The sun has officially set on Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025 – and what a glittering finale it was!
Durban played host to the continent’s tourism spectacular, delivering not just dazzling deals and dynamic networking, but a serious boost to the economy too.
With R574 million added to Durban’s GDP and more than R232 million in direct spend, it’s fair to say the economic drumbeat matched the rhythm of the beachfront marimbas.
Themed “Unlimited Africa”, this year’s event was a celebration of possibility, potential and proud pan-African partnerships.
More than 9,990 delegates (a 7.7% rise from last year!) flocked to the Durban ICC, making it the busiest – and buzziest – Indaba in recent memory.
With 1,348 exhibitors, 1,037 buyers and a whopping 24,500 meetings, it was a full house of travel tastemakers.
It wasn’t just about big business. The youth and local communities felt the love too, with more than 2,000 jobs created and more than R140 million in household income generated.
“We’re proud to have delivered the premier showcase of Africa’s rich tourism tapestry,” said Thembisile Sehloho, Chief Marketing Officer of SA Tourism.
“The significant enthusiasm and business conducted reflect the robust growth and immense potential of the African tourism sector under the banner of Unlimited Africa.”
Deputy President Paul Mashatile opened the show with a bold declaration: Africa is open for business – and booming.
With tourism already contributing 6.8% to the continent’s GDP, the target is 10.4% by 2030.
On the ground, it wasn’t just the main stage stealing the spotlight. Township tours, emerging businesses, student hospitality teams and artisan pop ups turned Durban into a living, breathing showcase of authentic Africa.
From the Sustainability Village to the 26 SMMEs backed by Tourism KwaZulu-Natal, inclusivity wasn’t just a buzzword – it was in action.
And let’s not forget those new African arrivals to the Indaba family: Chad, St Helena and Burkina Faso made their debuts, proving that this celebration of tourism is expanding in all the right directions.
With MOUs signed, partnerships forged and stories shared, Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025 didn’t just promise an unlimited Africa – it delivered it. Here’s to bigger, bolder, and even brighter in 2026!
Pictured above (from left to right): Sandile Makhanya, Acting Marketing & Communications Executive of Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre; Winile Mntungwa, Deputy Head of Durban Tourism; Sibusiso Gumbi, Acting Chief Executive Officer of KwaZulu-Natal Tourism & Film Authority; and Thembisile Sehloho, Chief Marketing Officer of South African Tourism
