As the tourism industry gears up for the Africa’s annual Travel Indaba taking place in Durban from May 8 to 10, Tourism Update takes a look at what to expect this week.
Attendees can expect to encounter 1060 exhibitors, up from last year’s 1008. These exhibitors represent 22 African countries, a large portion of which fall into the southern and East Africa region.
Credit: SA Tourism
Exhibitors will be appealing to the 1460 registered buyers for their business. In total, these buyers represent 69 countries. Africa’s Travel Indaba is expecting to welcome more than 6000 delegates.
As Tourism Update reported in April, Africa’s Travel Indaba has undergone a transformation in time for this year’s event.
The floor plan has been reformed, with a more logical layout that groups similar exhibitors. The two main venues, Durban International Convention Centre (DICC) and Durban Exhibition Centre, will be linked by a buyers’ lounge. This year, the hour between 13h00 and 14h00 will be left open for delegates to grab some lunch and explore the exhibitors’ stands.
On Monday (May 7), a day before the official opening, Africa’s Travel Indaba hosted the Business Opportunity Networking Day (Bonday) with presentations on a range of topics from tourism’s contribution to rural African communities to the potential of storytelling as a marketing tool. These presentations were well attended and discussions were thought-provoking.
Speaker Bronwyn Williams, who presented at Bonday on Blockchains and their potential for the tourism industry commented: “People were very receptive to my presentation. There was a lot of interest and a number of really interesting questions. I think people were not sure what to expect given that it is quite an unusual topic but I was happy to be able to present.” On the general feeling at the venue, she added: “People are excited and positive. The morning started out quite formal but it soon became more informal and relaxed.”
Tourism Update spoke to Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (Satsa) Chief Executive Officer, David Frost, in the lead up to the big event. “As Satsa we are here to support our members and so we have tried to establish a Satsa village which we pioneered last year quite successfully. This year, we are pleased that a number of our members are here on their own stands. So, we will be present to support them during various functions and from a strategic development point of view,” commented Frost.
As an exhibitor setting up for the event, Nik Lloyd-Roberts, Commercial Manager at Federal Air noted that on Monday the floor was busy with people setting up. He further emphasised the value of Africa’s Travel Indaba. “This event is important for both our buyers and suppliers. It is important in that it creates an opportunity for us to establish new business contacts while also allowing us to nurture existing relationships.”
SA Tourism Chief Executive Officer, Sisa Ntshona, has also emphasised the potential for creating business at Africa’s Travel Indaba. He said: “It’s important to remember that every chance encounter with a visitor is an opportunity to drive tourism growth in the future. Currently Africa only has a 5% share of global traveller numbers which can easily be doubled with the right approach and every person has a role to play.”
