South Africa Tourism will reschedule this year’s Africa’s Travel Indaba.
This follows this evening’s State of the Nation address by President Cyril Rampahosa, who confirmed that 08 May 2019 will be the date for the national elections.
Indaba was scheduled to take place from 06-09 May at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC) in Durban.The ICC also serves as the nerve centre for elections in the KwaZulu Natal province and takes priority over all other events.
“We are currently exploring all viable alternative options in light of the announcement of the election date,” said South African Tourism CEO, Sisa Ntshona.
“We also need to consult with our various partners and stakeholders and appreciate the understanding of our buyers, exhibitors and delegates who will now await a new date to attend Indaba.”
“We know the importance of Indaba to the travel industry and want to ensure that we are still are able to provide a world class show despite having to change the date,” added Ntshona. The Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) also added their voice. “With dates confirmed upfront, buyers and exhibitors would’ve planned around the
original date. There are also other global shows during this period, but we would like to re-assure the industry that despite the new date, Indaba will still be a fantastic show to attend and would like to encourage you to attend once the new date is confirmed,” explained TBCSA CEO, Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, Indaba is Africa’s biggest travel and trade show with over 7 000 delegates from 80 countries attending last year’s event.
South African Tourism CEO, Sisa Ntshona.
Tourism in Africa is being geared towards new heights as delegates from 80 different countries were recorded present at Africa Travel Indaba 2018. The annual event which was once again held in Durban; Kwazulu Natal Province of South Africa from the 7th to the 10th of May experienced a significant rise in participation from last year’s event with 23 African countries in attendance this year. The overall registrations saw an increase by 4% from last year’s figures reaching the 7000 mark. Total registered buyers increased by 14% from last year bring it to a total of 1747 registered buyers. With 200 first time exhibitors, there were over 1100 registered exhibitors, leading to a 57% increase from last year.
Indaba 2018 was positioned as a call to action to focus on the success of the continent as a whole, urging its people to go out and tell Africa’s story to the world. The event was rebranded from simply “Indaba” to “Africa’s Travel Indaba” highlighting a passion for Africa. This was announced by South Africa’s newly reinstated National Minister of Tourism, Derek Hanekom.
The Minister in his message at the official Welcome Networking Function said, “Tourism growth, and sharing the benefits of tourism, contribute to replacing poverty and despair with prosperity and hope. Africa’s Travel Indaba is the ideal springboard for further growth” he further spoke about Travel and Tourism being the fastest growing sector in the world “Tourism already contributes about 8% to Africa’s Gross Domestic Product and employs 6.5% of the workforce. Imagine the impact it will make on growth, jobs and livelihoods if, or rather when we double or quadruple that! We can exponentially increase the value that tourism brings by collaborating to make tourism work for everyone.”
Africa’s Travel Indaba gave qualified buyers who are really interested in selling Africa the opportunity to access the biggest variety of products on the continent, from the hidden gems in South Africa to the luxury experiences across Africa as a continent. It is not only about showcasing destinations, but the value-rich interactions that can lead to partnerships and trade agreements. These are the hallmarks that contribute to growth across the sector, rather than the success and growth of individual businesses.
To further strengthen existing partnership and collaboration within the continent, South African Tourism’s West African hub hosted 26 delegates from Nigeria and Ghana at the Africa’s Travel Indaba. Among the West African tourism delegations were Hajia Bilkisu, President of the Tour Operators Association in Nigeria, Mr Kwesi Eyison ,The President of the Tour Operators Union in Ghana, Alhaji Rabo Saleh, Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria ,The President of The Travel Agents of Nigeria , Mr Bankole Bernard, The Chief Editor and Publisher of Africa’s leading Travel and Tourism Magazine ATQ, and Founder of West Africa’s biggest tourism expo, Akwaaba Nigeria, Weizo Accra, Mr Ikechi Uko, , CEOs of travel agencies alongside notable media partners were among the 26 West African Delegation drawn from Ghana and Nigeria. The West African trade and media delegates who arrived South Africa days earlier, were treated to an incredible, activity filled exploration of South Africa. The were treated to some of the finest luxury South Africa has to offer at the Oubaai Gold resort The delegates enjoyed a variety of experiences including, quad biking, power boating on the Kysna lagoon, and picnics at Cape St.Francis. They explored Tsitsikamma Nature reserve and the very brave went bungee jumping.
