Latest news with #TravelIndaba2025
IOL News
27-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
South African Tourism celebrates economic Impact of Africa's Travel Indaba 2025
SA Tourism said that the projected economic benefits spurred by Africa's Travel Indaba 2025, from event infrastructure and logistics to accommodation, restaurants, and local transport services, have been significant. Image: Tumi Pakkies/Independent Newspapers South African Tourism hails Africa's Travel Indaba 2025 held in Durban last week as a huge economic boost. SA Tourism said that the projected economic benefits spurred by Africa's Travel Indaba 2025, from event infrastructure and logistics to accommodation, restaurants, and local transport services, have been significant. 'The direct economic impact of Africa's Travel Indaba on Durban's GDP is estimated at R574-million, with direct spending totalling more than R232-million, highlighting the substantial economic benefits.' SA Tourism added that the event created over 2,000 jobs, particularly for the youth and local communities, with an anticipated household income contribution exceeding R140 million. 'Current figures (still to be audited) indicate that Africa's Travel Indaba 2025, themed 'Unlimited Africa', hosted more than 9,990 attendees, marking an impressive 7.7% increase compared to 9,280 delegates that attended in 2024, with over 24,500 quality meetings held.' SA Tourism said that 1,348 exhibitors and 1,037 buyers attended the event, with both exhibitor and international buyer numbers being the highest recorded in the past four years. 'A total of 27 African countries participated, including new entrants from Chad, St Helena, and Burkina Faso. Africa's Travel Indaba 2025 was officially opened by His Excellency Paul Mashatile, South Africa's Deputy President, and the Honourable Patricia de Lille, South Africa's Minister of Tourism.' SA Tourism said that Thembisile Sehloho, Chief Marketing Officer of South African Tourism, together with Sibusiso Gumbi, Acting Chief Executive Officer of KwaZulu-Natal Tourism & Film Authority; Winile Mntungwa, Deputy Head of Durban Tourism; and Sandile Makhanya, Acting Marketing & Communications Executive of Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (Durban ICC), addressed the media at the wrap-up of Africa Travel Indaba 2025 on 15 May. Sehloho said that they are exceptionally proud to have once again delivered the premier showcase of the African continent's diverse tourism products and experiences. 'This year, we cemented Africa's Travel Indaba's position as a proudly Pan African event with a notable increase in the number of African countries participating. This success is a direct result of powerful collaboration with all our partners. The significant enthusiasm and business conducted reflect the robust growth and immense potential of the African tourism sector under the banner of 'Unlimited Africa.'' Gumbi said that he welcomed the enduring partnership between South African Tourism, KwaZulu-Natal Tourism & Film Authority, the City of Durban, and the Durban ICC. 'I am pleased to say that KwaZulu-Natal has successfully hosted Africa's Travel Indaba again, achieving a record number of delegates, international buyers, and airlines this year. As Tourism KwaZulu-Natal and Film Authority, we supported 26 emerging tourism businesses who exhibited at our stand and had the opportunity to network with buyers from across Africa.' Gumbi added that the authority signed key Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) with eSwatini Tourism and Maloti-Drakensberg Transfrontier Conservation Area Joint Marketing Agreement. 'This is part of the organisation's programmes to grow the Africa market for KwaZulu-Natal. They also had key engagements with several strategic partners such as Club Med and some airlines that will help grow their footprint globally.' Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, reiterated the ambitious targets of the Department's five-year Tourism Growth Partnership Plan. 'These include growing total tourism employment from approximately 1.84 million jobs in 2024 to 2.5 million jobs, increasing domestic spend by 25%, growing tourism's GDP contribution from 8.8% in 2024 to10%, and welcoming an extra million international air arrivals annually.' Deputy President Paul Mashatile, in his opening address of Africa Travel Indaba, highlighted the 'Unlimited Africa' theme as a bold declaration of Africa's promise. 'Travel and tourism contributed 6.8% to Africa's GDP in 2023, with projections indicating a rise to 10.4% by 2030, and for South Africa, tourism currently contributes 8.9% to GDP, supporting 1.68 million jobs, with an ambitious target to grow this to 2.2 million jobs by 2030.' BUSINESS REPORT Visit:
The Star
16-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Roundup: African countries eye Chinese tourist boom to drive travel industry revival
