Commencing its journey in the presence of the Honourable South Africa’s Tourism Minister, Patricia de Lille, Africa’s Travel Indaba 2024 kickstarted on May 14, 2024. Bringing together key delegates from around the world, ready to do business with Africa, the trade show was held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre (ICC), Durban. Preceding the main event, a Business Opportunity Networking Day (BONDay) with South Africa’s Deputy Minister, Fish Mahlalela as keynote speaker on May 13, laid the groundwork for an exchange of insights, ideas, and partnerships.
Themed “Unlimited Africa”, buyers at the Africa Travel Indaba had the opportunity to directly engage with over 1,261 exhibitors and 25 African countries represented and over 1,000 buyers from 55 countries to explore new business opportunities and foster mutual connections. It also hosted thought leaders, decision-makers, and representatives of African countries including Zimbabwe, Zambia, Lesotho, and Swaziland along with two new entrants Guinea and Eritrea.
In efforts to further bolster its foothold in the Indian tourism industry, South African Tourism hosted over 40 trade partners, 95 per cent of which belonged to tier 2 – 3 cities. More than a mere business discussion, hosted in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, Africa’s Travel Indaba 2024 showcased newer regions and captivating offerings across South African provinces. Cognizant of the growth emerging from beyond Indian metro cities, the tourism board is aiming to welcome 100,000 Indian travellers to the Rainbow Nation in 2024.
With a focus on supporting the growth of emerging tourism enterprises, Tourism Minister, Patricia de Lille also highlighted the relaunch of the R1.2 billion Tourism Equity Fund (TEF) by the Department of Tourism. Further, she added that it is estimated that Africa’s Travel Indaba’s contribution to the province’s GDP was between R22 million and R260 million per year between 2004 and 2022, equating to a R3 billion impact.
Africa’s Travel Indaba 2024 has not only served as a platform for business transactions but also as a catalyst for collaboration, innovation, and growth in the tourism sector. As South Africa continues to position itself as a premier tourist destination, events like Africa’s Travel Indaba play a crucial role in driving sustainable tourism development and fostering global partnerships.
