Friday, May 18, 2018
Overall Registrations reached the mark of 7 000, causing an increase of 4% from the figures of 2017.
To quote Sisa Ntshona, South African Tourism’s Chief Executive Officer, “Indaba’s goal is to create a platform that allows the world to do business with Africa and business is happening. We are therefore encouraged by the number of buyers and exhibitors who have come from various parts of the world. They are our valued partners, who assist us to package and sell Africa to the world.”
In 2017, there were around 1 747 registered buyers, a growth of almost 14%, as there were more than 1 100 registered exhibitors, a jump of 5.7% from last year. Almost 200 were first time exhibitors of all the exhibitors. 23 African countries attended the Indaba.
“When we took the decision to make Indaba a pan-African event, it was a deliberate strategy on our part of boost the African economy,” says Ntshona.
“The growing number of African countries at Africa’s Travel Indaba has bolstered their commitment to being here. They are seeing the benefit of the expo and being part of a show that focuses only on Africa. The show is for Africa. The media are here for Africa and places the continent on the international stage.”
It is imperative that Indaba develops a lasting legacy for the City of Durban and the finance of the KwaZulu-Natal Province by aiding local procurement.
This year’s three-day show is anticipated to provide a R89 million to KZN’s GDP. “This is the 21st anniversary of the Durban ICC this year – a fitting way to start our five-year journey with this award-winning venue,” says Ntshona.
“The city of Durban is excited to host Africa’s Travel Indaba in 2018. Tourism remains the major economic contributor and vital in creating job opportunities,” Phillip Sithole, Deputy City Manager for Economic Development and Planning for the city of eThekwini.
“Indaba is one of the events we are proud to host as it gives us the results that the city needs to boost tourism and investor participation in the city’s key infrastructure programs that aim to change the landscape of the city,” he adds.
Tags: Travel Indaba
Saturday, April 27, 2024
