4 minute read
NEWS
Countdown has begun to Africa’s Travel Indaba 2024
Africa’s Travel Indaba, one of the largest global tourism trade shows, is set to take place from 13-16 May 2024 at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC).
Drawing thousands of participants, including exhibitors from various African nations and buyers worldwide, the event is not only a platform for business transactions, but also emphasises capacity building and knowledge sharing, benefiting all attendees, including smaller and emerging businesses in the industry.
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Honourable Fish Mahlalela, describes the significance of the event: “This show serves as the premier platform for showcasing Africa’s diverse tourism offerings and experiences. The trade show holds immense significance for the tourism sector and the broader economy. The economic and cultural impact of this trade show is central to the success of our continent.”
Africa’s Travel Indaba 2024 promises unparalleled value for delegates, with tailored networking sessions, insights-driven panel discussions, speed marketing sessions showcasing new tourism products, a sophisticated match-making diary system, airline and Tourism Grading Council pavilions, and a wide array of products from across the African tourism sector.
Floor space at Africa’s Travel Indaba 2024 has already sold out. The participation of twenty-six African countries, solidifies its status as a proudly Pan-African show. Furthermore, 120 SMMEs will be hosted at the Hidden Gems zone, in collaboration with the Department of Tourism. Preceding the main event is the Business Opportunities Networking Day (BONDay) on 13 May, offering invaluable networking opportunities, thought leadership discussions, and insights into global trends.
Partners for the event and provincial hosts, KwaZulu-Natal Tourism, have organised pre- and post-tours for selected delegates, including media and buyers, to showcase various experiences and products.
Siboniso Duma, MEC Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs, expressed enthusiasm, stating: “We are excited to welcome Africa’s Travel Indaba back to KwaZulu-Natal again in 2024. Africa’s Travel Indaba plays a significant role in our tourism growth, as KwaZulu-Natal, and has an immeasurable impact on our economy. Again, this year, we will have several emerging tourism entrepreneurs participating as part of the Tourism KZN, Tourism Enterprise Development Programme to afford them an opportunity to showcase their businesses and lock business deals to help them grow in the sector.”
Commenting on KZN’s readiness to host Africa’s Travel Indaba 2024, Mr. Duma highlighted the province’s accommodation facilities, stating, “The province has adequate accommodation establishments within a reasonable travel distance to the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, the venue for the event.”
eThekwini Municipality chairperson of the Economic Development and Planning Committee, Councillor Thembo Ntuli emphasised the significance of Indaba for Durban, saying, “Indaba is an instrumental platform for the tourism industry, which is firmly on the road to recovery. The show has become synonymous with the city of Durban, as we have hosted this tourism showcase over many years. The city’s economy will benefit immensely from hosting this three-day-long trade showcase, as hotel occupancy is expected to be between 85 to 95 percent. In addition, local tourism products and community tourism organisations are ready and eager to engage with buyers, tour operators and travel agencies, to continue selling Durban as the destination of choice.”
The 2023 edition witnessed remarkable growth, with a nearly 62% increase in attendance and over 1,033 exhibiting companies, attracting 8,688 delegates from twenty-two countries and contributed (R451,546,283) to eThekwini’s GDP and R597,051,772 to KwaZulu-Natal, underscoring the event’s significance.
Lindiwe-Rakherebe, chief executive officer of the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre, expressed: “The Durban ICC is thrilled to once again host Africa’s Travel Indaba. This prestigious event plays a vital role in showcasing Africa’s rich and diverse tourism offerings to the world. We are fully committed to ensuring that our venue provides the perfect setting for international buyers and media to connect with the best of Africa’s tourism products. With our state-of-the-art facilities and dedicated staff, we are ready to welcome participants from across the globe and make Africa’s Travel Indaba 2024 a resounding success.”
For registration and further details, please visit www.indaba-southafrica.co.za
