ZINHLE Nzama, acting chief conventions bureau officer at South African Tourism, announced yesterday at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre that the 2023 edition of Africa’s Travel Indaba ‘has been successful’.

According to initial indications, this year’s Indaba surpassed projections with a remarkable 8 629 delegates, hosting 21 000 meetings between exhibitors and international buyers. Additionally, the event featured no less than 1 000 international buyers and 1 023 exhibitors who showcased an impressive array of products.

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“We set out to deliver a show that would showcase the best of the African continent, and we did just that, and we could not have done it without our partners and, of course, the greater African tourism industry,” said Nzama.

Nzama emphasised that Africa’s Travel Indaba 2023 significantly outperformed last year’s event, boasting an impressive 21 000 meetings compared to 13 000 in 2022. Furthermore, the exhibition featured the participation of 22 African countries.

“It was important for Tourism KwaZulu-Natal to make Africa’s Travel Indaba a truly Pan-African event in collaboration with SA Tourism and other partners,” said Phindile Makwakwa, the CEO at Tourism KwaZulu-Natal.

Makwakwa is eagerly anticipating Durban becoming the permanent home of Indaba. She expressed confidence in the partnership between ICC Durban, the City of Durban, Tourism KZN and South African Tourism, emphasising that they have been putting their ‘best foot forward’.

Mntungwa emphasised that the experience of hosting Indaba in Durban was ‘profound’. She further described Indaba as a ‘mega’ event for the city, providing immeasurable exposure to the world.

Additionally, she revealed Durban’s exciting plans, including establishing an international film city, a new shopping centre (West Town), a mixed-use development, efforts to enhance cruise tourism, and the revival of the Waterfront Point Development.

John Aritho, CEO at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, expressed his admiration for South African Tourism, describing the 2023 edition of the show as ‘electric’. Aritho conveyed his enthusiasm for its success. He stated, “I take my hat off to South African Tourism.”

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He also mentioned that the Inkosi Albert Luthuli ICC is currently reimagining the precincts to include restaurants and other amenities essential for hosting conferences of the ICC’s magnitude.

Speaking during the official opening on Tuesday, Tourism Minister Patricia De Lille expressed her commitment to collaborating with counterparts across the continent.

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