JOHANNESBURG, May 16 (Xinhua) -- African countries are looking to attract more Chinese tourists as part of broader efforts to revive and grow the continent's travel industry, delegates said at one of the continent's largest tourism trade shows. At Africa's Travel Indaba 2025, held from Tuesday to Thursday in Durban, South Africa, Zimbabwe's Deputy Minister of Tourism Tongai Mnangagwa said the country has a "Look East" policy and is leveraging its long-standing ties with China to boost tourist arrivals from the Asian country for business, medical, and leisure purposes. "The Chinese market is growing and the fact that they have over one billion people makes them our target source market, with a certain age group interested in traveling. Inquiries are being made about Zimbabwe and they are coming," he said. He said a group from China's Hunan Province has confirmed plans to visit Zimbabwe, noting that the presence of Chinese businesspeople in Zimbabwe is drawing their friends and relatives, further reinforcing inbound travel. "We are working with organizations which are based in Zimbabwe and owned by the Chinese nationals who are bringing Chinese tourists in groups from different provinces. All these people, when they go back, will be our billboards or ambassadors telling others about our country," he said. South African officials echoed similar sentiments. Thembisile Sehloho, chief marketing officer at South African Tourism, said that targeted efforts like the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme, which simplifies visa processing for Chinese and Indian nationals, are helping boost arrivals. "I can confirm that there was some significant increase in Chinese and their buyers coming through, which aligns with our strategy of growing arrivals from India and China," Sehloho said. "The buyers from China were interested in cultural immersion and we spoke a lot about cultural and leisure tourism. Cultural tourism will get us volumes and leisure tourism will get us value. We will use the two to sell our country." Namibia is also ramping up its engagement with China. Sebulon Chiliho Chicalu, chief executive officer of the Namibia Tourism Board, said the country will soon launch a dedicated China strategy and increase its representation in China to four locations. "China, as a source market, remains one of our targets and we would like to attract many Chinese to visit our country. China and Namibia do a lot of business together and we would like to capitalize on that. We will hold roadshows in three cities of China to market Destination Namibia," Chicalu said. Tourism leaders stressed the scale of the opportunity. Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, chief executive officer of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa, said China remains the "largest outbound tourism market in the world," and African destinations must position themselves to benefit. "We saw a large delegation from India and China at Africa's Travel Indaba. That is positive. We have been working on that for a long time," he said. "We need to have large footprints on those two markets. The buyers from India and China were looking for products, services, and experiences we offer." "South Africa and Africa have to make a value proposition to the Chinese and Indian market. It presents a huge opportunity and we have to take advantage of it," he added.
IOL News
14-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
KZN welcomes international buyers and delegates to experience its splendour
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille and Deputy President Paul Mashatile, joined by KZN Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli and various other dignitaries, officially opened Africa's Travel Indaba 2025 by ringing the traditional Indaba Bell. Photo: Tumi Pakkies Image: Tumi Pakkies AFRICA'S Travel Indaba (ATI) 2025 not only showcases and boosts Africa's premium tourism offerings and destinations, it also emphasises KwaZulu-Natal's ethereal beauty and places South Africa at the top of the global investment map. This intercontinental landmark event, taking place at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre and Durban Exhibition Centre from May 13–15, is of major significance to KZN as it shines the spotlight on the province while also bringing a much needed boost to the its gross domestic product. KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority, in partnership with Durban Tourism, hosted a Business Breakfast at the Hilton Hotel on Tuesday, May 13 to kick-start ATI. The theme was: 'Durban, KwaZulu-Natal abound with investment opportunities'. Reverend Musa Zondi, KZN MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs welcomed tourism buyers, international media and key role-players in the tourism industry - and affirmed KZN as a premium destination for leisure and investment. Exciting times In his keynote address, MEC Zondi said that the era of Covid-19 was now long behind and that tourism was getting back to its pre-pandemic glory. 'The devastation of the Covid-era is behind us and tourism is making a big come back, as witnessed by the record number of delegates attending this year's Africa's Travel Indaba,' said Zondi. 'As the hosts of this prestigious Business Breakfast, we are delighted to welcome you back to our usual breakfast venue, the Hilton Hotel, which is now fully operational after having been forced to close during the Covid pandemic. 'It is encouraging to see familiar tourism landmarks like the Durban Hilton Hotel back in business, particularly because it is within walking distance of the award-winning Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre and handy for conference delegates. 'We are confident that this year's travel indaba will be as successful – and even more so – than last year's event, which brought in more than R550 million to the region (R226m in direct economic activity in Durban and another R333m rippling across the region). 'We are also meeting at exciting times when tourism arrivals to the country and the region are on the increase – and when we, in KZN, are on the cusp of welcoming new tourism developments and are prioritising and supporting various catalytic projects.