Limpopo Tourism Agency (LTA) told the Herald that they are confident that the province and the tourism industry will benefit from being part of the 44th edition of the Indaba. “The delegates worked hard to close business deals that will bolster tourism in the province that will contribute to the economy of the province,” explained LTA spokesperson, Mike Tauatsoala. The event is the largest trade show and tourism marketing event on the African calendar and one of the top three ‘must visit’ events of its kind on the global calendar.

It showcases the widest variety of Southern Africa’s best tourism products and attracts international visitors and media from across the world. This year saw over 6000 delegates attend the show with over 1000 exhibitors and over 1700 buyers from all over the world including 21 African countries. Limpopo’s approach focussed on heritage and culture with an emphasis on sustainable development and tourism icons such as the Kruger National Park and Mapungubwe.

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Emphasis was also placed on the four tourism clusters of conservation, family and recreation, sport and wildlife, and heritage and culture. “The second day of the indaba was declared Limpopo Day and delegates wore traditional garments representing the diverse cultures of the province. A highlight was when the CEO of LTA, Moses Ngobeni, and the LTA board chairperson, Andrew Dipela, announced surprise performances by Matalane Mokgatla, the traditional poet, and the artist and singer, Pleasure wa tša Manyalo. Their performances shook the exhibition centre and made everybody dance the afternoon away.

“Excited guests at the Limpopo stand were also served traditional food and drinks,” Tauatsoala added. LTA leadership also met with Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency and the North West Tourism Agency to discuss collaborations as emphasised by the Minister of Tourism, Patricia De Lille, during her official opening. LTA further held discussions with tourism authorities from SADC countries where critical issues of collaboration were addressed. In attendance were representatives from Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and Zambia. Limpopo’s municipalities, travel agencies, and accommodation facilities promoted their brands.