The highly anticipated Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025 was officially launched at a media event hosted at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Wednesday, 23 April 2025.
Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille and Dr. Sibusiso Ndebele, Board Chairperson of KZN Tourism and Film Authority, shared their excitement about the event’s potential to drive tourism growth and economic development.
Africa’s Travel Indaba is a premier tourism event that brings together industry professionals, buyers, and exhibitors from across Africa and the world.
The event serves as a platform for showcasing Africa’s diverse tourism offerings, forging business connections, and driving economic growth.
This year’s theme, “Unlimited Africa,” promises to deliver an unforgettable experience.
Minister de Lille said: “Not just a trade show – it is a platform to reshape narratives, forge powerful connections, and unlock shared value across our continent.”
Dr. Ndebele said: “This prestigious tourism exhibition is the perfect platform to showcase the destination’s offerings to the thousands of tourism buyers coming from all over the world.”
The event has consistently generated significant economic activity, with R226 million in direct economic activity in Durban and R333 million across KwaZulu-Natal in 2024. Over 1,000 jobs were created, and 120 tourism SMMEs were empowered through the Department of Tourism’s
Market Access Support Programme.
Highlights of Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025 include:
BONDay (Business Opportunity Networking Day)
AI & Tech-Focused Sessions
Cross-border Tourism Collaboration Forums
12 Independent Airlines & an Airline Pavilion
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 KwaZulu-Natal.”
Dr. Ndebele expressed hope that KwaZulu-Natal would become Africa’s Travel Indaba’s permanent home.
By Luyanda Khanyile
