African travel poised for take-off, says SA Tourism CEO at INDABA 2017 launch

This year, Africa’s top travel show will take place at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban from 16 to 18 May 2017.

Launching the 2017 edition of the event, Ntshona said that in its more than 35 years of existence, INDABA had built up a reputation for excellence as the world’s biggest showcase of the African tourism industry’s quality and diverse offerings.

In addition to the contingent of South African exhibitors in attendance this year, countries such as Angola, Botswana, the DRC, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Reunion, the Seychelles, Senegal, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe will be displaying their tourism-related products and services. They will be joined by hundreds of international travel buyers, visitors and media who will converge on Durban’s ICC to explore all things proudly, authentically and vibrantly African.

Speaking at the launch, Ntshona told media and guests that tourism had the potential to be the new "gold" that could steer African economies to new heights – and boost the continent’s share of global tourism significantly beyond its current 5% level.

"All signs point to Africa being the next tourism frontier," he said. “The continent as a whole reported an 8% surge in international arrivals in 2016, with Sub-Saharan Africa increasing by 11% and South Africa by a massive 13%. Last year, we broke records to reach 10 million international tourists coming to South Africa.

"These figures far exceed the global increase in international arrivals of 3.9% overall. So Africa is definitely the happening place to be, with vast untapped tourism potential that could buoy the greater African economy and contribute its prosperity."

Phillip Sithole, Head of Durban Tourism and Acting Deputy City Manager of eThekwini, stated that despite the highly competitive tourism environment, INDABA has been able to maintain its position as the premier travel show on the African continent.

He said that the show’s focus on promoting African travel has been very rewarding for the city of Durban, "in particular to enable our product owners to do business with some of the top travel brands in Africa and deepen the relationships with hosted buyers from Africa and around the world. We look forward to a successful INDABA in the host city Durban, the warmest place to be, and to the building of many sustainable relationships to grow tourism for our country."

Ntshona revealed that this year’s INDABA would have a special focus on accelerating small businesses in the tourism sector, one of which was an initiative to train and mentor SMEs and give them preferential access to influential industry players.

"For me, one of INDABA’s highlights is our new Hidden Gems programme, which will help boost tourism by enabling smaller players. We are hosting 90 small tourism businesses at the show – emerging and existing enterprises that are at least 50% black-owned," Ntshona said.

"They are drawn from each of South Africa’s nine provinces and we call them our Hidden Gems, because they are tucked-away treasures that only a select few know about."

Thanks to a partnership between South African Tourism, the National Department of Tourism and the Southern African Tourism Services Association, these entrepreneurs will be given valuable exposure at INDABA as well as the opportunity to “pitch” their offerings to travel buyers during speed marketing sessions.

Ntshona also unveiled a series of topical "Conversations" – panel discussions with industry thought leaders aimed at constructively exploring topical issues related to developing tourism in Africa – that would take place at INDABA 2017.

Local and international game changers, technology "disruptors", experts and captains of industry will exchange ideas on how to market tourism offerings to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI) community; how the private and public sectors can join hands to drive inclusive growth; and how Africa’s pioneering arts sector can further enhance the continent’s appeal as a tourist destination. Ntshona noted that these talks promised to be both inspiring and informative.

This year’s INDABA will also have a more streamlined events programme, designed to improve the experience of exhibitors, buyers, visitors and media alike. Innovations include an enhanced online diary system to provide more “match-making” options between delegates who want to meet with a view to doing business, and a new INDABA app that will provided updated information and news at the show.

INDABA 2017 will also sport a new floor layout for ease of navigation – as well as, for the first time, a luxury pavilion showcasing five-star tourism offerings.

Ntshona emphasised the show’s focus on driving business by making it easy for like-minded exhibitors and buyers to set up meetings online. "We want people to meet, talk, get excited about tourism products, find common ground and do deals," he said.

He added that it was essential for Africa’s travel industry to broker partnerships and collaborations for mutual benefit, working together to achieve inclusive economic growth in the tourism sector.

"We want to get the message across that Africa’s tourism industry is open for business and ripe with possibility. Our continent is a value-for-money destination offering multiple incredible experiences that will take your breath away, from high-end luxury to bush-whacking fun," Ntshona said.

He urged all businesses and individuals an interest in tourism to book their place at INDABA 2017, adding: "It’s going to be a lively, buzzing, bustling trade show that will showcase Africa in all its rich and diverse glory."