers. Our audience demands unique, intelligent content on which they can act – ‘Where Great Minds Meet’ delivers on this premise. Levison Wood is an adventurous host who leads expeditions and has visited over 100 countries.  He is perfectly placed to meet business leaders and showcase the best of South Africa.

Levison Wood, also a prolific filmmaker and photographer, said:

The overarching theme of my work is to showcase unknown, inspiring stories from a region.  South Africa has a raw energy – and with CNBC Catalyst’s commitment to engaging storytelling, I am keen to shine a spotlight on such a dynamic region.  ‘Where Great Minds Meet’ has the best of everything: unique South African influencers, investment ideas and hi-octane adventure.

For South Africa Tourism, the partnership is a powerful step change that mirrors the burgeoning business and events scene.  In 2018, South Africa was recently ranked by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) as the number one country in Africa and the Middle East for hosting business events in 2018.

Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo comments: “The ICCA accolade further solidifies our reputation as an excellent, world-class business events destination.  We have so much to offer as a destination and the collaboration with CNBC Catalyst highlights this to a global audience.”

‘Where Great Minds Meet’ premieres on Thursday 20^th June 2019 across CNBC TV and digital networks in US, APAC and EMEA. View the full film and immersive brand feature for Episode One: Technology on wheregreatmindsmeet.com

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