Durban and Johannesburg to host Africa's Travel Indaba for the next five years

Tourism and hospitality bodies have responded well following the announcement that Durban and Johannesburg will host Africa’s Travel Indaba for the next five years commencing in 2026.

The Department of Tourism said that Johannesburg and Durban have officially been confirmed as the host cities for Meetings Africa and Africa’s Travel Indaba, respectively, for the next five years commencing 2026,  following a rigorous and competitive procurement process led by South African Tourism.

Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, said these events were not just about tourism but were about economic opportunity, job creation, and positioning Africa as a globally competitive destination.

Nandipa Zondela, chairperson of the Johannesburg Tourism Company, said retaining Meetings Africa for five more years cements the city’s status as a global player. 

“This demonstrates Johannesburg’s competitiveness as a global city - a city that has differentiated itself as an all-year-round travel market leader in South Africa recording 4.29 million arrivals and achieving R69 billion total tourism spend in 2024. Joburg is honoured to remain the home and heartbeat of Meetings Africa – where Africa connects,” Zondela said.

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Musa Zondi said Durban’s hosting of Africa’s Travel Indaba would have an impact well beyond the event itself.

“This is a great opportunity for KZN to host the global tourism fraternity on our shores, and the impact of Africa’s Travel Indaba goes beyond the three days of business for KZN. This is an opportunity for KZN to show the world and the tourism trade that KZN is indeed an exceptional destination, to do business in, to come for both leisure and business travel," Zondi said.

"ATI also presents immeasurable opportunities for our emerging tourism entrepreneurs who can strike business deals that can propel their business to even greater heights.”

The Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa (Fedhasa) welcomed the announcement, with East Coast chairperson Brett Tungay describing it as a “powerful economic engine.”

“The decision affirms Durban’s position as one of Africa’s leading tourism and business events destinations. The Travel Indaba is not just a three-day trade show; it is a powerful economic engine that brings global buyers, exhibitors, and investors directly into KwaZulu-Natal," said Brett Tungay, East Coast chairperson of Fedhasa.

"The multiplier effect of securing the Indaba for the next five years will be felt across our hospitality industry, small businesses, transport operators, and communities throughout the province.”

Tungay added that each year, Africa’s Travel Indaba attracts thousands of delegates from across the world.

“For Fedhasa East Coast, the event injects hundreds of millions of rands into the local economy through accommodation bookings, conference services, dining, entertainment, and extended stays,"Tungay said.

"The guaranteed hosting for five consecutive years provides long-term stability, enabling the sector to plan, invest, and expand with confidence. This is a significant win for Durban and for KwaZulu-Natal at large. It means consistent visitor flows, heightened international exposure, and opportunities for our emerging tourism entrepreneurs to access global markets.”

eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba, said that 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.”

BUSINESS REPORT