KZN is taking high-end conferences, incentive travel and deal-making experiences beyond Durban and into every region. From the North Coast’s sleek resorts to the Drakensberg’s misty peaks and the creative calm of the Midlands, KZN is no longer a single venue — it’s a meeting destination in motion.

“Winning the bid to host Africa’s Travel Indaba in May next year gives us a powerful global stage,” says Sibusiso Gumbi, Interim CEO of the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism & Film Authority (KZNTAFA).

“But the bigger win is how this will impact on the tourism sector at large in KZN, as well as the economic benefits that will cascade down to our emerging tourism entrepreneurs and their tourism businesses. ATI will allow us to showcase the full landscape of KZN – the world-class infrastructure in Durban and the authentic regional tourism experiences that make every conference unforgettable.”

Durban ICC: Global credibility, local energy

At the heart of the story is the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC). Recently, Durban was granted a licence that designates the ICC as the home of World Trade Centre Durban.

“The World Trade Centre designation is a game-changer,” says Lindiwe Rakharebe, CEO of the Durban ICC. “It places Durban within a network of more than 300 WTCs across nearly 100 countries, positioning us as a trusted global hub for tourism, business and investment.”

During last year’s Travel Indaba, hotel occupancy in Durban hit nearly 90 percent. Restaurants were full, taxis busy and suppliers thriving. In 2024, more than 50 major conferences and meetings were hosted across Durban and regional centres, generating R4-billion GDP impact, sustaining over 7 000 jobs, and driving R1.6-billion in delegate spend.

Business backing the momentum

“Africa’s Travel Indaba creates opportunities that reach far beyond Durban,” says Palesa Phili, CEO of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry NPC. “It connects tourism and film stakeholders from across the province with international investors and creative industries, driving partnerships that strengthen KZN’s wider visitor economy.

‘’The event generates real value for both corporates and SMMEs — from new business contracts and co-productions to enhanced brand visibility in global markets. Its ripple effect is felt throughout KZN, supporting jobs, boosting confidence and positioning the province as a dynamic business and creative hub.’’

Jaya Naidoo, General Manager of the Federation of Hospitality Association of South Africa (FEDHASA) noted, “During ATI, Durban hotels average between 75–90% occupancy, with overflow to Pietermaritzburg, the Dolphin Coast, Zululand, and the Drakensberg. This extends the economic impact across the province.

‘’Beyond the immediate event, ATI creates long-term benefits — generating future conferences, incentive travel and repeat tourism into Durban and wider KZN. It is a strategic platform that positions Durban and KZN as a world-class hub for business tourism and MICE hospitality.”

The numbers behind the buzz

Tourism isn’t just recovering — it’s booming. In Q1 2025, KwaZulu-Natal welcomed 1.9 million domestic trips worth R6.1-billion, plus 194 000 international visitors spending R1.5-billion. With 78 percent of all travel driven by locals exploring their own province, KZN enjoys South Africa’s highest intra-provincial travel rate.

On the business-events front, KZN’s MICE sector is surging. The 2025–2027 pipeline is valued at hundreds of millions of rand, with confirmed bids in energy, water, logistics, finance, health and creative industries. KZN’s share of the national MICE market keeps rising — the Durban ICC hosts most flagship events while new venues in Ballito, Pietermaritzburg, Richards Bay and the Drakensberg extend the footprint.

This performance cements KZN as the engine room of South Africa’s business-tourism economy — a province blending world-class infrastructure with unmatched diversity and reach.

Beyond the city: Experiences that travel with you

Here are a few examples of what makes KZN’s MICE scene unforgettable:

North Coast (Umhlanga–Ballito): Iconic resorts such as The Capital Zimbali, The Oyster Box and Fairmont Zimbali offer ocean-view boardrooms and gala venues. Delegates enjoy yacht cruises, dolphin-watching or golf — turning business into pleasure.

South Coast: Selborne Park, Margate Hotel and Wild Coast Sun fuse coastal charm with conference convenience. Beach-themed banquets and team-building on Blue Flag beaches make this region ideal for incentives.

Drakensberg: Venues like Cathedral Peak, Champagne Castle and Dragon Peaks deliver high-altitude inspiration — meetings by day, starlit dinners by night.

Midlands: Along the Midlands Meander, lodges such as Fordoun Spa, Brahman Hills and Karkloof Villas host boutique summits and retreats amid craft trails and farm-to-table dining.

A province-wide vision

The next five years of Africa’s Travel Indaba will do more than fill hotel rooms. They’ll fuel a provincial economy built on connection — empowering local caterers, guides, artists and transport providers from coast to mountains.

KZNTAFA’s integrated strategy ensures every conference hosted here becomes part of a bigger story: a connected, creative, confident KZN.

The takeaway

KZN isn’t just hosting Africa’s biggest travel show — it’s hosting the future of business tourism. With its new World Trade Centre status, a packed MICE pipeline and an unbeatable mix of city sophistication and regional charm, KZN is where Africa meets, connects and grows.