The Tourism Minister of South Africa, Honourable Patricia De Lille has urged Africa’s Travel Indaba exhibitors and buyers to use the trade show to drive and advance a positive and powerful African tourism story.
She made this remark during the opening ceremony of the 2024 edition of Africa’s Travel Indaba at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre Complex (ICC Durban).
Arguably one of the biggest tourism trade shows in the world, Africa’s Travel Indaba over the years has connected buyers and exhibitors and has fostered networking opportunities.
Tour operators, foreign travel agents and destination marketing companies, online bookings agents, transport companies, airlines and travel and tourism companies are among list of buyers whose participation in this event has brought fortune to exhibitors and the South African tourism sector.
Reiterating the event’s impact, Patricia De Lille said Africa’s Travel Indaba provides a platform for African tourism product owners to meet with global buyers who will have a wide variety of products and experiences to engage with.
“We are confident that Africa’s Travel Indaba will continue to be a fertile environment for closing business deals that nurture partnership and drive growth,” De Lille said.
She further stated that Africa’s Travel Indaba is one of the powerful platforms that Africans must continue to use to drive and advance a positive and powerful African tourism story.
Discussing the show’s success, De Lille disclosed that the event has seen ‘ground-breaking growth’ and has welcomed two new countries, Burkina Faso and Eritrea.
“I am so pleased to say that Africa’s Travel Indaba has reached a ground-breaking achievement with the participation of 26 African countries exhibiting this year,” she said.
“These countries represent a total of 344 products that will be showcased is an increase of 14 % compared to last year’s 301 products.
“A special mention goes out to Burkina Faso and Eritrea who are joining us exhibiting at the trade show for the first time” she stated.
De Lille highlighted South Africa’s aim for this year’s show, saying: “We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial partnership and wish all our exhibitors every success at this year’s show.”
She continued: “Africa’s Travel Indaba’s value lies in its targeted opportunities for networking and connecting to advance meaningful business for buyers and exhibitors.
“With more than 1 200 confirmed exhibitors including 26 African countries and over 1100 buyers representing 55 countries, Africa’s Travel Indaba is a truly global trade show that is not to be missed.
Buyers include inbound tour operators, foreign travel agents, destination marketing companies, online bookings agents, transport companies, airlines and travel and tourism companies.
With a fully sold-out floor space and well done to all on this ground-breaking achievement.”
Africa’s Travel Indaba 2024 kicked off Tuesday, May 14, 2024, and will end on Thursday, May 16, 2024.
