{"id":30049,"date":"2025-09-22T17:19:39","date_gmt":"2025-09-22T15:19:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=30049"},"modified":"2026-03-12T09:49:15","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T07:49:15","slug":"joburg-and-durban-to-host-travel-indaba","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/joburg-and-durban-to-host-travel-indaba\/","title":{"rendered":"Joburg and Durban to Host Meetings Africa and Africa\u2019s Travel Indaba from 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>South Africa\u2019s tourism sector has scored a major win: Johannesburg and Durban will host Meetings Africa and Africa\u2019s Travel Indaba (ATI) for the next five years, starting in 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The announcement came on 17 September 2025 after South African Tourism completed a rigorous procurement process. By landing these flagship shows, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal step firmly into the spotlight of Africa\u2019s global tourism ambitions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>ALSO READ: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/new-digital-visa-system-to-transform-travel\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">New Digital Visa System Set to Transform Travel to South Africa<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-these-hostings-matter-to-the-travel-indaba\">Why These Hostings Matter To The Travel Indaba <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p> <strong>Meetings Africa<\/strong> and <strong>ATI<\/strong> are proven economic engines. They pull thousands of delegates, create jobs, and generate long-term contracts that boost intra-African trade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille summed it up powerfully:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cThese events are not only about tourism, but economic opportunity, job creation, and placing Africa on the map as a globally competitive destination.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>For Johannesburg, retaining Meetings Africa is especially symbolic. The city will host the 20th edition of the exhibition at the Sandton Convention Centre from 23 to 25 February 2026. For Durban, ATI will take place from 11 to 14 May 2026 at the Durban ICC, cementing its status as Africa\u2019s leisure tourism capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-2003039743\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-johannesburg-s-case-global-positioning-and-competitiveness\">Johannesburg\u2019s Case: Global Positioning and Competitiveness<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Johannesburg Tourism Company (JTC) Chairperson Nandipha Zonela didn\u2019t mince words when celebrating the win:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cBringing Africa\u2019s leading business trade show back for another five years is a milestone \u2013 coming just before the U20 Summit and as we prepare to host the first-ever G20 Summit on African soil. Joburg remains the home and heartbeat of Meetings Africa \u2013 where Africa connects.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>The numbers back her claim. In 2024, Joburg welcomed 4.29 million arrivals and generated R69 billion in tourism spend. Sandton\u2019s hotels, conference venues, and transport systems already serve global business leaders. Add the city\u2019s role as South Africa\u2019s financial hub, and Joburg becomes the obvious stage for deal-making in the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-durban-s-win-trade-and-tourism-on-the-shore\">Durban\u2019s Win: Trade and Tourism on the Shore<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Rev. Musa Zondi, hailed Durban\u2019s confirmation as ATI\u2019s long-term host:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cThis is an excellent opportunity for KZN to welcome the world\u2019s tourism family to our shores. The benefits extend well beyond the three-day event. Emerging tourism entrepreneurs can use this platform to secure deals that propel their businesses to new heights.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Zondi added that ATI also spotlights Durban as a film and creative hub. By attracting thousands of global buyers and exhibitors, the city not only showcases its own appeal but also helps local SMEs secure investment and expand markets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-679831586\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-travel-indaba-building-trade-platforms-for-africa\">Travel Indaba: Building Trade Platforms for Africa<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Both trade shows rank as the continent\u2019s top tourism platforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Meetings Africa<\/strong> connects global buyers with African suppliers in the MICE sector.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>ATI<\/strong> showcases the best of Africa\u2019s leisure tourism, from safari lodges to urban cultural experiences.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Together, they attract thousands of delegates \u2013 from airlines and tour operators to hoteliers, media, and investors. Leads struck at these exhibitions often translate into contracts lasting years, feeding directly into intra-African trade and regional growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-long-term-strategic-value\">Long-Term Strategic Value<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Officials stress that the decision goes beyond the prestige of hosting. Anchoring these events in Johannesburg and Durban ensures alignment with South Africa\u2019s long-term tourism strategy. Benefits include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Consistency and brand power<\/strong> \u2013 repeat hosting strengthens global recognition.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Maximised infrastructure use<\/strong> \u2013 both cities boast world-class convention centres and hotels.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Inclusivity<\/strong> \u2013 space is deliberately carved out for SMEs and new entrepreneurs alongside established giants.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>African narrative control<\/strong> \u2013 Africa\u2019s tourism story gets told by Africans, not outsiders.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>South African Tourism, alongside the Tourism Business Council South Africa (TBCSA) and private sector partners, has promised to deliver fit-for-purpose trade shows that create value across the tourism value chain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-450496367\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-gauteng-s-tourism-leadership-role\">Gauteng\u2019s Tourism Leadership Role<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For Gauteng, hosting Meetings Africa in 2026 places the province at the heart of global tourism discussions just as it prepares for the <strong>G20 Summit<\/strong>. That timing amplifies Joburg\u2019s dual identity: South Africa\u2019s financial engine and a cultural gateway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tourism experts in Johannesburg argue that the real challenge lies in spreading the benefits beyond Sandton. Township economies, local service providers, and youth-owned enterprises stand to gain if inclusion is prioritised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-from-bids-to-benefits\"> From Bids to Benefits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Securing these two mega-events is a vote of confidence in South Africa\u2019s ability to host global gatherings with scale and style. But the true measure of success won\u2019t be hotel occupancy rates or flight bookings. It will be the jobs created, SMEs empowered, and the share of Africa\u2019s tourism trade that grows as a result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As Minister de Lille stressed, prestige is not the end goal\u2014lasting impact is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-125665086\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-travel-indaba-and-beyond-building-benefits-for-communities\">Travel Indaba and Beyond: Building Benefits for Communities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Heritage, pride, and opportunity collide here. Gautengers, here\u2019s how you can plug in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Back local entrepreneurs<\/strong> \u2013 visit their stands, buy their products, and spread their stories.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Push for inclusivity<\/strong> \u2013 call for township and youth businesses to take their place in the tourism supply chain.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Stay connected<\/strong> \u2013 follow South African Tourism updates, attend side-events, and use your networks to share opportunities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Turn inspiration into action<\/strong> \u2013 if you work in hospitality, logistics, or creative industries, start preparing now to collaborate.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Because ultimately, these events are not just for visitors flying in and out. They are for South Africans\u2014especially Gautengers\u2014who are building tourism into an engine of work, growth, and dignity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Johannesburg is not simply hosting Meetings Africa. It is<strong> <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.za\/news\/media-statements\/tourism-confirmed-host-cities-meetings-africa-and-africa%E2%80%99s-travel-indaba-16\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">hosting Africa\u2019s future<\/a><strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>South Africa\u2019s tourism sector has scored a major win: Johannesburg and Durban will host Meetings Africa and Africa\u2019s Travel Indaba (ATI) for the next five years, starting in 2026.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":30050,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"South Africa\u2019s tourism sector has scored a major win: Johannesburg and Durban will host Meetings Africa and Africa\u2019s Travel Indaba (ATI) for the next five years, starting in 2026.","footnotes":""},"categories":[53],"tags":[109,1133],"class_list":{"0":"post-30049","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-visit-gauteng","8":"tag-gauteng-tourism","9":"tag-gauteng-travel"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30049","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/23"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30049"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30049\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":30051,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30049\/revisions\/30051"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/30050"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30049"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=30049"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=30049"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}