South African Tourism and the host partners for Africa’s Travel Indaba 2024 – Tourism KwaZulu-Natal, the eThekwini Municipality, and ICC Durban – are gearing up for a bumper event this year as South Africa celebrates 30 years of democracy.
Registration has opened for buyers and exhibitors for the event, held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC Durban) in Kwa Zulu Natal from May 13-16.
This proudly Pan African event will once again bring the global travel trade. ATI is not only a gathering of various role players in the global tourism industry, but it is also a celebration of KwaZulu Natal’s rich heritage.
Nombulelo Guliwe, Acting CEO of South African Tourism, said: “Africa’s Travel Indaba has established itself not only as an event but as “a beacon for the tourism industry, continually driving innovation and connection across the continent and beyond”.
She added that Africa’s Travel Indaba had long been recognised as one of the top three trade shows globally, significantly contributing to the economic vitality of Durban and the broader KwaZulu Natal province.
“After hosting Africa’s Travel Indaba in 2023 with remarkable success, we are excited to continue this legacy with our dedicated partners. Their unwavering commitment has been a cornerstone of this Pan-African show’s enduring success.”
Guliwe added: “Many countries on the African continent have amazing offerings, and at ATI, we are looking forward to showcasing more of these beautiful destinations.”
Indaba 2023 welcomed more than 8 600 delegates and facilitated 21 000 meetings between exhibitors and international buyers in 2023.
The exhibition showcased diversity and innovation, featuring 280 international buyers, 432 non-hosted international buyers, 41 local hosted buyers, 711 local non-hosted buyers and more than 1 000 exhibiting companies.
The event hosted 21 African countries, reflecting its Pan-African spirit and commitment to promoting continental unity through tourism, noted Guliwe.
Boost for KZN economy
The substantial impact of Africa’s Travel Indaba on eThekwini’s economy was evident last year, contributing an estimated overall economic contribution of R452 million (€22.2m). The trade show also contributed to creating and supporting 863 jobs.
Acting CEO of Tourism Kwa Zulu-Natal, Sibusiso Gumbi, expressed excitement at hosting what he termed Africa’s premier tourism trade show.
“We know that this prestigious event not only boosts the provincial economy, with occupancy levels for our hotels reaching well above 90%, but also enables us to market our beautiful province to top buyers from across the globe keen for exciting destinations to promote and sell to the customers.
“This has also become a vital platform to showcase our new tourism developments and position our emerging tourism entrepreneurs as global players in the tourism sector.”
Durban Mayor, Mxolisi Kaunda, is equally upbeat. “As eThekwini Municipality, we once again look forward to hosting Africa’s Travel Indaba in May. Our focus this year is on accessibility, geographic spread, and business-to-business meetings. Durban has international flights and through the work of Durban Direct, a committee that lobbies direct flights to Durban, we would like to increase the frequency and attract new international flights.”
He added that the city would showcase the destination through the different tours that would be on offer during Indaba to the different regions around the city outskirts. “Indaba plays an enormous role in the advancement of the city’s tourism and economic development.
“We are looking forward to showcasing our newly launched Nelson Mandela MSC Cruise terminal in a bid to attract more vessels to dock in the city and establish more cruise partnerships,” said Kaunda.
Buyer and exhibitor response ‘extraordinary’
Durban ICC CEO Lindiwe Rakharebe described Africa’s Travel Indaba as a celebration of the vibrant tapestry of cultures, experiences, and opportunities that Africa offers.
"At the Durban ICC, we are honoured to host this gathering of operators, agents, and change-makers in the travel industry. Together, let’s explore new horizons, forge meaningful connections, and inspire a future where Africa's beauty and diversity shine on the global stage!"
Team Indaba team has noted that the response from both buyers and exhibitors has been “nothing short of extraordinary”.
The enthusiasm surrounding Africa's Travel Indaba 2024 is evident in the remarkable As of mid-January, organisers say, the event has received an unprecedented 316 applications from buyers.
“International buyers from the USA, Canada, the UK and Australia are reportedly showing great interest, while from a regional perspective Nigeria is leading the way.
“Simultaneously in the exhibitor applications we have received 223 applications. Of these applications we are seeing great representation from African countries like Namibia, Zanzibar, Botswana, Kenya Uganda, Eswatini and Zimbabwe,” said the organisers.
