Now one of Africa’s busiest districts, only five decades ago Sandton comprised open grasslands and farms. Considering the country’s advancements in global business, the city is well positioned for future growth and expansion and there’s little doubt that Sandton has cemented its position as the most important financial and business sector in the City of Gold and South Africa. For local and international travelers alike, Sandton offers amenities and an air of sophistication that gives the business tourist everything they could want. As someone in the heart of the business epicenter, Volkan Vural, cluster general manager of Radisson Blu Hotel Sandton and Park Inn Sandton, provides seven good reasons why Sandton is the perfect base for business travelers.

Good Weather And Good People

Sandton benefits from Johannesburg’s comfortable climate. Situated on the highveld plateau, the city enjoys a sunny climate, with hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings in summer, and dry sunny days and cold nights in winter. Thanks to the city’s high elevation it enjoys fairly mild temperatures. Johannesburg offers immense cultural diversity and there’s a large expat community in Sandton. People living in the area are also generally known to be friendly and accommodating, qualities appreciated by most travelers.

A thriving business hub

Sandton’s CBD accommodates around 10 000 businesses, many of which host corporates from around the world which positively effects the financial wellbeing of the country. It is home to some of the top South African investment banks, financial and legal consultants, the JSE and one of the biggest convention centres on the African continent, making it a great one stop place for financial business.

Location and accessibility

Thanks to its prime positioning the CBD is surrounded by not-to-be-missed tourist attractions and accommodation facilities. It is also along the official route of the Gautrain, an 80-kilometre commuter rail system in Gauteng, which links high traffic areas within the province and O. R. Tambo International Airport. Sandton’s overall accessibility makes it clear why business tourism booms in the area. With access to public transport readily available, business in Sandton is made easy and stress-free. Getting around the CBD is simple with the ever-popular Uber service, sharing cars that are available every few minutes upon request. For those travelers who enjoy getting around on foot, shopping centres and restaurants are well within walking distance.

World class accommodation

There are numerous luxurious hotels situated in at the heart of the action, to accommodate the many business travelers that the city attracts. A string of five-star hotels occupy the area including the Radisson Blu Hotel Sandton which caters specifically for business travelers and is situated within close proximity to all major entertainment spots.

Down time exploration

If a premier business and entertainment destination is what you’re after, Sandton takes place of pride. One of the biggest shopping centres in Africa, Sandton City, is home to around 300 elite shops and restaurants, making it the perfect spot to relax and unwind. The CBD also offers a string of theatres, art galleries, sporting facilities, golf courses, restaurants and bars. As well as being great for important business meetings, there is plenty to do to keep you occupied outside of the office. For nighttime networking, or just to let your hair down, Sandton’s Nelson Mandela Square, presided over by a six-metre bronze statue of Nelson Mandela, is a hotspot for meet-and-greets as well as being a must-see tourist attraction for overseas visitors.

Choice of the top restaurants

Whether you’re after a fun local foodie experience with your team, or luxurious sophisticated dining to impress clients, Sandton offers a variety of cuisines to suit every palate. If you are new to the area, the multi-cultural offering will give you a taste of the diversity for which Johannesburg has become renowned.

Gorgeous views and sunsets

Breathtaking views of the Sandton skyline can be seen from many of the area’s prestige hotels and conference services. From conference rooms to coffee spots, there are plenty of venues to host meetings, which not only cater for all your culinary needs but also give you breathtaking views of the Sandton skyline. To make the most of Johannesburg’s renowned sunsets, visit Radisson Blu Hotel’s sundeck for after-meeting sundowners.