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Reverend Musa Zondi, KZN MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, welcomed tourism buyers, international media and key role-players to the Business Breakfast. Photo: Tumi Pakkies Image: Tumi Pakkies Zondi also welcomed the Club Med Resort at Tinley Manor flagship leisure investment situated along the KwaZulu-Natal north coast. This R2-billion investment is due to open in July next year, and will offer a unique beach and safari experience – the first in Sub-Sahara Africa. He added that the travel indaba has been staged in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal for more than 30 years - and the province is committed to retaining it. 'We are actively working with industry partners and national stakeholders to ensure that it remains a provincial asset. We have the infrastructure, the hospitality capacity and track record.' Growth catalyst EThekwini Mayor, Councillor Cyril Xaba lauded the travel indaba platform as a catalyst for building meaningful partnerships beyond borders within the continent of Africa. Moreover, he said that tourism was one of the key economic drivers contributing significantly to the local GDP and creating job opportunities for local communities. 'We are encouraged by the increase in the number of tourists descending on our shores and the revival of the broader hospitality sector, as guests frequent restaurants and book hotels. The return to pre-covid times of this sector is vital because it provides much-needed employment, supports livelihoods and goes a long way in helping reduce poverty. Supplied Image: Supplied 'We are expanding shopping experiences for our visitors with the newly opened Westown Square in Shongweni. This mixed-use development comprising a shopping mall, hospital and residential units provides a family-friendly shopping environment, and seeks to boost the local economy through tourism - particularly in the outer west region. 'As the leadership of the City, we are also committed to positioning Durban as a destination of choice for major sporting events. Sport tourism continues to grow as more visitors travel to watch their favourite sports. With world-class sports facilities, we are on the right path to becoming a premier sporting venue. 'For the next three days, we must remember that when we engage in discussions, start networking sessions and share best practices that we must be driven by a common goal of growing a sustainable tourism industry,' said Xaba. Record numbers This year's ATI has a record number of delegates attending. There are 1 200 exhibitors from 26 African countries, as well as 908 vetted international buyers representing 55 global markets. More than 7 430 business-to-business meetings have already been planned and about 120 small and medium tourism enterprises have been given the opportunity to showcase their products at this high-profile and vibrant tourism event.
The Star
13-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Africa's Travel Indaba 2025 kicks off in South Africa
JOHANNESBURG, May 13 (Xinhua) -- Africa's Travel Indaba 2025 officially kicked off Tuesday in South Africa, with Deputy President Paul Mashatile calling for collective action to promote sustainable tourism across the continent. Speaking at the event's opening ceremony in the coastal city of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, Mashatile highlighted Africa's rich cultural heritage and economic opportunities in the tourism sector. According to him, tourism is projected to contribute 10.4 percent to Africa's gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030, up from the current 6.8 percent. In South Africa alone, tourism contributes 8.9 percent to the GDP and supports 1.68 million jobs, with plans to increase this to over two million by 2030. Africa's Travel Indaba is an iconic African leisure trade show, owned by South African Tourism, with the specific objective of creating market access for a vast array of African leisure tourism products. This year's three-day event, held under the theme "Unlimited Africa," attracts some 1,300 exhibitors and 1,200 buyers from 55 countries, with a focus on promoting inter-African travel and breaking down barriers. In his speech, Mashatile acknowledged challenges facing the continent, including political strife, poverty, unemployment, and inequality, which have led to widespread hardship and violence. "These issues require our collective action. This gathering must confront these challenges and uncover enduring solutions. Africa can overcome any obstacle that stands in her path. However, the key to overcoming lies in our ability to work together," he said. Mashatile emphasized that tourism serves as a significant economic engine, a catalyst for social change, and a cornerstone of inclusive growth. "Therefore, Africa's Travel Indaba stands as a beacon of what is possible when we act together. It reminds us that tourism is not just about travel -- it is about connection, empowerment, and shared belief. It is about promoting each other's markets and harnessing what we have as diverse nations," he said. "This gathering and those that follow ought to act as sparks for greater regional cooperation, enabling African nations to present themselves together as diverse yet unified destinations," he added. The deputy president stressed the need to integrate technologies, innovation, and sustainable practices into the tourism strategies. "We need to invest more in skills development and digital transformation for the tourism sector to thrive. We must foster innovation and sustainable practices to ensure long-term economic growth," Mashatile stated. "Let us celebrate the bond that unites Africa, honoring the vibrant cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and the incredible people that make this continent shine with brilliance," he concluded. "Let us demonstrate to the world that Africa is ready for business."
