Africa is put on the spotlight once again in this year’s Indaba, the best travel trade show for the continent.
Over 6000 representatives from 80 countries around the world celebrated the beauty of Africa with Indaba–the world’s biggest.m travel trade show that focuses on the colorful continent.
Held at Durban’s Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre last May 8, Indaba is considered the most successful African travel exhibit in the world–with the number of exhibitors rising each year. For 2018, the show has increased to 1060 business from 22 African countries.
“It’s fair to say that good business concluded at this show can translate into measurable economic growth for the entire continent,” said South African Tourism CEO Sisa Ntshona.
South African Minister of Tourism Derek Hanekom added that Africa’s share of the global tourism pie has not yet reached its potential, which means participants are ahead of the curve.
“I have no doubt that buyers will reap rich rewards from their decisions in the next days. And to sellers from all over the continent, we know that increased demand is the engine for growth of the tourism economy in our different countries,” he said.
South Africa President Ramaphosa, meanwhile, identified tourism as one of three priority sectors stating. “We will enhance support for destination marketing in key tourism markets and take further measures to reduce regulatory barriers and develop emerging tourism businesses.”
“It is really encouraging to see delegates from 31 African countries at this year’s show, and although there are 22 exhibiting countries, we see definite interest from other countries to use this platform in the future as they embrace the tourism sector’s potential for job creation and contribution to GDP in their countries,” added Ntshona.
