By the end of the year, Africa’s travel and tourism market is predicted to clear revenues of US$24.42 billion (nearly R500bn), according to a Market Insights report by Statista. What’s more, the largest market is hotels, which is projected to reach volumes of more than R200 billion (€10bn).
Against that backdrop, Africa’s Travel Indaba is taking place in Durban from May 13-16.
Featuring over 990 exhibitors from 26 African countries, more than 1 000 buyers, and 120 SMMEs, Africa’s Travel Indaba is set to be one of the biggest events on the continent’s ‘travelsphere’. The Indaba is also expected to inject at least R1.2 billion (€60.2m) into the local economy.
Profitroom will be an exhibitor at Indaba. As one of the world’s leading booking technology platforms, Profitroom’s 10-person team has gone from zero to 300 South African partners in just three years. In that time, they have helped hotel partners across the country grow their revenue, streamline their operations, and help ensure guests have memorable stays.
Samantha Williams, Profitroom’s Commercial Director, says: “When you open a map, there is a reason why Africa is in the middle. The continent is alive and vibrant, and the tourism industry is really starting to reflect that. As an exhibitor at this event, we want to take that message to the world.”
To show how much Profitroom believes in Africa’s travel future, they are already planning an expansion strategy targeting key markets like Namibia, Botswana, Kenya, and Tanzania. The company sees South Africa as being the central hub of operations for the rest of the continent.
Williams explains: “We want to be at the heart of the growth of Africa’s travel and tourism industry. As our track record shows we are committed to empowering hotels to achieve new heights and turn the continent into global travel’s centrepiece.”
To extract the most value for attendees, this year’s Africa’s Travel Indaba will feature tailored networking sessions, panel discussions, speed marketing sessions, and a sophisticated match-making diary system that will help guests get the most out of their experience.