The 2025 African Travel Indava is more than just an exhibition. According to Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille, it is a platform that reconstructs the story, builds strong connections and unlocks shared values across the continent.
The highly anticipated 2025 African Travel Indava officially launched today at Durban's iconic Moses Mavida Stadium under the theme of “Unlimited Africa.”
The event was led by the Minister, senior representatives of the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government and Tourism Bureau, South Africa Tourism and the larger Tourism sector.
African Travel Indava serves as a one-stop marketplace for discovering and sourcing a diverse range of African tourism products and experiences.
With over 297 unique products, one 200 exhibitors across 26 African countries, and 908 judged international buyers representing 55 global markets, the event offers tailored networking opportunities and business meetings from pre-scheduled businesses.
Buyers gain unparalleled access to customer curated, diverse, authentic, emerging travel products.
The department said exhibitors will benefit from premium exposure to tourism decision makers around the world.
On a completely sold out exhibition floor, the event will provide 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 were held at Travel Indava, Africa, to convert ideas into trades and exposure. The platform also enhances SMMES through mentorship, visibility and access to global buyers.
The department unlocked some of the economic impact of the event.
• R226 million of direct economic activity generated in Durban in 2024, an additional R333 million across KwaZulu-Natal.
• Over 1,000 employments created through the event.
•120 Tourism SMMES empowered to attract global buyers and media, made possible through funding from the Tourism Bureau's Market Access Support Program.
“New global campaign: “We are waiting for South Africa – Find your joy!” – a celebration of the country's endless energy, rich culture and extraordinary experience,” Delhir said.
“Our mission is for every visitor to discover joy beyond the length and width of South Africa, discover all our diverse tourism offerings and hidden gems in every small town, dopey and town.”
Sibusiso Ndebele, representing the KZN tourism and film authority, said the prestigious tourism exhibition is the perfect platform to showcase destination offerings to thousands of tourism buyers from around the world looking for exciting tourism destinations to sell and package them to their customers.
“ATI also benefits new tourism entrepreneurs who will have the opportunity to create valuable connections with global trade that can drive a higher and richer tourism business.
“For many years, we have led the Tourism Ambassadors Program, which gives tourism students the opportunity to be at the forefront of tourism and play a pivotal role in welcoming guests to KZN.
Nkosenhle Madlala, chairman of governance and human capital in the Etekwini metropolitan area, said, “As we begin preparing for the African Travel Indaba, we are not only celebrating the vibrant culture and stunning landscape, but also reaffirming our unwavering spirit and resilience.
Some of the key highlights we look forward to this year's African travel Indava:
•Business Opportunity Networking Day: Ideas fulfill opportunities and new trends take shape.
•AI and Tech-focused session: Explore ways technology can enhance the tourism customer journey.
• Cross-border tourism collaboration forum: Support local growth through collective marketing and shared products.
• 12 independent airlines and airline pavilions: an increase in air access and route development across Africa.
With the G20 Summit being held in South Africa for the first time this year in Africa's soil, African Travel Indava sets the stage for positioning the continent as a major player in global tourism dialogue and as a major player in major events and conferences.
“Tourism is not a side effect of our economic story. It is the central setting. We invite all our representatives to experience the power of the tourism sector of the African continent while enjoying South African hospitality in Kwa Zulu-Natal. – sanews.gov.za
