Africa’s Travel Indaba 2023: All-round success for stakeholders, consolidation on recovery gains
The 2023 edition of Africa's Travel Indaba was an outstanding achievement. Initial indications reveal that this year's event surpassed expectations with an impressive attendance of 8,629 delegates, facilitating 21,000 meetings between exhibitors and international buyers. The gathering showcased a remarkable array of products presented by 1,023 exhibitors, along with the participation of over 1,000 international buyers.
Zinhle Nzama, the Acting Chief Conventions Bureau Officer at South African Tourism, expressed her satisfaction with the success of Africa's Travel Indaba 2023. During the media wrap-up conference, hosted by Durban Tourism, KwaZulu-Natal Tourism, South African Tourism, and the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (Durban ICC), Nzama acknowledged the event's accomplishment. She emphasized that this year's Indaba surpassed the previous year's performance, with an impressive increase in the number of meetings from 13,000 in 2022 to 21,000 in 2023. The exhibition also featured the active participation of 22 African countries, over 8,500 delegates, 1,023 exhibitors, and 1,737 international buyers.
Phindile Makwakwa, the Chief Operating Officer at Tourism KwaZulu-Natal, highlighted the importance of making Africa's Travel Indaba a truly Pan-African event. Makwakwa emphasized the significance of collaboration with SA Tourism and other partners in showcasing the best of the African continent. She praised the hosting of buyers and media on pre and post-tours to various destinations, allowing them to experience firsthand what the region has to offer and promote KwaZulu-Natal to their clients. Makwakwa encouraged the partners to maintain unity and continue to work together effectively.
With enthusiasm, Makwakwa expressed anticipation for Durban to become the permanent home of Indaba. She expressed confidence in the partnership between ICC Durban, the City of Durban, Tourism KZN, and South African Tourism, emphasizing their commitment to putting their best efforts forward. Winile Mntungwa, Deputy Head of Durban Tourism, highlighted the positive economic impact of Africa's Travel Indaba on Durban. The event contributed significantly to the city's Gross Domestic Product, hotel and non-hotel occupancy rates, actual spending, and the creation of job opportunities. Mntungwa described the experience of hosting Indaba in Durban as profound and emphasized the immeasurable exposure it brought to the city on a global scale.
Mntungwa expressed gratitude to the international media for their extensive coverage and extended well wishes to the delegates. She also shared exciting plans for Durban, including the establishment of an international film city, a new shopping center called West Town, a mixed-use development, efforts to enhance cruise tourism, and the revival of the Waterfront Point Development. John Aritho, Chief Operating Officer at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, praised South African Tourism and described the 2023 edition of the show as "electric." He expressed his admiration for its success and conveyed his excitement about the future.
Aritho mentioned that the Inkosi Albert Luthuli ICC is currently reimagining the surrounding areas to include restaurants and other amenities necessary for hosting conferences of the ICC's magnitude. During the official opening, Tourism Minister Patricia De Lille emphasized her commitment to collaboration with counterparts across the continent. Aritho concluded by stating his appreciation for South African Tourism's efforts and success in organizing Africa's Travel Indaba 2023.
