Over 2 000 jobs, particularly for the youth and local communities, with an anticipated household income contribution exceeding R140-million, have been created through the latest Africa’s Travel Indaba.
The annual project that was held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. The three-day event started on Thursday, May 15, and attracted 10 000 attendees. It marked an impressive 7.7% increase compared to 9 280 delegates who attended in 2024.
Post Covid-19 improvements
This has highlighted that the industry is slowly gaining its momentum since the Covid-19 pandemic.
Winile Mntungwa, Deputy Head of Durban Tourism, said the economic ripple effect was felt far beyond the city centre. It benefitted township and rural tourism enterprises – both formal and informal. Hospitality businesses in areas that hosted or serviced delegates through pre- and post-tours, and local services had a boom time.
Thembisile Sehloho, Chief Marketing Officer at South African Tourism, elaborated on the event. She said it attracted 1 348 exhibitors and 1 037 buyers. Both both exhibitor and international buyer numbers were the highest recorded in the past four years, she added.
Sehloho said the projected economic benefits spurred by Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025 have been significant. From event infrastructure and logistics to accommodation, restaurants, and local transport services. And all resulted in job creation.
R574m injected into KZN economy
“The direct economic impact of Africa’s Travel Indaba on Durban’s GDP is estimated at R574-million. This with direct spending totalling more than R232-million, highlighting the substantial economic benefits.”
Sehloho further said this year, they cemented Africa’s Travel Indaba’s position as a proudly Pan African event. It saw a notable increase in the number of African countries participating.
“This success is a direct result of powerful collaborations with all our partners. The significant enthusiasm and business conducted reflect the robust growth and immense potential of the African tourism sector.
Premier showcase
“We are exceptionally proud to have once again delivered the premier showcase of the African continent’s diverse tourism products and experiences,” said Sehloho.
One of the exhibitors and businessman, Khotso Micha, said these platforms help them learn, improve and ultimately better their businesses.
Micha, who owns Kamma Kai lodge in George, in the Western Cape, further said the industry has a lot to offer.
