By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Thousand delegates and over 1 300 exhibitors take part in Africa’s Travel Indaba (ATI) 2025 trade show, which officially opened at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC) on Tuesday.
Hotel occupancy in Durban and Umhlanga is ranging from 80% to 90% during the Indaba, says Jaya Naidoo, East Coast general manager of the Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa (Fedhasa).
He adds that the ATI event significantly influences hotel bookings, particularly in Durban Central and Umhlanga.
Provincial tourism promotion agency KZN Tourism and Film Authority (TKZN) said ATI this week follows the mega clash between two of the biggest soccer teams in South Africa – Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates – in the Nedbank Cup Final at Moses Mabhida Stadium at the weekend.
It added that ATI and the soccer final represented “a true testament of KZN’s diversity at hosting mega events in sports and exhibitions”.
TKZN interim CEO Sibusiso Gumbi commented: “Africa’s Travel Indaba is a very exciting time for the tourism sector as we will not only welcome delegates from all over the globe, but our hotels and accommodation establishments will be full.
“Eateries around the city will be buzzing and enjoying the economic benefits of hosting an event of such magnitude.”
While SA Tourism and KZN authorities are touting this year’s event as a record year, the show’s records in attendance, number of exhibitors and buyers were in the run-up years to the 2010 Fifa World Cup and the years just after that, according to stats on the ATI website.
Final numbers for this year’s event will be confirmed at the conclusion of the trade show on Thursday. If organisers secure between 1 300 and 1 400 exhibiting companies this year, and 2 500 to 2 600 international ‘buyers’, ATI 2025 will be the busiest event since 2012/2013.
Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, officially opened Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025, delivering a rallying call for inclusive, sustainable, and accelerated tourism growth across the continent.
De Lille positioned the Indaba as a catalyst for job creation, economic development, and African leadership on the global tourism stage.
“This year, Durban is the host city of Indaba and a symbol of momentum for the entire African tourism community.”
De Lille shared the latest performance figures for the sector:
• In 2024, South Africa alone welcomed 8.9 million tourists, and their direct spending contribution was R91.6bn, supporting an estimated 1.6 million jobs.
• In the first quarter of 2025, South Africa welcomed close to 2.6 million tourists, reflecting a 5.7% growth compared to the same period in 2024.
• 75% of South Africa’s international arrivals come from the rest of Africa.
According to UN Tourism, “in 2024, tourism in Africa saw a sharp rebound, with a 96% recovery compared to 2019, positioning our continent among the world’s fastest-growing regional tourism destinations.”
De Lille announced that “this year’s Indaba welcomes over 1,300 exhibitors, delegates from 27 African countries, and over 1,200 vetted international buyers from 55 source markets.” “We are especially honoured to welcome new participants from Chad, St Helena, and Burkina Faso, whose presence affirms Indaba’s growing role as a truly continental platform.”
She described the African tourism economy as one that is “diverse, youthful, digital, and green.”
De Lille said the Department of Tourism is finalising a Tourism Growth Partnership Plan for the next five years.
In South Africa, tourism already contributes 8.9% to the GDP and supports 1.6 million jobs. The government aims to increase this to over two million jobs by 2030, highlighting the sector’s potential for job creation and economic growth.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile gave a keynote speech in which he called for Africans to be solution providers for Africa.
Mashatile emphasised Africa’s rich cultural heritage and the economic opportunities that tourism presents. He noted that tourism is projected to contribute 10.4% to Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030, up from the current 6.8%.
He highlighted the importance of inter-African travel and breaking down barriers to promote regional integration.
“This month, we are reminded to forge unity, strengthen the bonds of solidarity, and cooperation among the African states. This is a call we must never forsake until we witness a more integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa,” he stated.
Mashatile paid tribute to African leaders such as Jomo Kenyatta, Julius Nyerere, and Thomas Sankara, acknowledging their contributions to achieving political independence and transforming the continent.
“Due to their contributions in achieving political independence, Africa is now welcoming many tourists to explore its beauty, marvels, hospitality, and culture. Many travellers are drawn to uncover the roots that shaped these remarkable men and women of our continent, and for this, we should be proud,” he said.
He also reflected on the words of the late President Nelson Mandela at the Indaba International Tourism Workshop, emphasising the commitment to boosting Africa’s tourism industry.
Watch Live in the video below:
Video Courtesy of SAT.