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South African Tourism and the good people of the ‘Rainbow Country’ will play host to annual Africa`s leading tourism bourse “Africa’s Travel Indaba”. The three-day expo., which runs from May 9-11, 2023 at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban has a plethora of new offerings to discerning visitors. This year’s theme is “Unlimited Africa” which signals that the African continent is open for business hence welcoming the world to come and discover, connect and grow. As in the tradition of the continental tourism expo, this year’s 2023 edition brings together Africa’s tourism sector with the sole aim of fast-tracking and growing the tourism sector recovery. Diverse Africa’s tourism products and experiences will be showcased, including direct engagement with global travel buyers and sellers.

The event will witness the launch of the global initiative on sustainable and responsible tourism by South African Tourism (SA Tourism) at the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) stand on May 10th. There will also be the launch of the Basic Quality Verification Program by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa which is aimed at helping small tourism establishments in under-resourced areas reach their full potential by giving unemployed youth access to training.

The gist of this year's event is increased participation by exhibitors and delegates, surpassing previous editions. In 2022, the show attracted more than 5,500 delegates from all over the world, with 634 exhibiting businesses from 19 countries on the continent, showcasing an array of travel and tourism offerings to regional and international buyers. It is expected that at least 160 first-time exhibitors will attend. Speaking of firsts, the new South African Minister of Tourism, Ms Patricia de Lille will officially open the meeting on May 9th for the first time in her role as Minister. This offers an opportunity for new engagement for visitors, trade associations, government agencies, travel buyers and sellers and even the media. 

New focus on sustaining recovery across Africa 

Africa’s Travel Indaba has been highlighting why Africa is a must-visit continent and the destination of choice. This year will be no different as the focus will be to champion the sustenance of the continent’s tourism sector recovery with insights from experts that will benefit industry stakeholders and businesses. In line with that, South African Minister of Tourism Ms. de Lille highlighted the role Africa’s Travel Indaba plays in contributing to Africa’s tourism sector recovery and growth post the COVID-19 pandemic.

 “It is up to each and every one of us to play our part to re-ignite the African economy. We win when we all win! Africa’s Travel Indaba presents us with an opportunity to continue with the efforts we started last year when the sector met in person for the first time,” she said.

The menu of activities includes the Business Opportunity Networking Day dubbed “BONDay” on May 8th which is a carefully curated selection of educational sessions, informative current trends as well as topical issues being discussed with the business events industry in a meaningful way. 

So, get ready to experience new things, make new contacts, seal new deals and network like never before at this year’s edition of Africa’s Travel Indaba.