Date: 2025-09-17 13:39:52

Durban to host africa’s travel indaba for five years, solidifying its status as africa’s leading tourism destination

ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

16 SEPTEMBER 2025

DURBAN TO HOST AFRICA’S TRAVEL INDABA FOR FIVE YEARS, SOLIDIFYING ITS STATUS AS AFRICA’S LEADING TOURISM DESTINATION

In a landmark development for South Africa’s tourism industry, Durban has been confirmed as the host city for Africa’s Travel Indaba for the next five years, commencing in 2026. 

This premier travel trade show is the continent’s most influential platform for promoting tourism across Africa. The decision follows a rigorous and competitive procurement process led by South African Tourism, with Durban emerging as the ideal location to showcase Africa’s vibrant tourism offerings.

Hosting Africa’s Travel Indaba in Durban underscores the City’s status as a leading tourism destination, renowned for its rich cultural heritage, pristine beaches, and world-class Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events (MICE) facilities. The 2026 edition of Africa's Travel Indaba is scheduled to take place from 11 to 14 May at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (Durban ICC).

Africa’s Travel Indaba is Africa’s largest and most influential tourism trade show, uniting buyers, exhibitors, media, and tourism stakeholders from across the continent and beyond. The trade show acts as a vital platform for promoting intra-African trade, fostering investment, and positioning Africa as a competitive global travel destination.

Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, conveyed her enthusiasm and congratulations in a media statement regarding Durban’s selection: 

“We are proud to have Durban host Africa’s Travel Indaba in 2026. This event is more than just a showcase of tourism; it is an economic catalyst, a driver of job creation, and a strategic opportunity to position Africa as a premier travel destination on the global stage.”

The hosting of Africa’s Travel Indaba in Durban is expected to generate substantial economic benefits for the region, including increased tourism spend, job creation, and investment in local infrastructure and services. The event is anticipated to attract thousands of international delegates, exhibitors, and media, providing a significant boost to the hospitality, transport, retail, and entertainment sectors.

Moreover, the event will serve as a platform to highlight Durban’s diverse tourism products -from adventure and cultural experiences to luxury and leisure offerings - further positioning the City as a must-visit destination in Africa. 

The long-term economic benefits include increased tourism arrivals, enhanced global visibility, and the potential for Durban to attract film productions and international events, contributing to sustained economic growth.

Welcoming the news, eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba, stated: 

“Hosting Africa’s Travel Indaba for the next five years is a tremendous opportunity for Durban to showcase its unique offerings and strengthen its position as Southern Africa’s tourism hub. We look forward to welcoming industry leaders from around the world and creating meaningful business opportunities for local entrepreneurs and stakeholders.”

He added: “We also want to extend our gratitude to Minister de Lille and the South African Tourism team for their ongoing commitment to supporting Durban and other host cities in delivering world-class, sustainable events that drive tourism growth across the continent.”

ENDS

Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate.