The Africa Travel Indaba at Durban’s Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre has kicked off with a bang, attracting nearly 10,000 delegates from 25 countries. Despite facing challenges such as safety concerns, infrastructure issues, and restrictive visa policies, experts believe that the tourism sector in South Africa is on the brink of a major comeback.
Themed “Unlocking Opportunities”, the three-day trade show is serving as a platform for African tourism exhibitors to showcase their offerings to both international and local buyers. South African National Parks (SANParks) spokesperson JP Louw described the event as a “catalyst for inter-Africa travel”, highlighting the importance of international and local visitors to their parks.
Rosemary Anderson, the national chair of the Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa, emphasized the significance of the indaba in showcasing the diverse tourism products available across Africa. She also noted the boost the event provides to the local tourism sector, particularly benefiting hotels in Durban.
While signs of recovery are evident, Anderson acknowledged that the tourism sector in Southern Africa is still facing challenges, with visitor numbers only reaching 80% of pre-Covid levels. She pointed out that factors such as safety, infrastructure, and visa policies are hindering the region’s tourism potential.
As industry leaders gather at the Africa Travel Indaba, the focus is on addressing these barriers comprehensively to ensure the growth and sustainability of the tourism sector in South Africa and beyond. The event is not only a showcase of the continent’s best tourism products but also a platform for collaboration and innovation in the industry.