Mr Sisa Ntshona, CEO of South Africa Tourism, praised the Africa delegates for cooperating to promote and integrate the continent as one destination through tourism. He also made it known to the delegates that “Indaba’s goal is to create a platform that allows the world to do business with Africa”
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“Tourism in Africa is growing – it’s a sunrise sector for many African countries, and this is reflected in the wider range of exhibitors we are seeing at the show each year, “says Sisa Ntshona the CEO of SA Tourism and organisers of Africa’s Travel Indaba.
African countries are taking tourism seriously based on 2017 figures which show that 8,1% of Africa’s total GDP was generated from the sector (USD 177 billion). [1] Tourism is also driving job creation in Africa with an estimated 6,5% of all employment on the continent being in the sector. These figures are based on Africa currently attracting just 5% of global travellers.
South African Tourism has a vested interest in collaborating and partnering with other countries to create desire and demand for Africa and is part of the 5 in 5 country strategy for growth. “The future success of tourism as an economic driver depends on the presence of policies and continental strategies for trade and investment that meet the needs of the sector and an overall business environment that is conducive to growth. It depends too on the abilities of all players from across the continent to meet, engage and support initiatives and the three-day Africa’s Travel Indaba is one of the key places to start that conversation,” says Ntshona. “There is no reason why the continent cannot double its share of the global tourism market in the next decade with a collaborative approach to the destination.”
African country products confirmed for this year include established tourism players as well as developing destinations such as the Central African Republic, Sudan and the DRC. The organising team for Africa’s Travel Indaba is working to secure further countries and are happy to negotiate to support the attendance of more products and representatives from the continent.
To register for Africa’s Travel Indaba 2018, please visit www.indaba-southafrica.co.za.
Remember to log onto the diary system as soon as possible to secure appointments with exhibitors.
[1] WTTC 2018 Annual Economic Report – Africa
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Tourism businesses from 21 African countries and 12 African tourism authorities have already confirmed their attendance at the largest global travel trade show for the continent, and there is still time to register.
“Tourism in Africa is growing – it’s a sunrise sector for many African countries, and this is reflected in the wider range of exhibitors we are seeing at the show each year, “says Sisa Ntshona the CEO of SA Tourism and organisers of Africa’s Travel Indaba.
African countries are taking tourism seriously based on 2017 figures which show that 8,1% of Africa’s total GDP was generated from the sector (USD 177 billion). [1] Tourism is also driving job creation in Africa with an estimated 6,5% of all employment on the continent being in the sector. These figures are based on Africa currently attracting just 5% of global travellers.
South African Tourism has a vested interest in collaborating and partnering with other countries to create desire and demand for Africa and is part of the 5 in 5 country strategy for growth. “The future success of tourism as an economic driver depends on the presence of policies and continental strategies for trade and investment that meet the needs of the sector and an overall business environment that is conducive to growth. It depends too on the abilities of all players from across the continent to meet, engage and support initiatives and the three-day Africa’s Travel Indaba is one of the key places to start that conversation,” says Ntshona. “There is no reason why the continent cannot double its share of the global tourism market in the next decade with a collaborative approach to the destination.”
African country products confirmed for this year include established tourism players as well as developing destinations such as the Central African Republic, Sudan and the DRC. The organising team for Africa’s Travel Indaba is working to secure further countries and are happy to negotiate to support the attendance of more products and representatives from the continent.
To register for Africa’s Travel Indaba 2018, please visit www.indaba-southafrica.co.za.
Remember to log onto the diary system as soon as possible to secure appointments with exhibitors.
