GUGU MHLONGO
The Africa Travel Indaba is the ultimate experience for both buyers and exhibiters. At the launch of this years Africa Travel Indaba, headed by the Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. Under the slogan, “Unlimited Africa”, that speaks to the spirit and ambition of the people of the African continent.
The annual exhibition, is a one-stop marketplace that gives the buyers and exhibitors the platform for discovering and sourcing a wide range of products and experiences. With over 297 unique offerings, 1 200 exhibitors from across 26 African countries and 908 vetted international buyers representing 55 global markets, the event provides tailored networking opportunities and pre-scheduled business to business meetings – already totalling 7,430 confirmed engagements. Buyers gain unmatched access to curated, diverse, authentic, and emerging travel products for their customers.
The event, allows exhibitors the necessary exposure to selling and gaining more customers while extending their networks across the African continent. They also have the opportunity to gain exposure to global tourism decision-makers.With a completely sold-out exhibition floor, the event presents a high Return on Investment (ROI) environment for launching new products, forming strategic partnerships and entering new markets.
The impact of the Africa Travel Indaba for the city of Durban and in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. Is measured at;
- R226 million in direct economic activity generated in Durban in 2024, with an additional R333 million across the KwaZulu-Natal province.
- More than 1,000 jobs created through the event.
- Empowered 120 tourism SMMEs to engage global buyers and media made possible through funding from the Department of Tourism’s Market Access Support Programme
Representing KZN Tourism and Film Authority, Board Chairperson
Dr. Sibusiso Ndebele said, “After hosting Africa’s Travel Indaba (ATI) for more than 30 years, we are delighted to be the host province for ATI 2025. This prestigious tourism exhibition is the perfect platform to showcase the destination’s offerings to the thousands of tourism buyers coming from all over the world who’ll be looking for exciting tourism destinations to sell and package to their customers. ATI also benefits our emerging tourism entrepreneurs who will have an opportunity to make valuable connections with the global trade that can to propel their tourism businesses to greater heights. Over the years, we have also spearheaded our Tourism Ambassador programme that gives tourism students opportunities to be on the frontline of tourism and play a pivotal role in welcoming our guests to KZN. We remain hopeful to host the event for the next few decades and make KwaZulu-Natal Africa’s Travel Indaba’s permanent home”.