Zawya
25-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Africa's Travel Indaba 2025 set to boost South Africa's tourism sector and economy
Africa's Travel Indaba 2025 is gearing up for its official opening in Durban from 13 to 15 May, with Business Opportunity Networking Day (BONDay) kicking things off on 12 May. Excitement is already building after this week's media launch at Moses Mabhida Stadium, where Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille, KwaZulu-Natal leaders and tourism stakeholders highlighted the event's growing role in driving inclusive economic growth, innovation and regional collaboration. This year's Africa's Travel Indaba theme, 'Unlimited Africa,' positions the continent as a destination of limitless potential and ambition. In her keynote address at the media launch, De Lille described Indaba as: "Not just a trade show – it is a platform to reshape narratives, forge powerful connections, and unlock shared value across our continent." Value of Africa's Travel Indaba The event will once again offer buyers a one-stop opportunity to source a diverse range of tourism products and experiences from across the continent. With more than 1,200 exhibitors from 26 African countries and 908 vetted international buyers representing 55 global markets, over 7,430 confirmed business-to-business meetings have already been scheduled. Exhibitors benefit from direct access to global decision-makers and a high-return environment for launching new products, forming strategic partnerships, and entering new markets. In 2024, more than 24,000 business meetings took place at the Indaba. The platform is also a springboard for SMMEs through mentorship and international exposure, helping emerging businesses connect with global buyers and media. For the media, Africa's Travel Indaba offers rich, untold stories of community upliftment, innovation, and tourism-driven economic impact. Journalists gain access to keynote sessions, briefings, and interviews with tourism leaders, with opportunities to spotlight emerging destinations and local entrepreneurs. Economic impact in KwaZulu-Natal Last year, Africa's Travel Indaba generated R226m in direct economic activity in Durban, with an additional R333m across KwaZulu-Natal, while creating more than 1,000 job opportunities. Speaking at the event, De Lille added: "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. "Our mission is to ensure that all visitors come to find their joy across the length and breadth of South Africa and discover all our diverse tourism offerings and our hidden gems in every little town, dorpie and township." Dr. Sibusiso Ndebele, Board Chairperson of the KZN Tourism and Film Authority, said: 'After hosting Africa's Travel Indaba (ATI) for more than 30 years, we are delighted to be the host province for ATI 2025. "This prestigious tourism exhibition is the perfect platform to showcase the destination's offerings to the thousands of tourism buyers coming from all over the world who'll be looking for exciting tourism destinations to sell and package to their customers. "ATI also benefits our emerging tourism entrepreneurs who will have an opportunity to make valuable connections with the global trade that can propel their tourism businesses to greater heights. "Over the years, we have also spearheaded our Tourism Ambassador programme that gives tourism students opportunities to be on the frontline of tourism and play a pivotal role in welcoming our guests to KZN. We remain hopeful to host the event for the next few decades and make KwaZulu-Natal Africa's Travel Indaba's permanent home." Councillor Nkosenhle Madlala, chairperson of Governance and Human Capital in the eThekwini Metro, added: 'As we embark on our preparations for Africa's Travel Indaba, we are not only celebrating our vibrant culture and stunning landscapes but also reaffirming our unwavering spirit and resilience. "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.' Key highlights for 2025 include: • BONDay (Business Opportunity Networking Day) connecting ideas with opportunity. • AI and tech-focused sessions exploring digital transformation in tourism. • Cross-border tourism collaboration forums supporting regional growth. • 12 independent airlines and an Airline Pavilion aimed at expanding African air access. With the G20 Summit taking place on African soil for the first time this year, Africa's Travel Indaba will also act as a platform for positioning the continent as a leader in global tourism dialogue and event hosting. De Lille concluded: '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.' All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
