Ramaphosa to Open Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026 as Tourism Sector Surpasses Pre-Pandemic Growth

President Cyril Ramaphosa will officially open and address Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026 on Tuesday at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, as South Africa positions tourism at the centre of its economic growth and job creation strategy.

The high-profile continental tourism showcase, widely regarded as Africa’s premier tourism trade exhibition, brings together tourism leaders, investors, global buyers, international media, policymakers, tour operators and hospitality stakeholders from across the world to promote African tourism products and strengthen international partnerships.

This year’s event is being held under the theme:

“Unlimited Africa: Growing Africa’s Tourism Economy”

The theme reflects growing efforts by African governments and tourism operators to expand the continent’s global tourism footprint while unlocking investment, employment and regional economic integration opportunities.

Tourism Positioned as Major Economic Growth Engine

In a statement released on Monday, The Presidency described tourism as one of South Africa’s most important economic sectors, playing a critical role in driving:

• Investment attraction

• Employment creation

• Small business growth

• Infrastructure development

• Regional economic integration

• Inclusive economic participation

According to The Presidency, Africa’s Travel Indaba serves as a strategic platform where international buyers can directly engage with African tourism businesses and purchase a wide range of tourism products from South Africa and the broader continent.

The gathering also creates an opportunity for policymakers and industry leaders to examine:

• Emerging tourism trends

• Investment opportunities

• Policy reforms

• Sustainability challenges

• Global travel market shifts

• Digital tourism innovations

• Climate and geopolitical risks affecting travel

“Africa’s biggest tourism trade gathering also allows industry leaders to deliberate on new policies, emerging trends, and the opportunities and threats facing the tourism sector from both African and global perspectives,” The Presidency said.

Tourism Sector Surpasses Pre-Pandemic Contribution

South Africa’s tourism industry has shown significant recovery and expansion following the severe disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Statistics South Africa’s Tourism Satellite Account:

• The tourism sector contributed 4.9% to South Africa’s economy in 2024

• This surpassed the sector’s pre-pandemic contribution of 3.7% recorded in 2019

• Tourism supported 953,981 direct jobs by 2024

• Approximately 1.8 million direct and indirect jobs are currently sustained nationwide through tourism-related activity

The figures underscore the sector’s growing importance as the country continues efforts to stimulate economic growth amid ongoing unemployment and fiscal pressures.

Economic analysts say tourism remains one of South Africa’s most labour-intensive industries, particularly benefiting:

• Hospitality businesses

• Restaurants

• Transport operators

• Informal traders

• Cultural enterprises

• Event organisers

• Rural tourism communities

Africa’s Travel Indaba Delivers Major Economic Impact

The Presidency highlighted the substantial economic contribution generated by previous editions of Africa’s Travel Indaba, particularly the strong performance recorded in 2025.

According to official figures:

• Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025 generated R246.8 million in direct expenditure

• The event contributed R610.6 million to South Africa’s GDP

• It supported 1,104 jobs

• Hotel occupancy reached 97% during the event period

Industry experts say the near-full hotel occupancy levels demonstrate the enormous economic value major international conferences and tourism exhibitions bring to host cities.

Durban’s hospitality, transport, retail and entertainment sectors are expected to benefit significantly from the influx of international delegates and visitors attending this year’s event.

Durban Continues to Strengthen Position as Continental Events Hub

The hosting of Africa’s Travel Indaba further strengthens Durban’s reputation as one of Africa’s leading business tourism and conference destinations.

The eThekwini Municipality has increasingly focused on positioning the city as a gateway for:

• International conferences

• Tourism exhibitions

• Sporting events

• Investment summits

• Cultural festivals

Tourism authorities believe large-scale events such as the Indaba create long-term economic value by enhancing destination branding and encouraging future leisure and business travel.

The Presidency noted that tourism is a particularly important economic driver for:

• Durban

• KwaZulu-Natal

• South Africa’s broader tourism economy

Africa Tourism Industry Focuses on Expansion and Innovation

This year’s Indaba comes at a time when African tourism markets are undergoing rapid transformation driven by:

• Growing international interest in African destinations

• Increased intra-African travel

• Expansion of digital booking platforms

• Sustainable tourism initiatives

• Improved regional air connectivity

• Rising investment in hospitality infrastructure

Industry stakeholders are expected to use the gathering to promote collaboration aimed at increasing Africa’s share of global tourism revenue, which remains relatively small despite the continent’s vast natural, cultural and heritage attractions.

Discussions are also expected to focus on:

• Visa reforms

• Air access liberalisation

• Sustainable tourism practices

• Youth employment

• Skills development

• Community-based tourism

• Climate resilience within tourism economies

President Ramaphosa Expected to Highlight Tourism’s Strategic Importance

President Ramaphosa is expected to use his keynote address to reinforce tourism’s role within South Africa’s broader economic recovery and investment agenda.

Government officials have increasingly identified tourism as a priority sector capable of generating inclusive growth while supporting small enterprises and rural economies.

The President is also expected to highlight South Africa’s efforts to:

• Attract international tourists

• Improve destination competitiveness

• Enhance tourism infrastructure

• Promote investment partnerships

• Strengthen Africa-wide tourism cooperation

Global Spotlight on African Tourism Potential

As global travel demand continues recovering strongly post-pandemic, Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026 is expected to place renewed international attention on the continent’s tourism potential.

Tourism experts believe Africa remains one of the world’s most underdeveloped but fastest-growing tourism markets, with enormous potential in:

• Eco-tourism

• Cultural tourism

• Adventure tourism

• Heritage tourism

• Wildlife experiences

• Luxury travel

• Sports tourism

The event will run from 12 to 14 May 2026 and is expected to attract thousands of delegates, exhibitors and buyers from around the world.