Set against the backdrop of one of the continent’s most-loved cities, this year’s Africa Travel Indaba, will take place under the theme "Unlimited Africa”. Happening from the 13th to the 16th of May, this well-entrenched event is owned by South African Tourism and is hosted in partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal Province and the city of Durban.
From new and authentic proudly African experiences to established tourism products, this year's Africa's Travel Indaba promises a dynamic event filled with networking opportunities combined with a celebration of Africa's warm and welcoming people.
With only two weeks to go, here’s what delegates can look forward to at Africa’s Travel Indaba:
The Best Location: City of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Africa's Travel Indaba takes place in the picturesque province of KwaZulu-Natal, known for its world heritage sites, wildlife and adventure, rich culture, history, wide open spaces and rolling hills. KwaZulu-Natal also boasts 600kms coastline. Beyond the corridors of the fully capacitated and award-winning iconic Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre (ICC Durban), Indaba delegates can look forward to the lively city of Durban, with its historic buildings, and museums as well as a vibrant township experience before venturing into exploring the rest of the province.
For more information: https://visitdurban.travel and https://zulu.org.za/
Business Opportunities Day (BONDay)
Poised for advancing Africa’s excellence, Africa’s Travel Indaba is preceded by a dedicated Business Opportunity Networking Day (BONDay) which is developed in close collaboration with the greater tourism industry. This will take place on the 13th of May and aims to provide a platform for driving thought leadership, exploration of topical global tourism insights under the four identified streams - unlimited, discover, connect and grow - whilst advancing knowledge sharing.
High Quality Buyers
Dedicated to matching high-quality buyers with exceptional African products and creating valuable opportunities for everyone involved, Africa’s Travel Indaba attracts buyers from around the world, who are specifically interested in destination Africa. The show’s online diary and matchmaking system is globally bench-marked and encompasses technology and innovation that is superior.
Large Number of Exhibitors – Wide Variety
With a fully sold-out floor space, Africa’s Travel Indaba showcases the diverse leisure tourism products that the continent has to offer. More than 1100 exhibitors from across Africa promote their offerings to international and local buyers further fostering connections and collaborations that shape the future of the African tourism sector.
Speed Marketing Sessions
South African Tourism through the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) provides a platform for both new and existing tourism products to shine. Speed Marketing sessions are a key feature of Africa’s Travel Indaba and serve as a pivotal market access platform. Not only does this platform facilitate product showcasing, but it also stimulates fruitful discussions and negotiations essential for business growth.
At this year's trade show, exhibitors will seize the invaluable opportunity to promote their offerings under three distinct themes, 1) Kasi Flavour: focusing on township and culture/heritage products. 2) Wet Adrenaline, focusing on active adventure and coastal beaches products, and 3) Visit the Wild, focusing on Safari and camping products.
Networking Connections for Business Growth
There is value for all delegates at Africa’s Travel Indaba including impactful networking and engagement sessions to drive business. The show’s official welcome networking event seeks to immerse delegates in an authentic Durban experience and will take place on the 14th of May.
Unique Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs)
Africa’s Travel Indaba continues to put a firm focus on Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs). Under the banner of, Hidden Gems Zone, these enterprises representing authentic and unique products and experiences, will participate through the Tourism Market Access
Programme by the Department of Tourism. This is aimed at stimulating the growth, development and transformation of the South African Tourism sector. This in turn contributes to stimulating enterprise growth and to contribute to job creation, revenue growth and an enhanced visitor experience.
Economic Impact and Growth
Africa's Travel Indaba is not only a celebration of Africa's tourism industry but also an impactful economic driver. The trade show plays a significant role in the city and the province's growth and economy. Last year, Africa’s Travel Indaba contributed more than R1 billion to the national fiscus. The 2023 trade show also created and sustained 2 295 Jobs. Projections indicate that the 2024 event is also expected to inject a substantial amount into South Africa's economy, highlighting the crucial role tourism plays in boosting the economy.
Enlightening Editorial Sessions
Through the various editorial sessions taking place at the show’s media centre, members of the media can attend the illuminating discussions exploring the multifaceted impact of tourism and generate content relevant for their audiences. Whether it is venturing into the impact of digital technology on the tourism sector or discussing the importance of culture and history or engaging with the continent’s young minds, these insightful sessions elevate the significance of tourism as a catalyst for positive change in our interconnected world.
Proudly Pan African
Over and above the fact that the trade show features a wide selection of African tourism products and offerings, highlighting the continent's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, Africa’s Travel Indaba also takes place during Africa month and is testament to the resilience and vibrancy of the continent’s tourism industry.
Technology and Innovation
Through digital influence and innovation, Africa’s Travel Indaba promises to enhance the delegates’ experience at the show. The show will be equipped with new technologies to elevate the user journey, including the upgraded mobile app which has a newly integrated indoor navigation feature for ease of movement around the trade floor.
Conclusion
Whether it is compelling editorial sessions or exciting networking events; or rich cultural exchanges and much-needed economic benefits, Africa’s Travel Indaba is set to deliver an array of valuable experiences for all del