The Africa Travel Indaba in Durfban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa featured 1,245 exhibitors from 25 African countries, 145 more than anticipated.
The theme was Africa Unlimited, emphasising the diverse landscapes and experiences the continent has to offer.
Speed marketing sessions took place between 8:30 and 10 in the morning, focusing on a different theme each day such as culture and township, active adventure and seaside resorts, and wildlife & camping. Speakers presented a short elevator pitch along with audiovisual material to showcase their company and themselves.
Minister Patricia De Lille said in her opening speech. “We are pleased to have made significant progress in the number of tourists arriving. Looking at January to March 2024, we see a robust and growing South African tourism sector, with a total of 2.4 million international tourists. This represents an increase of 15.4pc compared to the same period in 2023. Much has been achieved since last year’s Africa’s Travel Indaba, in which South Africa’s Cabinet approved the tourism sector master plan, which includes a post-COVID-19 recovery plan.’
Key takeaways from Africa’s Travel Indaba (ATI) in Durban.
- A new luxury camp by Wilderness Safaris in Botswana and a new all-inclusive property by Club Med in South Africa.
- The Babanango Game Reserve in Kwa Zulu Natal is overseeing a rewilding project to reintroduce native species and restore the land.
- Rwanda Tourism Development Board won an award for Best African Tourism Board, and various properties in Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa also received awards at the Safari Awards ceremony.
- South Africa’s Tourism Minister highlighted the country’s potential for year-round tourism and promoting multi-centre holidays.
- ATTA had a strong presence at the event, and Virgin Limited Edition announced the management of the Finch Hatton Luxury Safari Camp in Kenya.
