By Mr William Baloyi – Deputy Government Spokesperson
Tourism remains one of Africa’s most powerful drivers of inclusive growth, job creation, cultural exchange and shared experiences. Supported by the continent’s warm hospitality, rich diversity and world-class heritage attractions, Africa continues
to position itself as a destination of unmatched beauty, authenticity and opportunity.
From 11 to 14 May, the Africa’s Travel Indaba returned to the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in KwaZulu-Natal, bringing Africa’s tourism story to the world.
Held during Africa Month, the Africa’s Travel Indaba not only celebrated the continent’s rich tourism offerings, culture and heritage, but reinforced the spirit of African unity, partnership and shared prosperity by positioning Africa as a competitive and connected global tourism destination.
Africa’s Travel Indaba remains a catalyst for a dynamic and resilient tourism industry, as it is one of the largest and most influential tourism trade exhibitions on the African continent.
Hosted annually in Durban and owned by South African Tourism, the event brings together tourism businesses, governments, buyers, investors, airlines, media, and travel professionals from across Africa and the world.
The event serves as a strategic platform that connects local and international players to unlock new markets, strengthen trade linkages, expand tourism connectivity, travel access, and encourage investment across the tourism value chain.
This year’s Africa’s Travel Indaba focused on creating opportunities for buyers and sellers to connect and do business, while promoting tourism destinations and products to both local and international markets. The 2026 programme offered a
powerful opportunity to strengthen connectivity, grow intra-African travel and advance shared, tourism-led economic outcomes.
In this regard, this year, the Indaba attracted about 9,810 delegates and generated an estimated R240 million spent directly during the event, contributing to a total tourism impact of R835 million, while supporting more than 1,122 jobs. Hotel occupancy during the event was high and brought immediate benefit for accommodation and hospitality businesses.
Last year, the Indaba contributed about R610.6 million to South Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP), while generating R45.54 million in tax revenue, and supported 1 104 jobs. This demonstrates that Africa’s Travel Indaba continues to contribute towards the
immense economic value of tourism as a driver of growth, investment and job creation.
At its core, the Indaba is about creating connections that translate into real business opportunities. Exhibitors have a platform to engage directly with local and international buyers, destination marketing organisations and other tourism partners, unlocking commercial opportunities, strengthening partnerships and supporting long-term sector growth.
At the opening ceremony, President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted KwaZulu-Natal as a strong example of tourism-led economic growth and noted that improved performance supports investor confidence. He further pointed to Durban’s recent progress as a clear illustration of how coordinated action and partnerships between government and the private sector can revitalise urban centres and strengthen competitiveness.
Central to this, however, is the continued prioritisation of improved ease of travel in order to unlock greater tourism flows, strengthen regional connectivity, and enhance South Africa’s competitiveness as a global destination.
This is why Government has introduced measures to modernise travel in the country, including piloting the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, which was introduced during last year’s G20 Summit. The ETA is expected to streamline travel
processes as part of broader efforts to improve accessibility and competitiveness.
Furthermore, South Africa continues to work with regional partners to advance the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Tourism Universal Visa (UNIVISA) initiative, which aims to enable more seamless travel across participating
SADC Member States and support the growth of intra-regional tourism.
In addition to this, Government continues to invest in standout visitor experiences, including the upgrades of Cape Agulhas Lighthouse precinct at the southernmost tip of Africa, and the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre in the Free State’s
Golden Gate Highlands National Park, which opened in June 2025. Since the launch of the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre, it has recorded more than 88 000 visitors.
As a result, these developments underscore how targeted investment in tourism infrastructure and heritage attractions continue to expand South Africa’s visitor economy, reinforcing the importance of platforms such as Africa’s Travel Indaba in showcasing these experiences.