DURBAN- The highly anticipated 2025 Africa’s Travel Indaba was officially launched on Wednesday at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium by Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille.
This year’s Africa’s Travel Indaba theme, “Unlimited Africa,” is a bold declaration of the continent’s spirit and ambition. In her keynote, Minister de Lille described Indaba as: “Not just a trade show – it is a platform to reshape narratives, forge powerful connections, and unlock shared value across our continent.”
The Value of Africa’s Travel Indaba For Buyers: Africa’s Travel Indaba serves as a one-stop marketplace for discovering and sourcing a diverse range of African tourism products and experiences. With over 297 unique offerings, 1 200 exhibitors from across 26 African countries and 908 vetted international buyers representing 55 global markets, the event provides tailored networking opportunities and pre-scheduled business to business meetings – already totalling 7,430 confirmed engagements.
READ | Africa’s Travel Indaba cements its Pan-African status
Buyers gain unmatched access to curated, diverse, authentic, and emerging travel products for their customers.
Exhibitors benefit from premium exposure to global tourism decision-makers. With a completely sold-out exhibition floor, the event presents a high Return on Investment (ROI) environment for launching new products, forming strategic partnerships and entering new markets.
In 2024, over 24 000 business meetings took place at Africa’s Travel Indaba, helping transform ideas into deals and exposure into revenue.
The platform also empowers SMMEs through mentorship, visibility and access to global buyers.
Economic Impact of Indaba in Durban and KwaZulu-Natal.
- R226 million in direct economic activity generated in Durban in 2024, with an additional R333 million across the KwaZulu-Natal province.
- More than 1,000 jobs created through the event.
- Empowered 120 tourism SMMEs to engage global buyers and media made possible through funding from the Department of Tourism’s Market Access Support Programme.
Minister de Lille said: “We are even more excited about this year’s Africa’s Travel Indaba as it comes soon after we launched our new Global Campaign: ‘South Africa Awaits — Come Find Your Joy!’ — a celebration of the country’s boundless energy, rich culture and extraordinary experiences. Our mission is to ensure that all visitors come find their joy across the length and breadth of South Africa and discover all our diverse tourism offerings and our hidden gems in every little town, dorpie and township”.
READ | Triland wins Best Foreign Award at the Fikani Tourism Fair
Some of the key highlights to looking forward to this year’s Africa’s Travel Indaba:
- BONDay (Business Opportunity Networking Day): Where ideas meet opportunity and emerging trends take shape.
- AI & Tech-Focused Sessions: Exploring how technology can enhance the tourism customer journey.
- Cross-border Tourism Collaboration Forums: Supporting regional growth through collective marketing and shared offerings.
- 12 Independent Airlines & an Airline Pavilion: Boosting air access and route development across Africa.
With the G20 Summit being hosted in South Africa, on African soil for the first time this year, Africa’s Travel Indaba also sets the stage for positioning the continent as a leading player in global tourism dialogue and as leader in hosting major events and conferences.
Minister de Lille concluded: “Tourism is not a side act in our economic story – it is centre stage. We invite all delegates to come experience the might of the African continent’s tourism sector while enjoying South Africa’s hospitality in the province of Kwa Zulu-Natal. South Africa awaits – Come find joy.”
