The significance of tourism to Africa and its economy was once again cemented at this year’s Africa’s Travel Indaba with delegates from 80 countries in attendance.
Overall registrations reached the 7 000 mark, resulting in an increase of 4% from last year’s figures.
“Indaba’s goal is to create a platform that allows the world to do business with Africa and business is happening. We are therefore encouraged by the number of buyers and exhibitors who have come from various parts of the world,” says South African Tourism CEO, Sisa Ntshona.
In total, there were 1 747 registered buyers, an increase of 14% from last year, and there were over 1 100 registered exhibitors, an increase of 5,7% from the previous year. Of the exhibitors, 200 were first-timers. Furthermore, 23 African countries attended the Indaba.
“When we took the decision to make Indaba a pan-African event, it was a deliberate strategy on our part to boost the African economy,” says Ntshona.
“The growing number of African countries at Africa’s Travel Indaba has bolstered their commitment to being here. They are seeing the benefit of the expo and being part of a show that focuses only on Africa. The show is for Africa. The media are here for Africa and places the continent on the international stage.”
Last year it was announced that the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre would be home to the Indaba for the next five years. Africa’s Travel Indaba plays a significant role to the City of Durban’s economy. At this year’s three-day show R89 million (€6 million) is estimated to have been injected into KZN’s GDP.
“The City of Durban is excited to host Africa’s Travel Indaba in 2018. Tourism remains the major economic contributor and vital in creating job opportunities,” said Phillip Sithole, Deputy City Manager for Economic Development and Planning for the city of eThekwini.
“Indaba is one of the events we are proud to host as it gives us the results that the city needs to boost tourism and investor participation in the city’s key infrastructure programmes that aim to change the landscape of the city,” added Sithole.
Boosting the City and province is the recent announcement of the direct flight from London Heathrow to King Shaka International Airport in KZN. “This means the gateway to UK and Europe is now opened for investors and visitors. Real work has begun, together with our partners – KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and South African Tourism to ensure that this flight becomes a success,” comments Sithole.
Phindile Makwakwa, Acting CEO of KwaZulu-Natal Tourism added: “The UK market is keen on a collaborative relationship with Durban and that is critical and welcomed.”
During the Indaba, KwaZulu-Natal Tourism also positioned its marketing on the different routes offered in the province. “We also ensured that there was a strong focus on positioning SMMEs and affording them the opportunity to engage with big business,” says Makwakwa.
SA Tourism’s Hidden Gems programme included 135 SMMEs from across the country.
Another highlight of this year’s Indaba was its partnership with the Nelson Mandela Foundation on the Nelson Mandela 100 centenary programme, with various activations throughout the three days of the Indaba. “We invite you to the 100 places of Madiba and share your experiences with the world. Walk in the footprints of Madiba and find the better person in you,” says Ntshona.
With this year’s Africa’s Travel Indaba numbers in, Tourism Update would like to hear whether you found this year’s travel trade show a success. To take the survey, click here.
