KZN, Durban open for business as it readies for Africa's #Indaba2018

It's that time of the year again!�� #Indaba2018 pic.twitter.com/Ta1VxLKMAx

— Tourvest DMC (@TourvestDMC) May 7, 2018

Energising economies, fueling transformation

Underpinning Africa’s Travel Indaba is tourism which energises economies and fuels the economic transformation of countries on the continent. Its benefits range from livelihoods improvement to export diversification.

The economic direct spend for the Indaba is projected to be about R53m with some 200 part-time jobs created, apart from the spin-off – and with delegates from at least 80 countries expected.

Zikalala said KwaZulu-Natal was excited to host the 26th Indaba and said this year’s three-day show was expected to inject a whopping R89 million to KwaZulu-Natal’s GDP. “The tourism showpiece has brought major spin-offs for the tourism industry and associated businesses, big and small in KZN. Indaba is crucial to us as tourism is a key sector for spurring inclusive economic growth and employment creation,” Zikalala said.

He explained that this was the reason the province had put in place and implement the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism Master Plan. “This wide-ranging plan is, itself, aligned to the National Tourism Sector Strategy, whose chief concern centres around creating and maintaining an environment conducive to sustainable growth. We call on our people to welcome our visitors with warmth so that when they go back to their respective countries, they become good KZN ambassadors,” Zikalala explained.

Africa’s private sector is increasingly attracting investment from the United States and Europe, with China, India and others also investing heavily in the region. Tourism is one of the key industries driving the current change and tourism could be a transformative tool within this take-off.

In preparation for the start of the #TravelIndaba, let’s look at what happened this time, last year: https://t.co/oe59r2Seh3

Delegates, we’ll see you tomorrow! #INDABA2018

��: @SATravelTrade pic.twitter.com/oUKmQj7VEV

— Durban ICC (@DurbanICC) May 7, 2018

Highlights

Africa’s Travel Indaba brings together a showcase of Southern African tourism products and services for the international travel trade. Categories include accommodation, tour operators, game lodges, transport, online travel, luxury products, Hidden Gems, media publications and industry associations. Outdoor exhibitors include transport, camping and safari companies.

Indaba 2018 also marks the Mandela Centenary and Tourism KwaZulu-Natal (TKZN) will highlight stalwart Nelson Mandela’s footprint in the province.

Calling all @travel_indaba delegates. Get your copy of @NelsonMandela @G_MachelTrust ‘Dare Not Linger The Presidential Years’ when you check in at @capetownint. An amazing gift courtesy of @SouthAfricaNet #WeDoTourism #DiamondWorksTour #Indaba2018 #AfricaMovesYou pic.twitter.com/AcZ2ODzQ48

— The Diamond Works (@TheDiamondWorks) May 7, 2018

Among some of the events include MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Sihle Zikalala and the Mayor of eThekwini Municipality, Councillor Zandile Gumede holding a business breakfast which will attended by members of the tourism trade, media, strategic partners and stakeholders from government and the private sector on Tuesday, 8 May 2018.

A much-awaited anticipated surprise announcement is to be made.

Showcasing the future stars of local tourism

Phindile Makwakwa, acting chief executive officer for TKZN, said the Indaba was a showcase for the “future stars” of the local tourism industry. “It is a great opportunity for the industry and its stakeholders to come together and discuss the issues and opportunities facing the industry,” Makwakwa said. She added that small businesses were the true “Hidden Gems” of African tourism.

“Managed sustainably, tourism is an effective development tool. When tourism’s environmental, social, and economic and other constraints are addressed, tourism energizes economies. The region has abundant assets, with expansive beaches, plentiful wildlife, extensive natural and cultural attractions, and adventure opportunities. Considerable opportunities for expansion exist in safari, beach, business, and diaspora tourism,” Makwakwa said.

South African Tourism has partnered with @satsa_sa and the @Tourism_gov_za to bring new and emerging players to #Indaba2018. Find out more about our #HiddenGems Programme here: https://t.co/0TeLn11peq pic.twitter.com/Y6A7ZpBlei

— SATravelTrade (@SATravelTrade) May 5, 2018

Following today’s training session, the #HiddenGems Speed Networking platform is the ideal opportunity for our SMME’s to implement some of their learnings and pitch their ideas to buyers. #Indaba2018 pic.twitter.com/M250Y5g3FL

— SATravelTrade (@SATravelTrade) May 6, 2018

We’ve come to the end of an interactive #HiddenGems Networking Session where all SMME’s got the opportunity to mingle with industry members & raise their concerns to SA Tourism executives. #Indaba2018 #AfricaMovesYou pic.twitter.com/KrfixLtbQG

— SATravelTrade (@SATravelTrade) May 6, 2018

Makwakwa said the African continent had great potential to expand products that were more recently in greater demand, such as nature/adventure tourism, cultural heritage tourism, and travel for wellness, health and retirement purposes.

According to a United Nation’s report, Africa’s total share of the global travel market currently stands at 5% and was growing at a higher rate than global travel figures. Some 62 million travellers visited Africa in 2017, but Makwakwa said there was room for growth.

This year there is a 50% increase of small business exhibitors at the "Hidden Gems" pavilion with 135 small South African businesses exhibiting.
“If we want to grow tourism in our province and our country, we must focus on small and developing businesses. They are the true future because it empowers people, provide job opportunities and instil pride in our beautiful country,” Makwakwa said.