Africa’s Travel Indaba injects $40 million into the local economy

Africa’s Travel Indaba 2024 Wraps Up with Record Numbers and Economic Impact

Africa’s Travel Indaba 2024, themed “Unlimited Africa,” concluded with resounding success as it hosted 9280 registered delegates, marking a 7 per cent increase from the previous year. The event, which took place between the 14th and 16th of May, saw no less than 24,000 meetings held between exhibitors and buyers, showcasing over 1200 exhibitors displaying a diverse range of African tourism products and experiences.

The official opening of the event was conducted by South Africa’s Tourism minister, Honourable Patricia de Lille, with a Business Opportunity Networking Day (BONDay) preceding the main event on the 13th of May.

At the wrap-up conference, key figures including Nombulelo Guliwe CEO at South African Tourism, Phindile Makwakwa COO of Tourism KwaZulu-Natal, Winile Mntungwa deputy head of Durban Tourism, and John Aritho COO of Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre highlighted the significant economic impact of the event.

Winile Mntungwa emphasized the direct economic impact on the city of R226 million, with an additional R333 million in spillover effects, contributing to over R500 million to the city’s GDP and creating over 1,000 jobs, especially for the youth.

Nombulelo Guliwe praised the increase of 9 per cent in the number of African countries participating in the trade show, reflecting the robust growth of the African tourism sector. Phindile Makwakwa expressed excitement for Indaba 2025, advocating for Durban to become the permanent home of Africa’s Travel Indaba.

The success of Africa’s Travel Indaba 2024 underscores its critical role in economic growth, job creation, and showcasing the best of African tourism. With a focus on sustainability and supporting local businesses, the event has left a lasting impact on the tourism industry in Africa.