Africa’s largest tourism trade show sets the bar high as it officially opens for business
Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre is a hive of activities as it welcomes delegates from around the world to yet another edition of the Africa’s Travel Indaba trade show, where hundreds of exhibitors, buyers and key stakeholders gather to showcase their businesses and sell their tourism products and services.
Themed – Unlimited Africa, this year’s Indaba draw exhibitors from 21 African countries, including 10 tourism boards from the continent and 123 small businesses sponsored by the Department of Tourism at a cost of R11,7 million rands to feature at the trade show as part of the department’s efforts to support these businesses, as the department’s strategy tigers back to its booming level prior to the pandemic. The department has set key priority pillars on its strategy to revive the sector after a devastating COVID-19 pandemic, which halted the growth of the sector.
Welcoming delegates to the province of KwaZulu-Natal, Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube said tourism is one of the formal sectors identified by the province as part of economic transformation, recovery and reconstruction plan. The province reached an average occupancy rate of 81% between December 2022 to January 2023, with travelers choosing the province of KwaZulu-Natal as their holiday destination.
On the photo: Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille and KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube.
Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille made an emphasis on the investment of sustainable tourism to protect community, natural resources for more inclusive growth for the sector. Collaborative efforts have also been strengthened with African countries, to broaden the scope of tourism products and services, which attracts large scores of travellers from all over the world. The use of technology and innovation will play a critical role in developing and promoting the products and services to the world, making it more accessible to all travellers.
“I also call on all our provinces to sponsor SMME’s to come to the Travel Indaba, to get the opportunity to showcase their products. To all the African product owners, thank you for creating a cohesive and thriving tourism sector that benefits communities and promotes faster economic growth. Our Countries and the continent’s tourism sector can grow more and more if we work together. If you’re an accommodation establishment, airline partner, travel agency, tour operator and any other tourism products and experience, this call is to you in showcasing our continent’s diverse experiences and attractions”, said Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille delivering the opening address.
Minister De Lille made a call to all delegates to take advantage of the Sho’t Left Travel Week, where it offers discounted rates to travellers, to help boost the domestic tourism for the sector to thrive again. The discounted rates offer up to 50% off during the week starting from the 4 th to the 10 th of September, encouraging South Africans to travel to our beautiful, vibrant and diverse country.
South African Tourism will promote all Sho’t Left Travel Week deals on various marketing platforms, giving a chance to market your products or services.
More than 6 000 delegates descended to Ethekwini, with 1 000 international buyers and 1 000 exhibitors showcasing 350 products and services to the world. This also forms part of the SMME businesses showcasing authentic products and services, on a competitive advantage. With Indaba celebrating 40 years since its launch, Durban will soon become the permanent home for this continental premiere event.
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