During the media launch of Africa’s Travel Indaba, Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille declared that the sector is eager to attract more visitors from all over the world to South Africa. The event was held at Durban’s Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre (ICC). The Travel Indaba is the first major event to take place since de Lille was appointed as tourism minister in March 2023. She stated that the sector has ambitious plans to revive and bolster the economy.
“We are excited to be here in Durban, the home of Africa’s Travel Indaba. The show continues to be a critical platform for the continent, contributing to Africa’s economic growth,” said de Lille. Durban is the largest city in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal and was voted among the Official New 7 Wonders Cities. This metropolitan municipality ranks third among the most populous urban areas in South Africa after Johannesburg and Cape Town, which is also home to Table Mountain National Park, one of the New7Wonders of Nature.
De Lille praised the significance of Africa’s Travel Indaba, stating that it continues to be a crucial platform for the continent, promoting Africa’s economic growth. The event showcases over 352 exhibitors from 22 African nations and attracts over 250 buyers from across the globe. She emphasised that a lot has changed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, making it vital to reposition the Indaba to remain relevant in the current environment.
The Tourism Minister announced that this year’s Indaba will be launched under the tagline, “Shaping Africa’s tomorrow, through connection today.” The goal is to attract 5.7 million new tourists from all over the world, which is a significant increase from prior years. She also revealed that the plan is to double the numbers, which could create more job opportunities and give additional exposure to small, medium, and micro-enterprises (SMMEs).
De Lille is dedicated to utilising all opportunities to showcase Africa’s offerings to the tourism industry. She stated that it is encouraging that the most significant source of arrivals is from other African countries, with over four million arrivals during this period. Africa’s Travel Indaba aims to promote collective growth for the African continent and the first event will be held at the Durban ICC in May.