[1] WTTC 2018 Annual Economic Report – Africa
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Registrations for Africa’s Travel Indaba 2018, rebranded to focus on continent’s world-class tourism businesses, now open
Registration has opened for Africa’s Travel Indaba, which will transform Durban’s Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre into a lively hub of activity from 8 to 10 May 2018 under the banner Africa’s Stories, Your Success.
Owned and managed by South African Tourism, Africa’s Travel Indaba has over the past 37 years established itself as the continent’s premier tourism trade show.
“We are excited to be moving into 2018 with renewed energy and focus following the rebranding of the show as Africa’s Travel Indaba. This new positioning affirms that the show belongs to the entire African travel industry, and that at its heart is stimulating tourism and inclusive economic development on our continent,” said South African Tourism’s Chief Executive Officer, Sisa Ntshona. According to Ntshona, participants have many enhancements to look forward to at Africa’s Travel Indaba 2018.
Africa’s Travel Indaba attracts about 7 000 delegates from all over the world, and last year the trade show bustled with more than 1 000 exhibiting businesses from 18 African countries, showcasing an array of travel and tourism offerings to almost 1 500 local and international buyers.
Evelyn Mahlaba, General Regional Manager looking after the Africa region at South African Tourism, added that Africa’s Travel Indaba is an important business to business marketing platform that facilitates business growth for travel trade partners across the continent. Last year’s group of buyers achieved admirable business successes that we hope to build on in 2018 for the benefit of not only South Africa’s tourism industry but also for the continent as a whole.
“We have managed to put together excellent educational for our sales staff with Sun International as well as all-inclusive travel packages that did so well that we sold them all. South African Airways gave us their ITX Fares for packaging and we managed to do an incentive trip for Standard Bank of 104 people to Durban – thanks to Indaba,” says Rob McConaghy, Managing Director at Ulendo Travel Group in Malawi.
Love for Africa, Southern Africa Travel Specialist, operating out of Zimbabwe stated that business picked up because of their participation in last year’s INDABA. “Our business for 2018 is looking phenomenal and our bookings are up. We’ve signed deals with a few more properties in South Africa and have had quite a few of our current clients add South Africa onto their itineraries,” says Erica O’Donnel, Executive Director at Love for Africa.
According to the Business Development Manager, George Ogola, The Continental Travel Group in Kenya was able to confirm a significant amount of bookings in 2017, across hotels, transfers, and excursions, which generated substantial profit for the company.
Steffi Presske, Senior Travel Consultant/Director at Gondwana Tours and Safaris in Botswana expressed an interest to participate in Africa’s Travel Indaba again this year because it is the most important trade show for the company. The company was able to make many new contacts last year and deepen existing partnerships. They have grown immensely since 2017; almost doubling turn over and employing 2 more sales agents.
Buyers from the following countries attended and participated at INDABA last year, Angola, Botswana, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Significantly, said Ntshona, the 2017 event saw more than 20 000 confirmed business matchmaking meetings taking place between businesses and travel buyers – up by 47% over the previous year’s figure.
“This indicates that businesses are extracting value out of their participation in Africa’s Travel Indaba, with an online matchmaking system that closely pairs buyers’ needs with exhibitors’ offerings. This saves time and makes for a more efficient and productive trade show, where networks are expanded and business deals are sealed,” said Ntshona.
“Taking pride of place will be our Hidden Gems pavilion, which will again showcase excellence among tourism businesses from all nine provinces in South Africa. These businesses may be small in size, but are big on authentic, unforgettable travel experiences. We will also be building on the success of last year’s Lap of Luxury pavilion to roll out the red carpet for a selection of South Africa’s exclusive five-star accommodation offerings, hosted by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA),” Ntshona added.
In light of the water shortage currently affecting the Western Cape (including the iconic city of Cape Town), Ntshona said: “For our industry specifically, we are taking charge and showcasing how we can meet the future now and create the ‘new normal’ in how we do tourism, sustainably and responsibly – something we have focused on for years. Even with the drought situation in the Western Cape, Cape Town and South Africa are still very much open for tourism business.”
