President Cyril Ramaphosa officially opened Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026 in Durban on Tuesday, placing tourism, township economies and continental travel growth at the centre of South Africa’s economic recovery strategy. The event, taking place at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, has brought together tourism leaders, investors, buyers and government representatives from across Africa and international markets.
The opening comes as South Africa’s tourism sector continues rebuilding and expanding following the COVID-19 pandemic, with government identifying tourism as one of the country’s strongest drivers of job creation, small business growth and investment attraction.
Gauteng is expected to play a major role at this year’s Indaba, with the province showcasing tourism products, township experiences, music culture, transport infrastructure and hospitality offerings through the Gauteng Tourism Authority pavilion.
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President Ramaphosa Highlights Tourism’s Economic Importance
During the official opening address, President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted tourism’s growing contribution to South Africa’s economy and employment market.
Government figures presented during the event show that tourism currently contributes:
- 4.9% to South Africa’s GDP
- Approximately 1.8 million direct and indirect jobs nationally
- Nearly 954 000 direct jobs across the tourism sector by 2024
The President described tourism as a strategic economic sector capable of driving inclusive growth while supporting communities, small businesses and local industries.
According to the Presidency, tourism events such as Africa’s Travel Indaba also create direct economic benefits through:
- Hotel occupancy
- Hospitality spending
- Transport demand
- Retail activity
- Eventing and conferencing
- Tourism investment opportunities
Officials noted that last year’s Africa’s Travel Indaba generated more than R610 million in GDP contribution while supporting over 1 100 jobs nationally.
Soweto and Township Tourism Featured in Address
President Ramaphosa also referenced township tourism and cultural tourism as important parts of South Africa’s evolving tourism offering.
The President highlighted the growing international interest in areas such as Soweto, which continues attracting visitors through:
- Heritage tourism
- Culinary experiences
- Music and nightlife culture
- Historical landmarks
- Township tours
- Local creative industries
Government officials say township tourism continues supporting local economic participation while creating opportunities for tourism MSMEs and informal traders.
Tourism operators at Indaba say international buyers are increasingly seeking authentic cultural and community-driven experiences within Gauteng and other provinces.
Gauteng Tourism Authority Expected to Draw Strong Interest
The Gauteng Tourism Authority pavilion is expected to be one of the major attractions during the three-day tourism trade show.
Visitors attending Africa’s Travel Indaba can find Gauteng Tourism Authority exhibitors at:
Gauteng Tourism Authority Stand Number: ICC Hall 1 | Stand G12
The Gauteng delegation is showcasing:
- Soweto tourism experiences
- Business tourism offerings
- Lifestyle and entertainment tourism
- Township tourism routes
- Sports tourism
- Music and cultural tourism
- Gautrain and transport connectivity
- Accommodation and hospitality products
Provincial officials say Gauteng’s strategy is aimed at positioning the province as both a business and leisure tourism destination.
Gauteng MEC Expected to Visit GTA Pavilion
The Gauteng MEC responsible for economic development and tourism is also expected to visit the Gauteng Tourism Authority pavilion during the event programme.
Officials say the visit forms part of broader provincial efforts to strengthen Gauteng’s tourism visibility and investment positioning at continental tourism platforms.
Industry stakeholders are expected to engage with provincial representatives on:
- Tourism investment opportunities
- Events tourism growth
- Hospitality expansion
- Township tourism partnerships
- Destination marketing initiatives
Tourism operators from across Gauteng are also participating in networking sessions with international buyers and travel trade delegates.
Music, Lifestyle and Sports Tourism Continue Driving Gauteng
Gauteng’s tourism presentation at Indaba places significant focus on lifestyle, sports and music tourism.
Provincial tourism authorities continue promoting Gauteng through campaigns linked to:
- Afro-tech and house music culture
- Sporting events
- Festivals and concerts
- Urban nightlife
- Shopping tourism
- Culinary tourism
- Conference and events tourism
Government and tourism officials say Johannesburg’s position as South Africa’s economic hub allows the province to benefit strongly from “bleisure” tourism, where business travellers extend visits for leisure experiences.
Tourism Recovery Continues Across South Africa
Tourism operators attending Indaba say international travel demand has improved significantly over the past two years.
South Africa’s tourism recovery has been supported through:
- Major events
- Sports tourism
- International marketing campaigns
- Domestic travel growth
- Expanded airline connectivity
Industry leaders say Africa’s Travel Indaba remains one of the continent’s most important tourism trade platforms because it connects African tourism businesses with international buyers and investors.
The event also allows provinces and cities to market tourism products directly to global travel markets.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
For Gauteng residents, the continued growth of tourism may have wider economic benefits beyond leisure travel.
Tourism supports jobs across:
- Hospitality
- Retail
- Entertainment
- Events
- Transport
- Small businesses
- Creative industries
Township tourism, music tourism and sports tourism are also creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs and tourism MSMEs across the province.
Industry experts say Gauteng’s strong transport infrastructure, entertainment economy and conference sector position the province to remain one of South Africa’s leading tourism contributors.
FAQ: Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026
What is Africa’s Travel Indaba?
It is one of Africa’s largest tourism trade exhibitions bringing together tourism businesses, buyers, investors and government leaders.
Where is the event taking place?
The event is being hosted at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban.
What did President Ramaphosa focus on during his speech?
The President highlighted tourism’s role in economic growth, job creation, township tourism and investment attraction.
Where is the Gauteng Tourism Authority stand located?
The Gauteng Tourism Authority pavilion is located at ICC Hall 1, Stand G12.
Why is tourism important for Gauteng?
Tourism supports jobs, events, hospitality, transport, entertainment and small business activity across the province.
What Happens Next
Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026 will continue until 14 May, with tourism operators, investors and provincial tourism authorities expected to participate in exhibitions, networking sessions and tourism trade engagements throughout the week.
Government and tourism stakeholders are expected to continue using the event to position South Africa and Gauteng as major tourism destinations for both business and leisure travel markets across Africa and internationally.
