Small start to a big success story

THIS year marked 27 years of Durban playing host to Indaba, Africa’s largest tourism event. We’ve certainly come a long way from the humble beginnings in a small room at the Royal Hotel.

Despite the economic downturn and its impact on tourism, we were thrilled to have been given the rights to host Indaba for a further five years. It confirms our belief in remaining resilient and innovative even during challenges. It also provides us with impetus to up our game in driving tourism for economic growth in our province and country.

With tourism arrivals to Africa growing by 7% year on year, the continent is one of tourism’s most exciting opportunities. With our responsibility towards growth and inclusiveness, our mandate in tourism and vision at Indaba has continued to evolve to becoming more inclusive and addressing past inequalities. This is achieved by providing a platform for previously marginalised small, medium and micro tourism firms to showcase their products to global buyer market with whom they have the opportunity to network and tap into potential business opportunities.

A key factor for Indaba for the city of Durban has been to promote our township tourism and businesses. Our efforts have paid off, evident by the success of Max’s Lifestyle, a popular eatery in umlazi which went on to win an international accolade from international luxury travel and lifestyle magazine, Condé Nast Traveller. This follows hot on the heels of CNN voting Durban one of 23 cities around the world to savour the best street food in 2016. We are humbled and proud of these achievements and owe it to everyone in this city for making Durban the place to be.

Despite this excitement, we cannot be blinded by our shortcomings. We know there is a lot more to do before we can truly claim to be the city of choice. Challenges of cleaning up and revamping the inner city remain at the forefront of concerns and we are on course to ensure this is completed. Work has begun in phases and we are seeing the benefits.

With figures still being collated, we are projecting an estimated R105 million gross domestic product contribution to KZN’S coffers from Indaba, together with a projected 220 sustainable employment opportunities created in KZN.

And, while these figures are down from previous years, we must continue to embrace the opportunity for growth. Lower spending is not a South African phenomenon, it is a global challenge facing all countries.

But efforts must continue to market our province as a key destination. It is heartening to note that hotel occupancy rates during Indaba stood at an average of 92% at most Durban hotels, on par with last year’s figures, despite the downturn.