President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to officially open and address Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026 on Tuesday, 12 May 2026, at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban. The annual tourism trade gathering brings together African tourism leaders, investors, tour operators, buyers and government representatives from across the continent and abroad.
This year’s event takes place under the theme “Unlimited Africa: Growing Africa’s Tourism Economy” and comes as South Africa continues positioning tourism as a major driver of job creation, investment and economic growth.
The Presidency says the three-day Indaba will provide a platform for tourism stakeholders to discuss industry opportunities, emerging trends and challenges affecting the African tourism sector.
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Africa’s Biggest Tourism Trade Gathering Returns
Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026 is widely regarded as one of the continent’s largest tourism trade exhibitions.
The annual gathering connects African tourism businesses with international buyers, travel media, investors and tourism operators.
According to the Presidency, the event creates opportunities for global buyers to engage directly with tourism products and experiences available across South Africa and the wider continent.
Industry discussions at the event are expected to focus on:
- Tourism growth strategies
- Investment opportunities
- Destination marketing
- Emerging travel trends
- Infrastructure development
- Global tourism competitiveness
- Policy and sector reform
The Indaba will run from 12 to 14 May 2026 at Durban’s Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre.
Tourism Continues Playing Major Economic Role
Government says tourism remains one of South Africa’s key economic sectors.
According to Statistics South Africa’s Tourism Satellite Account, tourism contributed 4.9% to South Africa’s economy by 2024, surpassing the sector’s pre-pandemic contribution of 3.7% recorded in 2019.
The sector also supported:
- 953 981 direct jobs by 2024
- Approximately 1.8 million direct and indirect jobs nationally
Officials say tourism continues playing a major role in:
- Hospitality
- Aviation
- Events
- Retail
- Transport
- Small business development
The Presidency says large tourism events such as Africa’s Travel Indaba help stimulate economic activity while supporting employment and local businesses.
Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025 Generated Hundreds of Millions
Government also highlighted the economic performance of last year’s tourism gathering.
According to figures released by the Presidency, Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025 generated:
- R246.8 million in direct expenditure
- R610.6 million contribution to GDP
- Support for 1 104 jobs
The event also achieved hotel occupancy rates of 97%, reflecting strong visitor demand during the tourism showcase.
Officials say these figures demonstrate the economic impact major tourism events can have on host cities and provinces.
Gauteng Expected to Feature Strongly at Indaba
Although the event takes place in KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng is expected to remain one of the major provincial participants at the tourism trade gathering.
The Gauteng Tourism Authority is among the tourism bodies showcasing provincial tourism products, infrastructure projects, cultural experiences and tourism investment opportunities at the event.
Gauteng’s participation comes amid broader efforts to position the province as a leading “bleisure” destination, combining business travel with leisure and entertainment experiences.
Tourism operators from Gauteng are also expected to participate in buyer networking sessions, tourism exhibitions and investment discussions during the event.
Tourism Sector Still Recovering and Expanding
South Africa’s tourism industry has continued rebuilding following the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent travel restrictions that heavily affected the sector between 2020 and 2022.
Industry stakeholders say international travel demand has improved significantly over the past two years, with domestic tourism also showing recovery.
Government has increasingly positioned tourism as part of broader economic recovery efforts, particularly through:
- Infrastructure investment
- Events tourism
- Sports tourism
- Cultural tourism
- Township tourism
- International destination marketing
Officials say large tourism events help restore confidence in South Africa’s tourism market while strengthening international partnerships.
President Ramaphosa Expected to Address Tourism Growth
According to the Presidency, President Cyril Ramaphosa will officially address delegates attending the Indaba during Tuesday morning’s opening programme.
The address is expected to focus on:
- Tourism growth opportunities
- Investment attraction
- Job creation
- Regional tourism partnerships
- South Africa’s tourism competitiveness
The Presidency says tourism remains central to broader economic development objectives because of its labour-intensive nature and ability to support multiple sectors simultaneously.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
For Gauteng residents, the continued growth of South Africa’s tourism sector could have wider economic implications beyond leisure travel.
Tourism supports jobs across hospitality, events, retail, transport and entertainment industries, many of which are concentrated in Gauteng’s urban economy.
The province’s strong presence at Africa’s Travel Indaba may also contribute to:
- Increased domestic tourism
- Greater investment opportunities
- Support for tourism MSMEs
- Expanded events and conference activity
- Job creation across tourism-linked industries
Industry experts say Gauteng’s role as South Africa’s business and transport hub places it in a strong position to benefit from long-term tourism growth strategies.
FAQ: Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026
What is Africa’s Travel Indaba?
It is one of Africa’s largest tourism trade exhibitions connecting tourism businesses, buyers, investors and media.
When will President Ramaphosa address the event?
The President is expected to speak on Tuesday, 12 May 2026 at 10am.
Where is Africa’s Travel Indaba taking place?
The event is being hosted at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban.
How long will the event run?
Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026 runs from 12 to 14 May 2026.
Why is the event important economically?
The event contributes to tourism spending, hotel occupancy, job creation and investment opportunities within the tourism sector.
What Happens Next
Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026 will officially begin on Tuesday morning with President Cyril Ramaphosa expected to deliver the opening address to delegates, tourism leaders and investors.
Tourism stakeholders, provincial tourism authorities and international buyers are expected to participate in networking sessions, exhibitions and policy discussions throughout the three-day programme in Durban.
