Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille and tourism sector partners host African Travel Indava Media launch
The highly anticipated 2025 African Travel Indava officially launched today at a media event held at the iconic Moses Mavida Stadium in Durban. The event was led by Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille.
South Africa's tourism and the larger tourism sector emphasize the strategic importance of tourism as a catalyst for comprehensive growth.
This year's African Travel Indava theme, Unlimited Africa, is a bold declaration of the spirit and ambition of the continent. In her keynote address, Minister Delhir described Indaba as follows: “It's not just an exhibition, it's a platform for restructuring stories, creating powerful connections and unlocking shared values across the continent.”
The value of travel indava in Africa
For Buyers: 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 business meetings from customized networking opportunities and pre-scheduled businesses. Buyers gain unparalleled access to customer curated, diverse, authentic, emerging travel products.
Exhibitors will benefit from premium exposure to global tourism decision makers. 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.
For the media, African travel indava is a hub of storytelling, with a wealth of content and impact. Media partners will have access to keynote speeches, press briefings and exclusive interviews with tourism leaders. This is the gateway to discovering untold stories of innovation, community uplifting, and continental collaboration.
Journalists are encouraged to spotlight emerging tourism destinations, young entrepreneurs and culture-rich experiences that define modern African travel stories.
Economic impact of Indaba in Durban and KwaZulu-Natal:
A R226 million of direct economic activity generated in Durban in 2024, an additional R333 million across KwaZulu-Natal. Over 1,000 employment created through the event. 120 Tourism SMMES empowered the media made possible through funding from the Ministry of Tourism's Market Access Support Program to attract global buyers and media
Speaking at the media launch, Minister Delhir said, “We are even more excited about this year's African travel Indava coming soon after the launch of a new global campaign. “South Africa is eagerly waiting – come and find your joy!” Town,
Dopee and Township.”
Dr Sibusiso Ndebele, chairman of the Board of Directors representing KZN Tourism and Film Bureau, said, “After more than 30 years of holding African Travel Indaba (ATI), we are pleased to be the host state of ATI 2025. ATI will have the opportunity to develop relationships with global trade that can drive tourism for many years. Kwazulu-Natal Africa's Travel Indaba's permanent home.”
“When we set out to prepare for the African Travel Indava, we are not only celebrating the vibrant culture and stunning landscape, but also reaffirming our unwavering spirit and resilience. Durban is ready to showcase the hospitality and commitment to excellence in the global tourism sector. Ethekwini Metro's governance and human capital said.
Some of the key highlights we look forward to this year's African travel Indava:
Bonday (Business Opportunity Networking Day): Where ideas take shape and emerging trends. AI & 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 Aviation Aviation and Airline Pavilions: Increased 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 has become the stage for positioning the continent as a major player in global tourism dialogue and as a major player in major events and conferences.
Minister Delhir 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 on the African continent and enjoy South African hospitality in KwaZulu-Natal.
For more information, please contact:
Zara Nicholson
Ministry of Media Liaison Officer
Cell: +27(0)79 416 5996
Email: znicholson@tourism.gov.za
Sightseeing in South Africa
Email: mediaq@southafrica.net
Website: www.southafrica.ne
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