He said the country’s and the continent’s many tourism jewels would be on proud display at Africa’s Travel Indaba. “We invite everyone who is passionate about African travel and tourism development to come and see, meet, network, do business and be inspired at Africa’s Travel Indaba 2018. We look forward to being partners in propelling our continent’s tourism industry forward, together.”Buyers are invited to beat the rush, and register online by visiting
www.indaba-southafrica.co.za.
Twitter: @travel_indaba or @SATravelTrade
Facebook: @SaTravelTrade
Website www.southafrica.net
South African Tourism is the national tourism agency responsible for the marketing of South Africa as a preferred tourist destination. It is headed by Chief Executive Officer, Mr Sisa Ntshona.
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The just concluded, Tourism Indaba 2017 has been deemed a tremendous success. The event which held in the Kwazulu Natal province of South Africa from May 16th to 18th saw a growth in visitors by a whopping 20%. This year’s African Travel Indaba attracted about 7000 delegates, including 1449 local and international buyers, as well as more than 1000 exhibiting businesses from 18 African countries showcasing a diverse array of travel and tourism offerings. A total of 692 registered media representatives attended the show, an 8% increase over 2016
Welcome to Indaba video:
Sisa Ntshona, CEO of South African Tourism mentioned while speaking at the launch, “All signs point to Africa being the new tourism frontier”. He further went on to speak about the global increase in international arrivals of 3.9% which exceeded the global increase in international arrivals overall. “So Africa is definitely the happening place to be, with vast untapped tourism potential that could buoy the greater African economy and contribute its prosperity”, he said.
Sisa Ntshona’s statement was further reinforced by South African President Jacob Zuma who, in officially opening this year’s travel show on Tuesday, May 16th, referred to it as “a wonderful way to celebrate Africa Month and to showcase the beauty of our country and our continent. This week we bring Africa and the world together at this home-grown trade show where Africa markets itself to the world.” With an air of satisfaction, Zuma revealed that more than a billion people now travel around the world every year, and world international tourist arrivals grew by 4% on average with Africa enjoying an 8% increase in international tourist arrivals to reach 58 million arrivals. This meant that Africa is growing at twice the rate of the global average. In this spirit, the president urged that Africa ought to work together as global partners.
West Africa has been firmly carried along, as SAT West Africa further strengths partnership and collaboration by hosting 28 Nigerian Tourism delegates that at this year’s Indaba. The West African team were also treated to an especially engaging media session with SAT’s CEO Ntshona and Minister of Tourism, Tokozile Xasa where the discussion revolved around promoting tourism in Africa as a whole. During the 2-day travel show, the delegates were able to interact with top international buyers.
In addition to the partnership, for the first time ever in Nigeria’s history, the Director General of National Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) in his office as DG visited the Indaba. He was joined by three trade associations, NANTA, TOUGHA and NATOP.
CEO of Tour Operators Union of Ghana, Nancy Quartey-Sam said, “Every time I come to the indaba, there is something new. The Indaba is an important platform to promote African tourism to Africa.” While the DG of NTDC, Folorunsho Coker spoke of the travel show being for Africa as a whole. “It is setting the pace for a Pan-African gathering where eventually every African country will be represented”, he motioned.
With exhibitor opportunities now being extended to West Africa, we can’t wait to see what 2018 has in store. Indaba opens up channels for Nigeria and Ghana to further develop the growing tourism industry, meet with top international buyers, in turn showcasing unique products and tourism experiences here in West Africa.
2017 Indaba also saw the launch of South Africa’s “I Do Tourism” marketing campaign, which will highlight how tourism, a rapidly growing sector, has the potential to change people’s lives for the better by making a direct and tangible contribution to inclusive economic growth.
