GUGULETHU MHLONGO
Photos: South African Tourism
DURBAN – The bell has been rung, signifying the official opening of this years, annual premium destination exhibition. That offers exhibitors and buyers the platform to showcase and purchase the best leisure, tourism and travel packages that Africa has to offer. The 2025, Africa Travel Indaba, successfully brought together, 1300 exhibitors. Buyers from more than 55 global markets and delegates from more than 27 African countries. It also captured the interest of first time participants; Saint Helena, Chad and Central Burkina Faso. Proving that the Africa Travel Indaba is not just a continental exhibition but one that is growing globally.
Speaking at the annual exhibition, today. His Worship, the Mayor of eThekwini, Cyril Xaba. Said that the eThekwini Municipality aims to make Durban, the gateway to unlimited Africa. Not only by ensuring the city’s cleanliness and on improving on its crime prevention strategies. But also through the facelift of Durbans key economic nodes. These include, Ushaka Marine World, the Wonders of a Thousand Hills and the Botanical Gardens that ensure our visitors an unforgettable experience. He also boasted the eThekwini Municipalities efforts in making Durban a more welcoming and visitor friendly destination. The Mayor, further added saying, “we are also fast tracking the upgrade of iconic sports venues, such as Moses Mabhida stadium and Kings Park. With an amount over R244,000,000.” “These investments will strengthen Durbans capacity to host world class events and contribute significantly to enhance the city’s visual appeal and infrastructure.” The Mayor, is optimistic that the city’s continuous diligent work and efforts will lead to making Durban the premium destination for investment and tourism. As well as in remaining the home of the Africa Travel Indaba.
MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Reverend Musa Zondi. Who also spoke at the official opening of the Africa Travel Indaba. Said that the City of Durban, in 2024, at the PMR Africa KZN Business Excellence Awards. Was awarded as the best performing municipality. For its efforts in social upliftment, job creation, tourism attraction, foreign and local investment attractions. He reiterated the eThekwini Mayors visions for the city’s future recognition in its efforts. “These achievements are not by chance, they are a product of hard work and continued collaboration with the private sector.”
Minister for Tourism, Honourable Patricia de Lille. Welcomed guests to the Africa Travel Indaba opening. Including; government stakeholders, tourism delegates, businesses, exhibitors, buyers and international media houses from across the world who will be covering the Africa Travel Indaba over the next couple of days. She said that the Indaba brings forth opportunities for all those within the travel and tourism sector. “This Indaba, is a catalyst for inclusive growth. For job creation, for sustainable development in tourism. Not only here in South Africa but for the rest of the continent.” She also officially welcomed the president, His Excellency, Paulus Mashatile as the main guest speaker and Acting President for today.
Who concluded the opening of the prestigious annual exhibition by adding that, the month of May is of high importance and recognition among Africans. As a continent, during this month, we commemorate the founding of the organisation of African Unity formed in 1963. Now know as the African Union. “This month we are reminded to forge unity, strengthen the bond of solidarity and cooperate amongst ourselves African states.”
Idlozi Magazine, also spoke to businesses and exhibitors at the Africa Travel Indaba opening today. One such business included, Mr. Karel Swanepoel of the Hammerstein Lodge in Windhoek, Namibia. He said that the Lodge was established in 1992 and has been coming to sell its packages to international buyers at the Africa Travel Indaba over the years. He added saying, “I give my beds to agents and they sell the beds to their clientele in their countries.” “They do the marketing and media as they understand their markets better than we do.” Coming to showcase at the Africa Travel Indaba, exposes tourism and travel businesses to agents who can package and sell their business offerings to wider clients, internationally.
Othe executive guests at the official Africa Travel Indaba opening today. Included, the Speaker of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, Honourable Nontembeko Boyce. Premier for the province of KwaZulu-Natal, Honourable Thami Ntuli. Portfolio Committee Chairperson for Tourism, Honourable Lungi Mnganga-Gcabashe, and the South African Tourism Board Chairperson, Makhosazana Khanyile.
The Africa Travel Indaba will take place for the next three days, from13 to 15 May 2025. At the Chief Albert Luthuli Convention Centre in Durban.