Tourism KwaZulu-Natal has welcomed plans and hopes presented by South African Tourism for the Africa’s Travel Indaba which will be held face-to-face in Durban on 3-5 May after a two-year absence caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
KwaZulu-Natal has hosted Africa’s premiere travel, tourism, and hospitality expo for three decades and Tourism KZN looks forward to the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre (Durban ICC) and Durban Exhibition Centre (DEC) again being a hive of activity with the continent’s best tourism products on show and attendance by international buyers and media from across the world.
At a media briefing today hosted by South African Tourism and its Provincial partners, Pinky Radebe, Senior Manager: PR and Communications of Tourism KZN said the organisation will go all out at this years’ Africa’s Travel Indaba, to reposition KZN to its global markets and highlighting key tourism developments that have emerged in the past two years.
“Africa’s Travel Indaba is a great opportunity for our tourism trade partners to showcase what the province has on offer to the South Africa, the continent, and the world.
Radebe added that ATI will be a phenomenal springboard to relaunch KZN back to the global arena to start regaining the international travel markets back to the province. This is an opportunity to showcase the destination’s hosting capabilities and hospitality by creating an environment that allows trade to generate business; showcase exceptional KZN tourism offerings through exhibitions and meetings; and offering buyers a first-hand experience through pre and post tours as well as reinforcing the destination brand in the minds of the participants.
South Africa Tourism Acting Chief Executive Officer, Themba Khumalo, said it has been two years since Africa’s Travel Indaba was staged and it is an honour and privilege for SA Tourism to announce that the Indaba is finally coming back to KZN.
“This is an open invitation to all international buyers to come to KZN to explore the vast opportunities and experiences that the beautiful province has to offer.
“ATI gives SA Tourism the opportunity to reintroduce the importance of the African continent and that there are new entrepreneurs and fresh products in Africa for tourists to tap into,” he said.
Khumalo added that Durban is not the end of KZN and that there are many destinations that tourists can travel to within the province.
Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo, Chief Convention Bureau Officer, said KZN is on its way to recovery and Africa’s Travel Indaba is a stepping-stone to see the best of Africa in tourism under one roof.
“Africa’s Travel Indaba is all about businesses coming together and building confidence with international delegates from various parts of the world to reconnect and share real success stories of resilience, whilst demonstrating Africa’s world-class tourism products that will continue to give travellers an unforgettable experience,” she said.