This statement by Bankole Bernard, the president of National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies sums it all up: “My perspective this year on indaba is totally different from last year. Last year was my first indaba and we came to observe. This year, I see how the event is no longer a South African one but an African one that is seeking to gather the entire continent together and showcase its products, anchored and hosted by South Africa.”
Post Indaba, the West African delegates continue on enjoying the beautiful sights and experiences South Africa has to offer.
Indaba was significant in uniting Africans for a cause that may well put Africa on the map as a continent known for something other than her obsoleteness as is often depicted. Africa is a treasury that must be exhibited. Let’s all do tourism and work to unfolding its road map! “ If tourism wins, we all win,” Ntshona said.
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West Africa await official opening of #INDABA2017
South African Tourism, led by President Jacob Zuma will officially open Indaba at the Chief Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban on the 16th May 2017. INDABA is Africa’s leading leisure tourism trade show, attracting buyers from across the world and exhibitors from across the African continent as well as local and international media. The show, which has been running for 37 years, attracts about 7000 delegates from Africa’s top tourism products and experiences. It is the interface and an exciting and informative platform between buyers and sellers. It is a one stop shop for the complete African leisure travel experience, and a proven event for business growth particularly now at a time where Africa is showing strong inbound growth.
In 2016 alone, Indaba facilitated 14 thousand meetings, creating 14 thousand new business leads in just 3 days; delivering unsurpassed value to all delegates. Indaba is geared towards making Africa’s tourism business grow – Tourism in Africa is on the rise and Indaba is fully committed to bringing West Africa along on the voyage. According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Africa’s strong performance makes it one of the world’s fastest-growing tourist destinations, second only to Southeast Asia. Tourism in Africa is a vast potential yet to be fully exploited.
South African Tourism (SAT) has invested significantly in the lucrative and growing West African market, opening it’s first regional marketing office outside South Africa in Lagos. (2014) This has proved to be an advantageous move as arrivals from Nigeria to South Africa has grown significantly at a double digit average rate of 10 % since 2010 – 2014. Building on the success of partnerships and collaborations, Indaba gives the opportunity of more business, and profitable friendships to be done between South Africa and West Africa.
West African Media and Delegates
SAT West Africa continues to strengthen its partnership and collaboration with the West African Trade / Tour Operator Associations from Ghana and Nigeria in advancing tourism. 28 Nigerian Tourism delegates are hosted by SAT at Indaba this year, as well as three trade associations NTDC (Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation) The Director General of Nigerian Tourism (DG ), Mr. Folorunsho Coker and GTA (Ghana Tourism Authority) CEO, Mr. Akwasi Agyeman
In recent years, SAT has run a series of trade workshops in West Africa, this has allowed trade associations to showcase Nigeria and Ghana tourism experiences to South African delegates. This has strengthened partnerships, and allowed for cross selling of the countries.
Exhibitor opportunities have now been extended to West Africa at Indaba 2017. This opens up channels for Nigeria and Ghana to further develop the growing tourism industry, meet with top international buyers, in turn showcasing unique products and tourism experiences here in West Africa.
It is very heartwarming to see that the Nigerian government of the day is now tilting its focus towards expanding and developing the tourism sector which is evident by the presence of DG for Nigerian tourism, (Director-General) Mr. Folorunsho Coker at Indaba. Collaborations are crucial to growing Nigeria’s tourism sector.
The message here from SAT is clear, Africa can win together; Indaba opens up the opportunity for West African tourism to have exposure to thought leaders and products that are the key to unlocking industry success. A networking of suppliers, forging of alliances and sharing of new tourism ideas.
In a welcome address, Mr Sisa Ntshona, CEO of South African Tourism mentions: “Our aim is to show the world that Africa’s tourism industry is open for business and is ripe with possibility”.
On it’s opening day, The President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma announced the new tourism campaign initiative #Wedotourism #Indaba2017, urging South Africa to promote tourism to the world.
Indaba 2017 has definitely set out to bring West Africa along on its journey of selling destination travel in Africa to the world.
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