President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to officially open the 2026 edition of Africa’s Travel Indaba in Durban on Tuesday, as government and tourism leaders look to strengthen the sector’s contribution to economic growth and job creation.
The annual tourism trade exhibition, hosted by South African Tourism, will take place from 12 to 14 May at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre under the theme “Unlimited Africa: Growing Africa’s Tourism Economy”.
Widely regarded as one of the continent’s largest tourism marketing events, the Indaba brings together tourism operators, investors, airlines, hospitality groups, government officials and international buyers from across the globe. The event is designed to market African tourism products and destinations while encouraging investment and partnerships within the sector.
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said the gathering provides an opportunity for international buyers and tour operators to engage directly with exhibitors from South Africa and the broader African continent.
The tourism sector remains a significant contributor to South Africa’s economy. Government statistics show that tourism accounted for nearly one million direct jobs in recent years and continues to support millions more indirectly through hospitality, transport, entertainment and conservation-related industries.
Magwenya said the sector contributed 4.9% to South Africa’s gross domestic product by 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Tourism has also become an important source of foreign revenue and employment, particularly in provinces heavily reliant on leisure and business travel.
Last year’s edition of the Indaba generated more than R246 million in direct expenditure and contributed over R610 million to the country’s GDP, according to figures released by organisers. Hotel occupancy rates in Durban during the event reportedly reached 97%, reflecting the economic impact large-scale conferences and exhibitions can have on host cities.
Ramaphosa is expected to use his address to outline the government’s plans to support tourism recovery and expansion, particularly through infrastructure investment, destination marketing and improving visitor safety.
On the sidelines of the event, media are also expected to engage with leadership from South African National Parks, commonly known as SANParks, at the organisation’s exhibition stand at the Durban ICC.
SANParks is the state entity responsible for managing South Africa’s national parks system, including globally recognised destinations such as Kruger National Park, Table Mountain National Park and Addo Elephant National Park.
Established in terms of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, SANParks oversees conservation, biodiversity protection, eco-tourism and community development initiatives across more than 20 national parks in South Africa. The entity also plays a major role in promoting nature-based tourism, which forms a significant part of the country’s tourism offering to international visitors.
The media engagement is expected to include SANParks interim board chairperson and chief executive officer, who are likely to discuss conservation tourism, park infrastructure, visitor growth and preparations for peak tourism seasons.
The Indaba comes as South Africa continues efforts to rebuild international visitor numbers and position itself as a leading tourism and investment destination on the African continent.
