Africa’s Travel Indaba 2024 Sees Record Attendance and Economic Impact
AFRICA’S TRAVEL INDABA 2024 SAW RECORD ATTENDANCE AND ECONOMIC IMPACT, HIGHLIGHTING AFRICAN TOURISM’S VIBRANT GROWTH.
Africa’s Travel Indaba 2024 attracted 9,280 registered delegates, marking a 7% increase from 2023. With 24,000 meetings between exhibitors and buyers, the event showcased over 1,200 exhibitors featuring a wide range of African tourism products and experiences.
Themed “Unlimited Africa,” the event officially opened on May 14, with South Africa’s Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille presiding. The event ran until May 16, preceded by a Business Opportunity Networking Day (BONDay) on May 13.
Africa’s Travel Indaba 2024: Economic Impact and Growth
At the wrap-up conference, Nombulelo Guliwe, CEO of South African Tourism, emphasized the significant economic impact. Phindile Makwakwa, COO of Tourism KwaZulu-Natal, Winile Mntungwa, Deputy Head of Durban Tourism, and John Aritho, COO of the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (Durban ICC), also addressed the media.
Mntungwa highlighted that the economic activities surpassed initial projections. The event’s direct economic impact on Durban was R226 million, with an additional R333 million from spillover effects. This contributed over R500 million to the city’s GDP, creating over 1,000 jobs, especially for the youth.
benefits Beyond the City Center
Mntungwa also noted that the economic benefits extended beyond the city center. Township and rural tourism and hospitality businesses like The Silokazis and Octavia Boutique Hotel in Inanda, Max’s Lifestyle in uMlazi, and the Coastal Resort in Umgababa hosted delegates, spreading the economic impact.
Guliwe expressed pride in delivering top African tourism products and experiences. The Africa’s Travel Indaba 2024 saw a 9% increase in African countries participating, reflecting robust growth in the African tourism sector.
KwaZulu-Natal: The Ideal Host
Makwakwa highlighted KwaZulu-Natal’s suitability for hosting Africa’s Travel Indaba. The province offers a multicultural experience, historical significance, a wide variety of tourism products, and quality venues and facilities. She looked forward to an even bigger and better Indaba in 2025.
Makwakwa also advocated for Durban to become the permanent home of Africa’s Travel Indaba, citing confidence in the partnership between South African Tourism, Tourism KwaZulu-Natal, the City of Durban, and the Durban ICC.
Sustainable Local Impact
Aritho emphasized the ICC’s commitment to ensuring the Africa’s Travel Indaba 2024 contributes sustainably to the local economy. The ICC involves students from Durban University of Technology and local chefs, providing them with training and opportunities during the event.
Nationally, the Department of Tourism funded 120 Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs). All South African provinces participating in the trade show also supported various SMMEs, giving them access to international buyers.
At the press conference, all parties thanked the media for their extensive coverage. They highlighted the media’s role in sharing the story of an “Unlimited Africa.”
Final Words
Africa’s Travel Indaba 2024 demonstrated its critical role in economic growth, job creation, and showcasing the best of African tourism. The event’s success reflects the strength and potential of Africa’s tourism industry.
