Durban’s Travel and Tourism Indaba sets out to woo travellers from Africa

South Africa plans to harness the spending power of intracontinental travel in boosting tourism arrivals into the country.

Deputy tourism minister Fish Mahlalela said the introduction of visa-free travel between SA and Kenya had resulted in a 99% increase, to 42,403, of arrivals from Kenya in January and December 2023 compared with the same period in 2022.

Mahlalela was speaking during the launch of the Africa Travel Indaba which will be held at the Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre from May 13-16.

“The power between Kenya and SA highlights the importance of intercontinental travelling. This visa-free travel,” he said.

He said they were also witnessing similar success between Ghana and SA since the announcement of the visa waiver on the November 1.

Mahlalela said more than 990 exhibitors and buyers from more than 26 neighbouring countries would participate in the tourism trade show, which generated R1.2bn for the economy last year.

Mahlalela said the tourism ministry had learnt hard lessons post-Covid which included bolstering the domestic market.

He said though there were marketing agencies in all the provinces, they realised there were historical imbalances and financial challenges with regard to selling a tourism destination to Western countries.

He remained hopeful that the signature tourism trade show would create more jobs, business and economic growth for the country.

SAA’s Nothando Mathe said the indaba was one of the crucial platforms the airline used to test its route strategy.

“This is after getting so much data and feedback from the exhibitors.”

SA Township and Village Tourism Association board member Mel Ntombela said: “It’s valuable for us to be here. Townships have for the longest time never been marketed as ideal destinations.

“There are hidden gems among the townships and villages.”