KZN welcomes international buyers and delegates to experience its splendour

AFRICA’S Travel Indaba (ATI) 2025 not only showcases and boosts Africa’s premium tourism offerings and destinations, it also emphasises KwaZulu-Natal’s ethereal beauty and places South Africa at the top of the global investment map.

This intercontinental landmark event, taking place at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre and Durban Exhibition Centre from May 13–15, is of major significance to KZN as it shines the spotlight on the province while also bringing a much needed boost to the its gross domestic product.

KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority, in partnership with Durban Tourism, hosted a Business Breakfast at the Hilton Hotel on Tuesday, May 13 to kick-start ATI. The theme was: “Durban, KwaZulu-Natal abound with investment opportunities”. Reverend Musa Zondi, KZN MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs welcomed tourism buyers, international media and key role-players in the tourism industry - and affirmed KZN as a premium destination for leisure and investment.

Exciting times

In his keynote address, MEC Zondi said that the era of Covid-19 was now long behind and that tourism was getting back to its pre-pandemic glory.

“The devastation of the Covid-era is behind us and tourism is making a big come back, as witnessed by the record number of delegates attending this year’s Africa’s Travel Indaba,” said Zondi. “As the hosts of this prestigious Business Breakfast, we are delighted to welcome you back to our usual breakfast venue, the Hilton Hotel, which is now fully operational after having been forced to close during the Covid pandemic.

“It is encouraging to see familiar tourism landmarks like the Durban Hilton Hotel back in business, particularly because it is within walking distance of the award-winning Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre and handy for conference delegates.

“We are confident that this year’s travel indaba will be as successful – and even more so – than last year’s event, which brought in more than R550 million to the region (R226m in direct economic activity in Durban and another R333m rippling across the region).

“We are also meeting at exciting times when tourism arrivals to the country and the region are on the increase – and when we, in KZN, are on the cusp of welcoming new tourism developments and are prioritising and supporting various catalytic projects.” 

Zondi also welcomed the Club Med Resort at Tinley Manor flagship leisure investment situated along the KwaZulu-Natal north coast. This R2-billion investment is due to open in July next year, and will offer a unique beach and safari experience – the first in Sub-Sahara Africa.

He added that the travel indaba has been staged in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal for more than 30 years - and the province is committed to retaining it.

“We are actively working with industry partners and national stakeholders to ensure that it remains a provincial asset. We have the infrastructure, the hospitality capacity and track record.”

Growth catalyst

EThekwini Mayor, Councillor Cyril Xaba lauded the travel indaba platform as a catalyst for building meaningful partnerships beyond borders within the continent of Africa. Moreover, he said that tourism was one of the key economic drivers contributing significantly to the local GDP and creating job opportunities for local communities.

“We are encouraged by the increase in the number of tourists descending on our shores and the revival of the broader hospitality sector, as guests frequent restaurants and book hotels. The return to pre-covid times of this sector is vital because it provides much-needed employment, supports livelihoods and goes a long way in helping reduce poverty.

“We are expanding shopping experiences for our visitors with the newly opened Westown Square in Shongweni. This mixed-use development comprising a shopping mall, hospital and residential units provides a family-friendly shopping environment, and seeks to boost the local economy through tourism - particularly in the outer west region.

“As the leadership of the City, we are also committed to positioning Durban as a destination of choice for major sporting events. Sport tourism continues to grow as more visitors travel to watch their favourite sports. With world-class sports facilities, we are on the right path to becoming a premier sporting venue.

“For the next three days, we must remember that when we engage in discussions, start networking sessions and share best practices that we must be driven by a common goal of growing a sustainable tourism industry,” said Xaba.

Record numbers

This year’s ATI has a record number of delegates attending. There are 1 200 exhibitors from 26 African countries, as well as 908 vetted international buyers representing 55 global markets. More than 7 430 business-to-business meetings have already been planned and about 120 small and medium tourism enterprises have been given the opportunity to showcase their products at this high-profile and vibrant tourism event.