Africa’s Travel Indaba 2024 kicked off with a bang on May 14, as South Africa’s Tourism Minister, Patricia de Lille, officially inaugurated the event at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre in Durban. This prestigious trade show brought together key delegates from all corners of the globe to engage in business with Africa, setting the stage for a week of networking, collaboration, and growth.
The Business Opportunity Networking Day (BONDay) on May 13th, featuring South Africa’s Deputy Minister Fish Mahlalela as the keynote speaker, paved the way for the exchange of insights, ideas, and partnerships. With the theme of “Unlimited Africa,” the Africa Travel Indaba provided a platform for buyers to interact directly with over 1,261 exhibitors from 25 African countries and over 1,000 buyers from 55 countries.
The event also saw the participation of thought leaders, decision-makers, and representatives from various African countries, including Zimbabwe, Zambia, Lesotho, and Swaziland, with Guinea and Eritrea making their debut appearances. South African Tourism made a concerted effort to strengthen its presence in the Indian tourism market by hosting over 40 trade partners, with a focus on tier 2 and tier 3 cities.
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille highlighted the relaunch of the R1.2 billion Tourism Equity Fund (TEF) by the Department of Tourism, aimed at supporting the growth of emerging tourism enterprises. She also underscored the significant economic impact of Africa’s Travel Indaba, which has contributed between R22 million and R260 million per year to the province’s GDP from 2004 to 2022, totaling a R3 billion impact.
As Africa’s Travel Indaba 2024 continues to facilitate business transactions and foster collaboration, it serves as a vital platform for driving sustainable tourism development and forging global partnerships. With South Africa’s ongoing efforts to position itself as a premier tourist destination, events like the Africa Travel Indaba play a crucial role in propelling the tourism sector forward.