Good afternoon. I greet President Ramaphosa, deputy ministers, ministers and deputy ministers from across our beautiful continent of Africa, the chairperson and members of the portfolio and select committees, the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, the MEC for Economic Development in KwaZulu-Natal, the Mayor of Durban, the South African Tourism Board Chairperson and board members, the Director-General of the Department of Tourism, and all distinguished guests.
It was in this very building, the Durban International Convention Centre, that the African Union was launched at its inaugural session in July 2002. That is why Africa’s Travel Indaba is held here every year during Africa Month. In keeping with the ideals of the African Union, I encourage everyone present to co-sign the Africa Travel Indaba Pledge: “Today, we pledge to grow Africa’s tourism economy, to tell our stories, and together build a better Africa and a better world.”
Tourism policy is economic policy. According to the latest satellite account statistics, tourism created 954,000 direct jobs in 2024 and contributed 4.9pc to South Africa’s GDP. With a record 10.5 million international visitors in 2025, we have moved beyond recovery and are now focused on growth. This progress results from deliberate actions, strong private sector partnerships and community involvement.
Cabinet approved the Tourism Growth Partnership Plan in 2025, developed together with the private sector. Major investments include 24 billion rand at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, 10.5 billion rand for the Cape Winelands Airport, and nearly 2.5 billion rand for the Club Med Beach and Safari Resort in KwaZulu-Natal, which will open on 4 July. These projects demonstrate strong confidence in our country and continent.
We are also investing in infrastructure to promote our unique cultural, historical and natural attractions. Last month we handed over an 82 million rand upgrade at the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse precinct, including a 60-seater sea-view restaurant. In partnership with the European Union, we opened a 120 million rand Dinosaur Interpretation Centre at Golden Gate Highlands National Park, which has already attracted over 90,000 visitors. We will soon hand over a 23 million rand refurbishment of the Banga Nek Campsite at iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
Last year we unveiled the first eight tourism investment projects worth more than 1 billion rand. The second Tourism Infrastructure Investment Summit will take place in October this year. We continue to work closely with ministers across the continent.
The meetings, incentives, conferences and events (MICE) sector remains a critical job creator. South Africa submitted 100 bids last year and secured 52 international events. We will host the SADC Heads of State meeting in Durban in August, the Cricket World Cup in 2027 together with Namibia and Zimbabwe, and the World Economic Forum Spring meeting.
In response to changing global travel trends, we will revamp Africa’s Travel Indaba from 2027. We invite proposals from the creative and tourism sectors. Please send ideas to proposals@southafrica.net.
With over 1,200 exhibitors and more than 1,000 buyers from 71 countries on the floor today, it is time to do business and make deals. The President has set clear targets: 15 million international visitors by 2030 and more than one million new jobs by 2029. We are working hard to achieve them.
Thank you. God bless you all.
