Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025 hailed a resounding success
As Durban wrapped up this years’ Africa’s Travel Indaba insights reveal that the direct economic impact on Durban’s GDP is estimated at R574m, with direct spending totaling more than R232m, highlighting the substantial economic benefits. Additionally, the event created over 2000 jobs, particularly for the youth and local communities, with an anticipated household income contribution exceeding R140m.
AS Africa’s Travel Indaba wrapped up, current figures (still to be audited) indicate that the event, themed ‘Unlimited Africa’, hosted more than 9990 attendees, marking an impressive 7.7% increase compared to 9280 delegates that attended in 2024, with over 24 500 quality meetings held.
SA Tourism reported, “The event attracted 1348 exhibitors and 1037 buyers, with both exhibitor and international buyer numbers being the highest recorded in the past four years. A total of 27 African countries participated, including new entrants from Chad, St Helena, and Burkina Faso; additionally the direct economic impact of Africa’s Travel Indaba on Durban’s GDP is estimated at R574m, with direct spending totalling more than R232m.”
Also read: WATCH: Thousands gather at ICC for Africa’s Travel Indaba
“We are exceptionally proud to have once again delivered the premier showcase of the African continent’s diverse tourism products and experiences. This year, we cemented Africa’s Travel Indaba’s position as a proudly pan-African event with a notable increase in the number of African countries participating. This success is a direct result of powerful collaboration with all our partners. The significant enthusiasm and business conducted reflect the robust growth and immense potential of the African tourism sector under the banner of ‘Unlimited Africa’,” said Thembisile Sehloho, chief marketing officer of SA Tourism.”
Deputy head of Durban Tourism Winile Mntungwa shared, “The economic ripple effect was felt far beyond the city centre, benefitting township and rural tourism enterprises – both formal and informal, including hospitality businesses in areas that hosted or serviced delegates through pre and post-tours and local services. This highlights how large events can stimulate broader economic activity, empowering local communities and promoting sustainable development across diverse regions.”
The jury is still out as to whether Durban will again host ATI 2026, as it had done for the past 30 years.
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