By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille officially launched the 2025 indaba on Wednesday and promised yet another eventful gathering that brought together everyone in the sector.
The launch at Moses Mabida Stadium in Durban was attended by senior representatives from the KwaZulu-Natal government, South African Tourism and the greater tourism sector.
This is a build up to the 2025 edition of Africa’s biggest travel seminar which brings together thousands of local and international delegates.
The 2025 edition of Africa’s Travel Indaba takes place from 12 to 15 May in Durban under the theme “Unlimited Africa”.
De Lille said in 2024 the Indaba hosted more than 9000 delegates and 1200 exhibitors, where 24 000 business meetings turned ideas into action and R226 million in direct economic activity was generated in Durban.
She said interest was surging from major markets including the United States, China, UK and India.
A total of 55 countries are represented in their buyer profile.
“Africa’s Travel Indaba will feature discussions and workshops on how Artificial Intelligence can drive customer service improvements, streamline operations, enhance visitor experiences, and optimise marketing strategies.
“This will help tourism businesses; particularly small and medium enterprises harness the power of AI to stay competitive in the global tourism market,” she said.
De Lille said as a proudly Pan African trade show, this year’s Indaba would also highlight opportunities for cross-border tourism collaborations and regional destination marketing to increase the value of Africa’s tourism offering.
“Additionally, Africa’s Travel Indaba will showcase how local tourism can drive sustainable economic growth and contribute to job creation,” she said.
De Lille said this year is historic for the country as for the first time, the G20 Summit comes to African soil – to South Africa’s shores.
“As the G20 Chair this year, we are hosting meetings throughout the year with the second G20 Tourism Working Group taking place in KZN during Indaba.
“We have a golden opportunity to forge meaningful partnerships for tourism growth on a global scale. By the end of November over 200 G20 related meetings will be hosted across our provinces, spotlighting not just our tourism experiences and offerings, but our capability, our hospitality, and our readiness to lead,” she said.
De Lille said KwaZulu-Natal is not just a province, but a mirror of the continent’s warmth, resilience and potential.
Nkosenhle Madlala, chairperson of governance and human capital in eThekwini Municipality, said Durban with its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes and hospitable communities is more than ready to host this prestigious event.
“We believe Africa’s Travel Indaba is not just an event, it’s a powerful platform that brings people together, a convergence of ideas, cultures and opportunities,” said Madlala.
De Lille added that this dynamic campaign invites travellers to rediscover their sense of wonder, embracing the joy that travel to South Africa can unlock.
Nombulelo Guliwe, CEO of South African Tourism, said they were expecting quality buyers and an increased number of exhibitors who will showcase their tourism offerings from Africa under one roof.