{"id":36715,"date":"2026-05-12T13:37:42","date_gmt":"2026-05-12T11:37:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=36715"},"modified":"2026-05-12T13:37:43","modified_gmt":"2026-05-12T11:37:43","slug":"gauteng-spotlight-africas-travel-indaba","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/gauteng-spotlight-africas-travel-indaba\/","title":{"rendered":"Gauteng Takes Spotlight at Africa\u2019s Travel Indaba as Ramaphosa Pushes Tourism Growth"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>President Cyril Ramaphosa officially opened Africa\u2019s Travel Indaba 2026 in Durban on Tuesday, placing tourism, township economies and continental travel growth at the centre of South Africa\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The opening comes as South Africa\u2019s tourism sector continues rebuilding and expanding following the COVID-19 pandemic, with government identifying tourism as one of the country\u2019s strongest drivers of job creation, small business growth and investment attraction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Gauteng is expected to play a major role at this year\u2019s Indaba, with the province showcasing tourism products, township experiences, music culture, transport infrastructure and hospitality offerings through the Gauteng Tourism Authority pavilion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>ALSO READ<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/gauteng-tourism-authority-unveils-ati\/\">Gauteng Tourism Authority Unveils ATI 2026 Theme \u2014 \u201cAfrica\u2019s Bleisure Powerhouse\u201d<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">President Ramaphosa Highlights Tourism\u2019s Economic Importance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>During the official opening address, President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted tourism\u2019s growing contribution to South Africa\u2019s economy and employment market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Government figures presented during the event show that tourism currently contributes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>4.9% to South Africa\u2019s GDP<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Approximately 1.8 million direct and indirect jobs nationally<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nearly 954 000 direct jobs across the tourism sector by 2024<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The President described tourism as a strategic economic sector capable of driving inclusive growth while supporting communities, small businesses and local industries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the Presidency, tourism events such as Africa\u2019s Travel Indaba also create direct economic benefits through:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Hotel occupancy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hospitality spending<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Transport demand<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Retail activity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Eventing and conferencing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tourism investment opportunities<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Officials noted that last year\u2019s Africa\u2019s Travel Indaba generated more than R610 million in GDP contribution while supporting over 1 100 jobs nationally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-3260509087\" 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\">Soweto and Township Tourism Featured in Address<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>President Ramaphosa also referenced township tourism and cultural tourism as important parts of South Africa\u2019s evolving tourism offering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The President highlighted the growing international interest in areas such as Soweto, which continues attracting visitors through:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Heritage tourism<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Culinary experiences<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Music and nightlife culture<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Historical landmarks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Township tours<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Local creative industries<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Government officials say township tourism continues supporting local economic participation while creating opportunities for tourism MSMEs and informal traders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tourism operators at Indaba say international buyers are increasingly seeking authentic cultural and community-driven experiences within Gauteng and other provinces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Gauteng Tourism Authority Expected to Draw Strong Interest<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/\">The Gauteng Tourism Authority<\/a> pavilion is expected to be one of the major attractions during the three-day tourism trade show.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Visitors attending Africa\u2019s Travel Indaba can find Gauteng Tourism Authority exhibitors at:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Gauteng Tourism Authority Stand Number: ICC Hall 1 | Stand G12<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Gauteng delegation is showcasing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Soweto tourism experiences<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Business tourism offerings<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lifestyle and entertainment tourism<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Township tourism routes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sports tourism<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Music and cultural tourism<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gautrain and transport connectivity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Accommodation and hospitality products<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Provincial officials say Gauteng\u2019s strategy is aimed at positioning the province as both a business and leisure tourism destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-114940126\" 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 MEC Expected to Visit GTA Pavilion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Gauteng MEC responsible for economic development and tourism is also expected to visit the Gauteng Tourism Authority pavilion during the event programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Officials say the visit forms part of broader provincial efforts to strengthen Gauteng\u2019s tourism visibility and investment positioning at continental tourism platforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Industry stakeholders are expected to engage with provincial representatives on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Tourism investment opportunities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Events tourism growth<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hospitality expansion<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Township tourism partnerships<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Destination marketing initiatives<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Tourism operators from across Gauteng are also participating in networking sessions with international buyers and travel trade delegates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Music, Lifestyle and Sports Tourism Continue Driving Gauteng<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Gauteng\u2019s tourism presentation at Indaba places significant focus on lifestyle, sports and music tourism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Provincial tourism authorities continue promoting Gauteng through campaigns linked to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Afro-tech and house music culture<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sporting events<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Festivals and concerts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Urban nightlife<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shopping tourism<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Culinary tourism<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Conference and events tourism<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Government and tourism officials say Johannesburg\u2019s position as South Africa\u2019s economic hub allows the province to benefit strongly from \u201cbleisure\u201d tourism, where business travellers extend visits for leisure experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-980775433\" 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 Recovery Continues Across South Africa<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Tourism operators attending Indaba say international travel demand has improved significantly over the past two years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>South Africa\u2019s tourism recovery has been supported through:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Major events<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sports tourism<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>International marketing campaigns<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Domestic travel growth<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Expanded airline connectivity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Industry leaders say Africa\u2019s Travel Indaba remains one of the continent\u2019s most important tourism trade platforms because it connects African tourism businesses with international buyers and investors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The event also allows provinces and cities to market tourism products directly to global travel markets.<\/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 tourism may have wider economic benefits beyond leisure travel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tourism supports jobs across:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Hospitality<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Retail<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Entertainment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Events<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Transport<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Small businesses<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Creative industries<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Township tourism, music tourism and sports tourism are also creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs and tourism MSMEs across the province.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Industry experts say Gauteng\u2019s strong transport infrastructure, entertainment economy and conference sector position the province to remain one of South Africa\u2019s leading tourism contributors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-245213196\" 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 bringing together tourism businesses, buyers, investors and government leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Where is the event 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>What did President Ramaphosa focus on during his speech?<\/strong><br>The President highlighted tourism\u2019s role in economic growth, job creation, township tourism and investment attraction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Where is the Gauteng Tourism Authority stand located?<\/strong><br>The Gauteng Tourism Authority pavilion is located at ICC Hall 1, Stand G12.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why is tourism important for Gauteng?<\/strong><br>Tourism supports jobs, events, hospitality, transport, entertainment and small business activity across the province.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Happens Next<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.indaba-southafrica.co.za\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Africa\u2019s Travel Indaba 2026 <\/a>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>President Cyril Ramaphosa officially opened Africa\u2019s Travel Indaba 2026 in Durban on Tuesday, placing tourism, township economies and continental travel growth at the centre of South Africa\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":36721,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[53],"tags":[11515,109,101],"class_list":{"0":"post-36715","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-visit-gauteng","8":"tag-africa-travel-indaba","9":"tag-gauteng-tourism","10":"tag-visit-gauteng"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36715","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=36715"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36715\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":36720,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36715\/revisions\/36720"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/36721"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=36715"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=36715"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=36715"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}