SOUTH AFRICA, Durban \u2013 Wednesday, 3^{rd<\/sup> April, 2019:<\/strong> In a bid to boost tourism in Africa, it is time that we change our narrative from a continent that needs saving to one that is thriving. This was the key insight at Africa\u2019s Travel Indaba Media Launch held at The Plant Venue Co., Durban on 3rd<\/sup> April 2019.<\/p>\n}

The media launch provided the opportunity for two of South African Tourism\u2019s Hidden Gems, Jotham\u2019s Place and Discover Durban Tours and Transfers, to tell their success stories. Other speakers included Acting Head of the KwaZulu-Natal Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Siza Sibanda and Councillor at eThekwini Municipality, Sipho Kaunda.<\/p>\n

Keynote speaker of the day, Chief Convention Bureau Officer of South Africa National Convention Bureau (SANCB), Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo, elaborated on this year\u2019s Africa\u2019s Travel Indaba theme, Africa\u2019s stories, your success<\/em>, saying Africans must own their narrative so that they can embark on the journey of changing the continent\u2019s story. \u201cWe no longer look to the world for affirmation or inspiration, the world looks to us. We are real, vibrant and driven to succeed. So, we invite the world to journey with us and tell the new story of Africa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kotze-Nhlapo added that the responsibility of safeguarding Africa\u2019s narrative is not only up to its storytellers but all Africans. \u201cIn this post-truth world, it is up to each of us to be vigilant about the way Africa is depicted. We can be the watchdogs of misrepresented stories and best of all, we have the digital tools to keep the narrative truthful.\u201d<\/p>\n

She said social media gives everyone the power to engage with media, influencers and other prominent individuals so that \u201cwe can change the narrative together and basically set the story straight\u201d.<\/p>\n

Her insights were backed up by South African storyteller, Victor Kgomoeswana, whose presentation ignited what is the new African narrative.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe greatest story for us to tell is our own; the most effective way to tell it is the African way – because the centre of the universe, literally and figuratively, is in Africa,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For the first time in Indaba\u2019s history, it will host the Green Stand Awards. These awards have been successful at Meetings Africa in recent years and is now making its way to Indaba. It recognises exhibitors who go that extra \u201cgreen\u201d mile to build and design stands that are environmentally and socially sustainable.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Key numbers for Africa\u2019s Travel Indaba 2019<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n
• 1,110 \u2013 Number of local, regional and international buyers already confirmed.<\/li>\n
• 890 \u2013 Number of exhibitors already confirmed.<\/li>\n
• 104 \u2013 Number of African exhibitors from 19 countries already confirmed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

  \u201cThe above numbers clearly demonstrate that Indaba continues to grow and be the sought after platform for African tourism products,\u201d concluded Kotze-Nhlapo.<\/p>\n

  Tourism in Africa – facts<\/strong><\/p>\n

  According to 2018 reports from the United Nations World Tourism Organization and World Travel and Tourism Council:<\/p>\n

  \n
  • The continent\u2019s total foreign receipts in 2017 amounted to US$ 177,6 billion, contributing 8,1% of total Gross Domestic Product (GDP).<\/li>\n
  • In 2017, Africa\u2019s share of investment in travel and tourism was US$ 28,2 billion, or 5,7% of total investment in the continent.<\/li>\n
  • In 2017, direct travel and tourism employment in Africa rose to 9,3 million, the equivalent of 1 in 11 jobs. This is an 11,2% increase from 2016.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

     <\/p>\n

    South Africa at a glance<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
    • South Africa saw 10.5-million international tourist arrivals in 2018.<\/li>\n
    • It translates to a growth of 1.8% compared to the previous year.<\/li>\n
    • The World Travel & Tourism Council\u2019s (WTTC) had recently announced that South Africa has the largest tourism economy in Africa having contributed 1.5 million jobs (9.2% of South Africa\u2019s employment)<\/li>\n
    • Tourism contributes 8.6% to the South African GDP.<\/li>\n
    • 44% of the tourism spend came from international travellers, amounting to R128-billion.<\/li>\n
    • 56% of spend came from domestic travel, which translates to R163-billion.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

       <\/p>\n

      About Africa\u2019s Travel Indaba<\/strong><\/p>\n

      Africa\u2019s Travel Indaba continues to be Africa\u2019s leading and longest running travel trade show. It offers industry players and its stakeholders an opportunity to meet and engage on the challenges and opportunities that affect the advancement of tourism on the continent.<\/p>\n

      The event showcases the widest variety of the continent\u2019s best tourism products and attracts international buyers and media from across the world.<\/p>\n

      Indaba is vital to South Africa\u2019s economy as it encourages job creation, and fosters business and connections that are integral to the growth of the tourism industry.<\/p>\n

      Indaba not only provides a vital platform for buying and selling of tourism products but also provides a platform for collaboration and dialogue around issues and policies affecting tourism.<\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      For media enquiries, please contact:<\/p>\n

      Altaaf Kazi at South African Tourism<\/p>\n

      Tel: +27 11 895-3046<\/p>\n

      Email: altaaf@southafrica.net OR mediaq@southafrica.net<\/p>\n

      Website www.southafrica.net<\/p>\n

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