Almost Time for Africa's Travel Indaba

 

By Fred Felton | May 6, 2025

The media launch for the much anticipated Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025 was recently held at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. This event was led by the Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, senior representatives from the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government and Tourism Authority, South African Tourism and key stakeholders.

Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille speaking at the media launch for Africa's Travel Indaba 2025.  Photo: Fiona Wainwright. 

The theme for Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025 is ‘’Unlimited Africa,’’ which is a bold declaration of the continent’s spirit and ambition. Minister de Lille delivered her keynote describing Indaba as: ‘’Not just a trade show – it is a platform to reshape narratives, forge powerful connections, and unlock shared value across our continent.’’

Africa’s Travel Indaba is the perfect place for buyers where they can discover and source a wide range of African tourism products and experiences. There will be 297 unique offerings, 1 200 exhibitors from across 26 African countries and 908 vetted international buyers representing 55 global markets, this event is ideal for networking opportunities and meetings for B2B. Buyers gain access to curated, diverse, authentic and emerging travel products for their clients.

The exhibitors benefit from top exposure to global tourism decision-makers. The exhibition floor is sold-out and the Return on Investment (ROI) is high for launching new products, forming strategic partnerships and exploring new markets.

At Africa’s Travel Indaba 2024 there were over 24,000 business meetings that turned into deals and revenue. The platform also empowers SMMEs through mentorship, visibility and access to global buyers.

The travel and trade show is also a rich tapestry for media where they can find plenty of content for articles around travel, tourism and interview key stakeholders.

The economic impact of Indaba in Durban and KwaZulu-Natal is huge:

R226 million in direct economic activity generated in Durban in 2024, with an additional R333 million across the KZN province. More than 1 000 jobs created through the event. Empowerment of 120 tourism SMMEs to engage global buyers and media made possible through funding from Department of Tourism’s Market Access Support Programme.

‘’We are even more excited about this year’s Africa’s Travel Indaba as it comes soon after we launched our new Global Campaign: ‘South Africa Awaits – Come Find Your Joy!’ – a celebration of the country’s boundless energy, rich culture and extraordinary experiences,’’ said Minister de Lille at the media launch.

‘’After hosting Africa’s Travel Indaba (ATI) for more than 30 years, we are delighted to be the host province for ATI 2025. We remain hopeful to host the event for the next few decades and make KwaZulu-Natal Africa’s Travel Indaba’s permanent home,’’ noted KZN Tourism and Film Authority, Board Chairperson Dr Sibusiso Ndebele.

Highlights to look out for at ATI 2025 include:

BONDay (Business Opportunity Networking Day)

AI & Tech-Focused Sessions

Cross-Border Tourism Collaboration Forums

12 Independent Airlines & an Airline Pavilion.

‘’Durban stands ready to showcase our hospitality and commitment to excellence in the global tourism sector. Together, let us make this event a momentous occasion that reflects our pride and potential,’’ said Councillor Nkosenhle Madlala, Chairperson of Governance and Human Capital in the eThekwini Metro.

As the G20 Summit is being hosted in South Africa, ATI sets the stage for positioning the continent as a leading player in global tourism dialogue and hosting big events.

‘’Tourism is not a side act in our economic story – it is centre stage. We invite all delegates to come experience the might of the African continent’s tourism sector while enjoying South Africa’s hospitality in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa awaits - Come find your joy,’’ concluded Minister de Lille.