Africa’s Travel Indaba, which was hosted in the City from 13 to 16 May, was a resounding success. Several events were held on the sidelines of the Indaba to further position destination Durban.

DURBAN recorded impressive economic spin-offs during Africa’s Travel Indaba which took place from 13 to 16 May at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre. The Indaba was a resounding success and surpassed expectations. This indicated the recovery of Durban and KwaZulu-Natal’s tourism sectors which further translated into a boom for local businesses. Winile Mntungwa, Deputy Head of Durban Tourism said the economic activities triggered by Africa’s Travel Indaba have exceeded their initial conservative projections. She said this includes event infrastructure, accommodation establishments, restaurants, and shuttle services. “The direct economic impact for the City was R226 million, with a spillover effect contributing an additional R333 million. 

The overall contribution to the City’s GDP exceeded R500 million, indicating significant economic benefits and over 1 000 jobs created, especially for the youth,” said Mntungwa. She said the economic ripple effect extended beyond the city centre as the Indaba also benefited township and rural tourism. Durban Tourism also hosted a series of activities and engagements at the Indaba. This included hosting nine community tourism organisations as well as four of the best township and rural based tourism businesses who showcased at the Durban Tourism exhibition stand. This afforded them exposure to an international platform with meetings that could lead to new potential business leads. Statistics generated show a great improvement post COVID-19, with an impressive 9 280 delegates registered over the fourday period compared to last year’s 8 629.

There was also the participation of 26 African countries, including the addition of new countries such as Burkina Faso, Eritrea, Guinea, Togo, and Turkey to name a few. EThekwini City Manager Musa Mbhele led a conversation with other strategic partners to discuss investment opportunities and developments. This was part of awareness campaigns of City-led programmes geared towards tourism development. Durban Tourism also utilised the Indaba to host side events with buyers and media from key target source markets.