'Unlimited' prospects at Africa's Travel Indaba

The renowned African leisure trade show, will include participants from South Africa and 25 other African countries and over 1200 exhibitors, including 297 tourism products.

- TASCHICA PILLAY

Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, speaking at the launch at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium on Wednesday, said the travel indaba was a collective of voices and stories echoing across the globe.

"From its origins over four decades ago as a local platform, Indaba has grown into the most vibrant travel marketplace on the African continent."

De Lille said the Indaba hosted more than 9000 delegates and 1200 exhibitors last year. It was 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 US, 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 (AI) 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 tourism 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."