The KwaZulu Natal government is ready to host about 4 000 delegates who are expected to arrive in Durban for Africa’s Travel Indaba 2022 – held from May 2 to 5 – according to the MEC for Economic Development, Tourism & Environmental Affairs, Ravi Pillay.
Indaba is Africa’s biggest tourism trade show, where African countries showcase their destinations to global tourism buyers. It is estimated that this year’s Indaba will generate R72.5 million (€4.3m) for the local economy.
“We will use this year’s Africa’s Travel Indaba to showcase some of the new tourism products and attractions that we have and those that are still in the pipeline. Our tourism trade will also get an opportunity to reintroduce their business to international travel buyers,” said Pillay.
“KZN is fully open for business and we cannot wait to get international tourists back. We have been hard at work implementing the Tourism Recovery Plan soon after COVID-19 hit in 2020. While our focus in the past two years has been on domestic visitors, as the world opens, we are ensuring we enhance international destination marketing.”
The trade show will also promote and market the province’s business events hosting capability while simultaneously showcasing KZN’s leisure tourism products and experiences.
On Tuesday May, 3, Tourism KZN and Durban Tourism will host a Business Breakfast where Pillay will highlight key tourism developments that are in the pipeline for KZN.
“I am confident that buyers as well as our key tourism stakeholders will be excited to see that KZN is still a must-visit destination that continues to package and sell to their customers back home,” said Pillay.
“We will confidently demonstrate to exhibitors, buyers, and the international market that KZN is open for business and there are world-class tourism experiences and events to experience, in line with the national COVID-19 safety protocols,” he added.
The KZN stand will include small tour operators and product owners, and a total of 20 unemployed youth will be employed for the duration of Indaba to assist delegates at key tourism spots within the city of Durban.
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife will showcase its eco-tourism products and adventure tourism offerings, and the KZN Sharks Board will showcase its bather protection techniques, which have been globally recognised as among the most competent in the world.
