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Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025 Injects Nearly $50 Million into Durban’s Economy

by Alice

Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025 has made a major economic impact on Durban, with estimated contributions to the city’s GDP reaching R574 million (almost AU$50 million). The event also saw direct spending of over R232 million and supported the creation of more than 2,000 jobs, largely benefiting local youth and communities. These jobs are expected to generate over R140 million in household income.

Held under the theme “Unlimited Africa,” this year’s Indaba drew 9,990 attendees, marking a 7.7% increase from 2024. The event hosted over 24,500 business meetings, along with 1,348 exhibitors and 1,037 buyers — the highest number of exhibitors and buyers in four years. A total of 27 African countries were represented, including first-time participants from Chad, St Helena, and Burkina Faso.

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The event was officially opened by South Africa’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile and Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille. Both leaders praised the Indaba for showcasing the continent’s tourism potential and for strengthening pan-African collaboration.

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“We are proud to have delivered a powerful showcase of Africa’s tourism offerings,” said Sehlolo, one of the organisers. “With more African countries participating than ever before, this event reflects Africa’s growing influence in global tourism. Our success was made possible by strong partnerships and the high level of business activity shows just how much potential the sector holds.”

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Mntungwa, another senior organiser, noted the event’s wider impact beyond central Durban. “The economic benefits extended into townships and rural areas. Many local hospitality businesses provided services for delegates on pre- and post-event tours. This proves how large events can boost broader economic activity and uplift communities.”

Gumbi, representing KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority, described the 2025 edition as a major success. “We welcomed a record number of delegates, buyers, and airlines. We also helped 26 emerging tourism businesses gain exposure through our stand, giving them vital networking opportunities,” he said.

He also shared that new Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) were signed with eSwatini Tourism and the Maloti-Drakensberg Transfrontier Conservation Area, part of a broader strategy to attract more African travellers to KwaZulu-Natal. Key meetings with major partners like Club Med and several airlines were also held to expand international reach.

At the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, Makhanya highlighted the Indaba as the centre’s flagship event. “This trade fair helps us showcase Africa and grow the local economy. We continued involving Durban University of Technology students and local chefs, giving them real-world experience in tourism and hospitality.”

On a national level, the Department of Tourism and its partners supported around 400 Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs). These businesses were given space to exhibit and access to both international and domestic buyers. The Department also launched a Sustainability Village, offering free booths to small businesses selling local arts and crafts.

During the event, Minister Patricia de Lille outlined key targets of South Africa’s five-year Tourism Growth Partnership Plan. Goals include increasing tourism jobs from 1.84 million in 2024 to 2.5 million, raising domestic tourism spend by 25%, and growing tourism’s GDP contribution from 8.8% to 10%. The Department also aims to attract 1 million more international air arrivals each year. The Minister introduced the new tourism campaign: “South Africa Awaits – Come Find Your Joy!”

In his keynote, Deputy President Mashatile described the theme “Unlimited Africa” as a bold statement about the continent’s future. He said tourism contributed 6.8% to Africa’s GDP in 2023, with forecasts pointing to 10.4% by 2030. In South Africa, tourism now accounts for 8.9% of GDP and supports 1.68 million jobs, with a target of 2.2 million jobs by 2030.

Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025 stands as a powerful example of how tourism can fuel economic growth, create jobs, and strengthen cooperation across the continent.

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