Africa’s Biggest Tourism Trade Show Returns to Durban

Durban is once again in the continental spotlight as Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026 officially gets underway at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre. President Cyril Ramaphosa opened the flagship tourism trade exhibition on Tuesday, reinforcing tourism’s role as a major driver of economic growth, investment and job creation across Africa.

Held under the theme “Unlimited Africa: Growing Africa’s Tourism Economy”, the event has attracted tourism ministers, exhibitors, international buyers, airlines, travel media and hospitality leaders from across the continent and global markets.

Tourism Positioned as a Key Economic Driver

In his keynote address, Ramaphosa described tourism as more than just an industry, calling it “a living expression of who we are as a people”. He revealed that South Africa welcomed 10.5 million international visitors in the past year, with most arrivals coming from the SADC region.

Key tourism growth priorities highlighted:

• Expanding intra-African travel
• Advancing the SADC Tourism UNIVISA
• Improving cross-border tourism routes
• Increasing airline connectivity
• Expanding digital visa systems
• Growing tourism investment opportunities

Ramaphosa said stronger regional collaboration would help unlock Africa’s tourism potential while creating more accessible and seamless travel experiences across the continent.

Durban Strengthens Its Position as a Leading Events Destination

eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba said hosting Africa’s Travel Indaba again demonstrated Durban’s capability to stage major international events while showcasing the city’s tourism infrastructure, hospitality sector and cultural attractions.

The mayor highlighted several tourism sectors experiencing growth in Durban, including:

Durban Tourism Sectors Showing Growth

Business Tourism

Durban continues to attract conferences, trade exhibitions, and corporate events through its established convention infrastructure.

Cruise Tourism

The city’s cruise sector remains a growing contributor to visitor arrivals and local spending.

Sports Tourism

International and domestic sporting events continue driving tourism demand and hotel occupancy.

Leisure Travel

Durban’s beaches, cultural attractions, and year-round climate remain key attractions for both domestic and international travellers.

Ramaphosa also referenced Durban’s recently unveiled statues of Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo as examples of expanding and diversifying tourism offerings.

Africa’s Travel Indaba Delivers Economic Impact

Organisers expect the event to provide a significant boost to Durban’s economy through the following:

• Increased hotel occupancy
• Restaurant and hospitality spending
• Tourism business networking
• Job creation opportunities
• Local supplier support
• International tourism exposure

Last year’s Indaba attracted around 10,000 delegates and more than 1,300 exhibitors, cementing its status as one of Africa’s most influential tourism trade shows.

Innovation and Sustainability in Focus

Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026 runs until 14 May and includes exhibitions, networking events, business meetings and industry discussions focused on:

• Tourism innovation
• Sustainability
• Entrepreneurship
• Digital transformation
• Destination competitiveness
• Youth participation in tourism

BONDay, the event’s Business Opportunity Networking Day, also explored emerging tourism trends including sports tourism, cultural tourism, digital marketing and social media-led travel experiences.

Africa’s Tourism Industry Looks Ahead

Ramaphosa said Africa’s tourism future depends on stronger connectivity, easier travel systems and collaboration between governments and the private sector. He also highlighted growing tourism focus on markets including China, India, Brazil and Southeast Asia.

As Africa’s Travel Indaba continues in Durban this week, the event is expected to shape new tourism partnerships, investment opportunities and growth strategies aimed at strengthening Africa’s position in the global travel market.