{"id":36660,"date":"2026-05-11T12:51:17","date_gmt":"2026-05-11T10:51:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=36660"},"modified":"2026-05-11T12:51:32","modified_gmt":"2026-05-11T10:51:32","slug":"ramaphosa-to-open-africas-travel-indaba","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/ramaphosa-to-open-africas-travel-indaba\/","title":{"rendered":"President Ramaphosa to Open Africa\u2019s Travel Indaba 2026 in Durban"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to officially open and address Africa\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This year\u2019s event takes place under the theme \u201cUnlimited Africa: Growing Africa\u2019s Tourism Economy\u201d and comes as South Africa continues positioning tourism as a major driver of job creation, investment and economic growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>ALSO READ:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/gauteng-centre-stage-at-travel-indaba\/\">Gauteng Takes Centre Stage at Africa\u2019s Travel Indaba with Music, Culture and Urban Energy<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Africa\u2019s Biggest Tourism Trade Gathering Returns<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.indaba-southafrica.co.za\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Africa\u2019s Travel Indaba 2026<\/a> is widely regarded as one of the continent\u2019s largest tourism trade exhibitions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The annual gathering connects African tourism businesses with international buyers, travel media, investors and tourism operators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Industry discussions at the event are expected to focus on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Tourism growth strategies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Investment opportunities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Destination marketing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Emerging travel trends<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Infrastructure development<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Global tourism competitiveness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Policy and sector reform<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The Indaba will run from 12 to 14 May 2026 at Durban\u2019s Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-3873411728\" 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\">Tourism Continues Playing Major Economic Role<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Government says tourism remains one of South Africa\u2019s key economic sectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to Statistics South Africa\u2019s Tourism Satellite Account, tourism contributed 4.9% to South Africa\u2019s economy by 2024, surpassing the sector\u2019s pre-pandemic contribution of 3.7% recorded in 2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The sector also supported:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>953 981 direct jobs by 2024<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Approximately 1.8 million direct and indirect jobs nationally<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Officials say tourism continues playing a major role in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Hospitality<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Aviation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Events<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Retail<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Transport<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Small business development<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The Presidency says large tourism events such as Africa\u2019s Travel Indaba help stimulate economic activity while supporting employment and local businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Africa\u2019s Travel Indaba 2025 Generated Hundreds of Millions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Government also highlighted the economic performance of last year\u2019s tourism gathering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to figures <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.za\/news\/media-advisories\/conferences-summits-seminars-and-workshops\/president-cyril-ramaphosa-36\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">released by the Presidency<\/a>, Africa\u2019s Travel Indaba 2025 generated:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>R246.8 million in direct expenditure<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>R610.6 million contribution to GDP<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Support for 1 104 jobs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The event also achieved hotel occupancy rates of 97%, reflecting strong visitor demand during the tourism showcase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Officials say these figures demonstrate the economic impact major tourism events can have on host cities and provinces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-1728727179\" 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\">Gauteng Expected to Feature Strongly at Indaba<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Although the event takes place in KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng is expected to remain one of the major provincial participants at the tourism trade gathering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Gauteng Tourism Authority is among the tourism bodies showcasing provincial tourism products, infrastructure projects, cultural experiences and tourism investment opportunities at the event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Gauteng\u2019s participation comes amid broader efforts to position the province as a leading \u201cbleisure\u201d destination, combining business travel with leisure and entertainment experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tourism operators from Gauteng are also expected to participate in buyer networking sessions, tourism exhibitions and investment discussions during the event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tourism Sector Still Recovering and Expanding<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>South Africa\u2019s tourism industry has continued rebuilding following the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent travel restrictions that heavily affected the sector between 2020 and 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Industry stakeholders say international travel demand has improved significantly over the past two years, with domestic tourism also showing recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Government has increasingly positioned tourism as part of broader economic recovery efforts, particularly through:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Infrastructure investment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Events tourism<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sports tourism<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cultural tourism<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Township tourism<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>International destination marketing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Officials say large tourism events help restore confidence in South Africa\u2019s tourism market while strengthening international partnerships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-1341794573\" 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\">President Ramaphosa Expected to Address Tourism Growth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the Presidency, President Cyril Ramaphosa will officially address delegates attending the Indaba during Tuesday morning\u2019s opening programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The address is expected to focus on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Tourism growth opportunities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Investment attraction<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Job creation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Regional tourism partnerships<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>South Africa\u2019s tourism competitiveness<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The Presidency says tourism remains central to broader economic development objectives because of its labour-intensive nature and ability to support multiple sectors simultaneously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What This Means for Gauteng Residents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For Gauteng residents, the continued growth of South Africa\u2019s tourism sector could have wider economic implications beyond leisure travel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tourism supports jobs across hospitality, events, retail, transport and entertainment industries, many of which are concentrated in Gauteng\u2019s urban economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The province\u2019s strong presence at Africa\u2019s Travel Indaba may also contribute to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Increased domestic tourism<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Greater investment opportunities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Support for tourism MSMEs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Expanded events and conference activity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Job creation across tourism-linked industries<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Industry experts say Gauteng\u2019s role as South Africa\u2019s business and transport hub places it in a strong position to benefit from long-term tourism growth strategies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-3436456439\" 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\">FAQ: Africa\u2019s Travel Indaba 2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What is Africa\u2019s Travel Indaba?<\/strong><br>It is one of Africa\u2019s largest tourism trade exhibitions connecting tourism businesses, buyers, investors and media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>When will President Ramaphosa address the event?<\/strong><br>The President is expected to speak on Tuesday, 12 May 2026 at 10am.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Where is Africa\u2019s Travel Indaba taking place?<\/strong><br>The event is being hosted at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How long will the event run?<\/strong><br>Africa\u2019s Travel Indaba 2026 runs from 12 to 14 May 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why is the event important economically?<\/strong><br>The event contributes to tourism spending, hotel occupancy, job creation and investment opportunities within the tourism sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Happens Next<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Africa\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to officially open and address Africa\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":36664,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[47],"tags":[2220],"class_list":{"0":"post-36660","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-news","8":"tag-south-africa-news"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36660","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=36660"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36660\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":36662,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36660\/revisions\/36662"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/36664"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=36660"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=36660"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=36660"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}