Africa's Travel Indaba 2025 is preparing for its official opening in Durban from May 13th to 15th, with Business Opportunity Networking Day (Bonday) starting on May 12th. The excitement has already been built after this week's media launch at Moses Mavida Stadium. There, Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille, KwaZulu-Natal leaders and tourism stakeholders highlighted the growing role of events in fostering inclusive economic growth, innovation and regional collaboration.
Source: Tourism Bureau
This year's African Travel Indaba theme, “Unlimited Africa,” positions the continent as a destination of endless possibilities and ambitions.
In his keynote speech at the time of the media's release, Delir described Indaba as follows: “It's not just a trade fair, it's a platform for restructuring the narrative, building strong connections and unlocking shared values across the continent.”
The value of travel indava in Africa
This event offers buyers a one-stop opportunity to sourise a diverse range of tourism products and experiences from across the continent. Over 7,430 inter-business meetings are already scheduled as they examine more than 1,200 exhibitors from 26 African countries and 908 international buyers representing 55 global markets.
Exhibitors will benefit from direct access to global decision makers and a highly reverted environment for launching new products, forming strategic partnerships and entering new markets. In 2024, over 24,000 business meetings were held at Indava.
The platform is also a springboard for SMMES through mentorship and international exposure, helping startups connect with global buyers and the media.
For the media, African travel indava offers a rich and immense story of community uplifting, innovation and tourism-driven economic impacts. Journalists have access to keynote speeches, briefings and interviews with tourism leaders, and have the opportunity to shine a spotlight on emerging destinations and local entrepreneurs.
Economic impact of Kwazulu-Natal
Last year, Africa's Travel Indava produced R226m through direct economic activity in Durban, adding an additional R333M to Kwazulu-natal, creating over 1,000 job opportunities.
Speaking at the event, Delhir added: “I'm even more excited about this year's travel indava in Africa, shortly after launching a new global campaign. “South Africa is waiting – come and find your joy!”
“Our mission is to ensure that every visitor finds joy beyond the length and width of South Africa and discovers all our diverse tourists and hidden gems in every small town, dopey and town.”
Dr Sibusiso Ndebele, chairman of the KZN Tourism and Film Bureau, said:
“This prestigious tourism exhibition is the perfect platform to showcase destination offerings. Thousands of tourism buyers from around the world are looking for exciting tourist destinations to sell and package to their customers.
“ATI also benefits emerging tourism entrepreneurs who have the opportunity to create valuable connections with global trade that can drive tourism to higher heights.
“For many years, we have led the Tourism Ambassadors Program, which gives tourism students the opportunity to be at the forefront of tourism and to play a pivotal role in welcoming guests to KZN.
Councillor Nkosenhle Madlala, chairman of Governance and Human Capital at Esekwinimetro, added:
“Durban is ready to showcase the hospitality and commitment to excellence in the global tourism sector. Together, let's make this event an important opportunity to reflect our pride and potential.”
Here are some key highlights for 2025:
•Bonday (Business Opportunity Networking Day) Connect ideas to opportunities.
•AI and tech-centric sessions exploring digital transformation in tourism.
• Cross-border tourism collaboration forum that supports regional growth.
• 12 independent airlines and airline pavilions aimed at expanding air access in Africa.
With the G20 Summit being held in African soil for the first time this year, African Travel Indava will also serve as a platform for placing the continent as a leader in global tourism dialogue and event hosting.
Delir concluded: “Tourism is not a side act of our economic narrative, it is a central stage. We invite all our representatives to experience the power of the tourism sector of the African continent while enjoying South African hospitality in KwaZulu-Natal.
