Monday 11 May
Today, Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026 officially begins in KwaZulu-Natal province in the city of Durban marking the start of one of the continent’s most important tourism and trade platforms and setting the stage for a powerful week of business, collaboration, innovation, and African storytelling.
Taking place from 11–14 May under the theme “Unlimited Africa: Growing Africa’s Tourism Economy,” this year’s programme kicks off with BONDay (Business Opportunity Networking Day), officially opened by the Honourable Deputy Minister of Tourism, Makhotso Sotyu.
The BONDAY programme launches critical conversations around policy, entrepreneurship, destination competitiveness, sports tourism, culture, and digital transformation. These are all designed to showcase new growth opportunities for African tourism economies.
From “Africa’s Narrative as the World’s Tourism Powerhouse”, to a TikTok Masterclass on converting digital inspiration into bookings, to thought-provoking discussions on sports tourism and the growing influence of music, fashion, and gastronomy on travel, BONDay reflects the evolving future of tourism and the many sectors shaping it.
Tomorrow, Tuesday 12 May, the spotlight intensifies as President Cyril Ramaphosa officially will officially open Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026, reinforcing tourism’s role as a strategic economic driver for South Africa and the broader African continent.
Over the next three days, delegates, ministers, exhibitors, buyers, media, and tourism leaders from across Africa and the world will gather to advance dialogue on various topics while showcasing Africa’s extraordinary tourism diversity.
Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026 takes place as the world also commemorate Africa Month providing an important platform to strengthen partnerships, and shape a more inclusive tourism future that benefits communities, entrepreneurs, and nations alike.
Celebrating over 40 years of Africa’s Travel Indaba legacy, this year also places an emphasis on forward-looking commitments to revamp, diversify, and future-proof the platform for generations to come ensuring Africa’s tourism economy remains dynamic, inclusive, and globally relevant.
Media attending Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026 are encouraged to immerse themselves in the week’s high-value storytelling opportunities, from policy announcements and ministerial engagements to cultural showcases, innovation sessions, and destination-defining conversations. Accreditation for unregistered media closes today, 11 May, at 12h00 midday.
Welcome to the KwaZulu-Natal province and the city of Durban. Welcome to South Africa.
Welcome to Unlimited Africa.
Issued by South African Tourism
For further information, contact:
Thandiwe Mathibela
Tel : +2711 895 3177
Email : mediaq@southafrica.net
Email : thandiwe@southafrica.net
Website: www.southafrica.net