South Africa Gears Up For Africa’s Travel Indaba 2024, Set To Promote African Tourism 

Africa’s Travel Indaba, a prominent tourism trade show, is scheduled to take place from May 13th to 16th at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC) in South Africa.

This event, known for its global significance, attracts thousands of participants, including exhibitors from various African nations and international buyers. More than just a platform for business transactions, the event focuses on capacity building and knowledge sharing, benefiting all attendees, particularly smaller and emerging businesses in the industry.

South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Tourism, Honourable Fish Mahlalela, highlighted the importance of Africa’s Travel Indaba as he said, “This show is the premier platform for showcasing Africa’s diverse tourism offerings and experiences. Its impact on the tourism sector and the broader economy is immense and central to the success of our continent.”

Africa’s Travel Indaba 2024 promises extensive value for delegates, featuring tailored networking sessions, panel discussions, speed marketing sessions, and a sophisticated match-making diary system.

Also, the participation of twenty-six African countries underscores its status as a proudly Pan African show. Additionally, 120 Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) will be hosted at the Hidden Gems zone in collaboration with the Department of Tourism.

The main event will be preceded by the Business Opportunities Networking Day (BONDay) on May 13th, which will offer networking opportunities and thought leadership discussions.

Furthermore, the partners for the event and provincial hosts, KwaZulu-Natal Tourism, have organised pre- and post-tours for selected delegates to showcase various experiences and products.

The MEC Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs, Mr. Siboniso Duma, expressed excitement about hosting Africa’s Travel Indaba in KwaZulu-Natal, highlighting its significant role in tourism growth and economic impact. He emphasised the province’s readiness to accommodate attendees, citing adequate accommodation establishments within a reasonable travel distance to the venue.

Chairperson of the eThekwini Municipality Economic Development and Planning Committee, Councillor Thembo Ntuli, emphasised the importance of Indaba for Durban’s tourism industry, saying, “Indaba is an instrumental platform for the tourism industry which is firmly on the road to recovery. The show has become synonymous with the city of Durban as we have hosted this Africa’s critical tourism showcase over many years.

“The city’s economy will benefit immensely from hosting this three-day long trade showcase as hotel occupancy is expected to be between 85 to 95 percent. In addition, local tourism products and community tourism organizations are ready and eager to engage with buyers, tour operators, and travel agencies to continue selling Durban as the destination of choice.”

The 2023 edition of Africa’s Travel Indaba recorded substantial growth, with increased attendance of almost 62%, with over 8,500 delegates attending from 22 countries, and significant contributions to the GDP of eThekwini and KwaZulu-Natal.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre, Ms. Lindiwe-Rakherebe, expressed enthusiasm for hosting Africa’s Travel Indaba as she said, We are fully committed to ensuring that our venue provides the perfect setting for international buyers and media to connect with the best of Africa’s tourism products. With our state-of-the-art facilities and dedicated staff, we are ready to welcome participants from across the globe and make Africa’s Travel Indaba 2024 a resounding success.”

Ozioma Samuel-Ugwuezi

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