Delegates from across Africa have gathered in Durban for Africa’s Travel Indaba officially commenced at the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC). This year’s event was graced by high-profile figures, including Deputy President Paul Mashatile, the Minister of Tourism Patricia De Lille, KwaZulu Natal Premier Thami Ntuli, and the province’s MEC for Economic Development Reverend Musa Zondi.
“These numbers are not mere statistics,” Xaba emphasised. “They are a powerful endorsement of tourism as a key driver for economic transformation in the city and the province.” This year’s event is themed “Unlimited Africa”, where the focus extends beyond tourism to encompass the intertwining of culture, commerce, and community. Reverend Zondi reaffirmed the province’s commitment to positioning the Indaba as a permanent fixture within its borders. “We remain hopeful and committed to ensuring that Africa’s Travel Indaba becomes a signature event on the international tourism calendar,” he noted. Tourism is not just a buzzword – it stands as a cornerstone of South Africa’s economy and plays a vital role in national and provincial development strategies.
Mayor Cyril Xaba is right to state that Durban needs to grow its tourism sector as it will create jobs when other industries are in the decline. Diversity of sources of employment in the private sector is the key. The purpose of the tourism Indaba is to attract interest in Durban and eThekwini region as whole for the tourism sector. It is meant to grow business and attract tourists to venues such as our beaches and also to look for ways to improve our use of the environment. When these delegates are speaking about an “Unlimited Africa” what are they referring to? Are they referring to an Africa relieved of the restraints of corruption, conflict, and poverty? What do they have planned?
Zondi’s emphasised South Africa’s newly crowned title as the “Friendliest Country in the World,” in his address and he reflected on the sentiment of Minister Tourism, Patricia de Lille’s, when she said that “KwaZulu-Natal is a mirror of Africa’s warmth, resilience, and potential”, and placed the province as the ideal hosts for Africa’s Travel Indaba. He said the Indaba will also showcase 120 small and medium-sized tourism enterprises, including several local businesses, reinforcing the province’s commitment to inclusive economic growth. “These enterprises are given a platform to connect with international buyers and partners, further positioning the region as a hub of opportunity. “Infrastructure readiness, consistent investment, and a focus on air connectivity are key drivers behind KZN’s tourism success.” Zondi reflected on King Shaka International Airport being recently named ‘Best Regional Airport’ in Africa at the Skytrax Awards, and said it was central to plans for increased direct international flights.
“Talks are underway with global carriers, including Air France, to secure routes from Europe and Asia.”
The fact that South Africa has been recognized as the “Friendliest Country in the World,” comes at the time when the United States under President Donald J. Trump has sort to impose heavy tariffs on the country. South Africa is now looking to its own region and the continent to strengthen its economic standing further afield. To build new partnerships. The Africa tourism Indaba is meant to bring African integration and inclusive growth to Durban and KwaZulu-Natal so as to build support. Durban’s local based businesses will play a role in this economic integration due to the importance placed on King Shaka International Airport. The Indaba will help Durban become an international destination, as can be seen by the connections to Europe and Asia such as Air France.
Security should play an essential role, to ensure the safety of tourists. The progress in developing infrastructure readiness, consistent investment, and a focus on air connectivity, will possibly require adapting to Fourth Industrial Revolution Technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics. This year’s Indaba will be a success.
Article written by:
Yacoob Cassim
Journalist at Radio Al Ansaar
