Johannesburg, Durban Secure Flagship Tourism Trade Shows for Five-Year Term

Johannesburg and Durban have officially been confirmed as the host cities for Africa’s two premier tourism trade shows—Meetings Africa and Africa’s Travel Indaba (ATI)—for the next five years, beginning in 2026. The decision cements both cities’ positions as hubs of Africa’s tourism economy, showcasing South Africa’s capacity to host world-class events that generate investment, strengthen trade, and create jobs.

Tourism Powerhouses for Africa

Meetings Africa, the continent’s leading business tourism platform, will celebrate its 20th edition at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg from 23–25 February 2026. The event focuses on the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) sector, positioning South Africa as a gateway for global business tourism.

Africa’s Travel Indaba, one of the world’s largest gatherings for leisure tourism, will run from 11–14 May 2026 at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (Durban ICC). ATI attracts global buyers, exhibitors, and media to connect with Africa’s leisure tourism market, promoting destinations, experiences, and partnerships across the continent.

Together, these trade shows act as critical economic levers, driving deal-making, promoting intra-African connectivity, and advancing South Africa’s international tourism strategy.

Rigorous Bid Process

The announcement follows a competitive national procurement process led by South African Tourism, with several cities and provinces vying for the right to host. Johannesburg and Durban stood out for their compelling bids, world-class infrastructure, track records of successful hosting, and alignment with South Africa’s strategic tourism priorities.

Minister de Lille on Economic Impact

Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille congratulated both host cities, emphasising the transformative impact of the shows beyond tourism.

“These events are not just about tourism, but about economic opportunity, job creation, and positioning Africa as a globally competitive destination. We look forward to working with both cities and the private sector to deliver innovative, fit-for-purpose trade shows that create value across the tourism value chain,” de Lille said.

She reaffirmed the department’s commitment to working with the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) and private stakeholders to ensure the events contribute to South Africa’s growth and global positioning.

Johannesburg: The Business Tourism Capital

Johannesburg Tourism Company Chairperson, Nandipha Zonela, hailed the city’s successful bid to host Meetings Africa for another five years as proof of its status as a global tourism leader.

“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. In 2024 alone, Johannesburg recorded 4.29 million arrivals and R69 billion in total tourism spend. Joburg is honoured to remain the home and heartbeat of Meetings Africa—where Africa connects,” Zonela said.

The city’s robust transport infrastructure, hotel capacity, and corporate base have made it a natural choice for business tourism, helping secure repeat hosting rights.

Durban: Showcasing KwaZulu-Natal

KwaZulu-Natal’s MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Reverend Musa Zondi, said hosting ATI would provide Durban and the province with unparalleled global exposure.

“ATI presents immeasurable opportunities for emerging tourism entrepreneurs to secure deals that can propel their businesses to greater heights. Hosting Africa’s Travel Indaba positions KZN not only as a prime leisure and business tourism destination but also as a potential film location for blockbuster productions,” Zondi said.

Durban’s coastal appeal, coupled with its international convention facilities and thriving cultural heritage, make it an ideal backdrop for Africa’s biggest leisure tourism platform.

Driving Growth Through Tourism

Both Meetings Africa and Africa’s Travel Indaba play a pivotal role in South Africa’s tourism strategy, acting as connectors for buyers, exhibitors, and media from across Africa and the globe. They also support the African Union’s drive for greater intra-African trade and integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

By securing hosting rights through 2030, Johannesburg and Durban are expected to attract billions in tourism-related economic activity, provide opportunities for SMEs and emerging tourism entrepreneurs, and consolidate South Africa’s reputation as the continent’s tourism capital.