AFRICA’S TRAVEL INDABA 2025 BOOSTS DURBAN ECONOMY AND CELEBRATES PAN-AFRICAN TOURISM GROWTH

Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025 has concluded on a high note, marking another milestone in positioning the African continent as a premier global tourism destination. Held under the theme ‘Unlimited Africa’, the event reinforced the tourism sector’s economic significance, contributing an estimated R574 million to Durban’s GDP, with direct spending exceeding R232 million.

This year's Indaba saw a 7.7% increase in attendance, attracting more than 9,990 delegates compared to 9,280 in 2024. The trade show facilitated over 24,500 business meetings, reflecting the industry’s renewed dynamism and connectivity. A total of 1,348 exhibitors and 1,037 buyers—the highest in the last four years—participated, with representation from 27 African countries, including first-time participants from Chad, St Helena, and Burkina Faso.

In addition to the impressive numbers, the event was a significant job creator, supporting over 2,000 jobs—many of which benefited local youth and communities—with a projected household income impact of more than R140 million.

The event was officially opened by Deputy President Paul Mashatile and Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille, who both emphasized the role of tourism in driving inclusive economic development across Africa.

“We are exceptionally proud to have once again delivered the premier showcase of the African continent’s diverse tourism products and experiences,” said Thembisile Sehloho, Chief Marketing Officer of South African Tourism. “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.”

Winile Mntungwa, Deputy Head of Durban Tourism, highlighted the broader economic impact, stating that the benefits were felt well beyond the city center, extending to township and rural tourism enterprises, both formal and informal.

Sibusiso Gumbi, Acting CEO of KwaZulu-Natal Tourism & Film Authority, hailed the event’s success, which included support for 26 emerging tourism businesses and key engagements with international players like Club Med and major airlines. He also announced new strategic partnerships through MOUs signed with eSwatini Tourism and the Maloti-Drakensberg Transfrontier Conservation Area.

Sandile Makhanya, Acting Marketing & Communications Executive at the Durban ICC, expressed pride in hosting Africa’s premier travel show. “We are deeply committed to ensuring that this trade event contributes sustainably to our local economy,” he said. The Durban ICC also engaged students from Durban University of Technology and local culinary talent, providing hands-on experience.

The national Department of Tourism supported around 400 SMMEs, giving them access to global buyers and a platform to showcase their products. A sustainability village hosted by South African Tourism offered free exhibition space to artisans and crafters, reinforcing the event’s commitment to inclusivity and empowerment.

Minister de Lille used the platform to spotlight South Africa’s five-year Tourism Growth Partnership Plan, which aims to:

• Grow tourism employment from 1.84 million (2024) to 2.5 million jobs

• Increase domestic tourism spend by 25%

• Grow the GDP contribution of tourism from 8.8% to 10%

• Achieve an additional 1 million international air arrivals annually

She also unveiled the new global brand campaign, “South Africa Awaits – Come Find Your Joy!”, inviting the world to explore the country’s unmatched beauty and culture.

In his opening speech, Deputy President Mashatile called the ‘Unlimited Africa’ theme a bold statement of confidence in the continent’s tourism potential. He noted that tourism accounted for 6.8% of Africa’s GDP in 2023, with projections to rise to 10.4% by 2030. For South Africa, the sector currently contributes 8.9% to GDP, supporting 1.68 million jobs, with an ambitious goal of 2.2 million jobs by 2030.

At the closing press conference on 15 May, all stakeholders expressed gratitude to the media for their in-depth coverage, emphasizing the critical role journalists play in telling the story of Africa’s tourism resurgence to the world.

Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025 has not only showcased the continent’s rich tourism offerings but also proved the power of collaboration, innovation, and shared vision under the banner of an ‘Unlimited Africa’.