Events

This programme is subject to change with new features being added as the events get confirmed.

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Wednesday, 23 Apr 2025

Time

Schedule

09h00 - 12h00

Africa's Travel Indaba 2025 Media Launch

The official launch of Africa's Travel Indaba 2025

Durban (TBC)

Monday, 12 May 2025

Time

Schedule

09h00 - 10h50

BONDay Opening Plenary - Mother Africa Earth / Umhlaba

09:00 - 09:05	Opening remarks and introduction of SA Tourism CEO	Carol Ofori (MC)
09:05 - 09:10	Welcoming Remarks	Ms. Nombulelo Guliwe – CEO, South African Tourism
09:10 - 09:30	Africa’s Excellence, Endless Possibilities: An African Journey of Resilience, Triumph, and Unstoppable Spirit	Captain Londi ‘Blaqmermaid’ Ngcobo First Female Dredge Master & Oceans Economy Business Leader
09:30 - 09:35	Address	Prof. Gregory Davids - Board Chairperson, South African Tourism
09:35 - 10:20	Africa’s Voice at G20 – A continental collaboration for Future Tourism Opportunities	Jacqui Mabuza – Head of Commercial at Cruises International Zimasa Vabaza - Dynamic Media Entrepreneur & Small Business Economist Lethabo Sithole – Trade & Investment Lawyer, Pan- African Development Strategist Dr. Vumi Msweli – Philanthropist, Author, Pan-African Most Influential Woman in Business

South Foyer

Registered Exhibitors, Buyers, Media and Stakeholders

09h00 - 13h00

BONDay Educational Sessions

09:00 - 09:05	Opening remarks and introduction of SA Tourism CEO	Carol Ofori (MC)
09:05 - 09:10	Welcoming Remarks	Ms. Nombulelo Guliwe – CEO, South African Tourism
09:10 - 09:30	Africa’s Excellence, Endless Possibilities: An African Journey of Resilience, Triumph, and Unstoppable Spirit	Captain Londi ‘Blaqmermaid’ Ngcobo First Female Dredge Master & Oceans Economy Business Leader
09:30 - 09:35	Address	Prof. Gregory Davids - Board Chairperson, South African Tourism
09:35 - 10:20	Africa’s Voice at G20 – A continental collaboration for Future Tourism Opportunities	Jacqui Mabuza – Head of Commercial at Cruises International Zimasa Vabaza - Dynamic Media Entrepreneur & Small Business Economist Lethabo Sithole – Trade & Investment Lawyer, Pan- African Development Strategist Dr. Vumi Msweli – Philanthropist, Author, Pan-African Most Influential Woman in Business

South Foyer & Designated Breakaway Rooms / Zones, Durban ICC

Registered Exhibitors, Buyers, Media and Stakeholders

11h00 - 13h05

BONDay Stream 1 - Maji / Water - Connect - Creating a Collective Vision for Africa

Time	Session
11h00–11h45	Unlocking Growth through Impactful Localisation Strategies - Aligning regional approaches for effective demand creation
11h50–12h30	Regional Collaboration: Uniting Forces to Catapult Africa’s Tourism Economy
12h35–13h05	Stream Wrap-up

South Foyer

Registered Exhibitors, Buyers, Media and Stakeholders

11h00 - 13h05

BONDay Stream 2 - Moto / Fire - Discover - Africa’s Enhanced Positioning Through Authentic Immersion

Time	Session
11h00–11h45	Transforming Travel: Crafting Authentic, Sustainable Journeys Through Experiential Travel - Eco-Tourism, Gastronomy & Wellness Exploration
11h50–12h30	Discovering Africa’s Hidden Gems: Unveiling Untapped Destinations and Unique
12h35–13h05	Stream Wrap-up

Room 12

Registered Exhibitors, Buyers, Media and Stakeholders

11h00 - 13h05

BONDay Stream 3 - Ardhi/ Earth - Grow - Powering Africa’s Tourism With Cutting-Edge Technology and Sustainable Innovation

Time	Session
11h00–11h45	Innovating for Tomorrow: Leveraging Technology to Propel Africa's Tourism Industry
11h50–12h30	Future-Proofing African Tourism: Pioneering Innovations to Lead on the World Stage
12h35–13h05	Stream Wrap-up

Room 21

Registered Exhibitors, Buyers, Media and Stakeholders

13h00 - 14h00

BONDay Lunch

Partake in a wide array of authentic South African and African cuisine whilst enjoying lunchtime entertainment.

Designated Venues

Registered Exhibitors, Buyers, Media and Stakeholders

14h00 - 17h00

Tourism Communicators Forum (TCF)

Meeting Room 12, ICC

By Invitation Only

15h00 - 17h30

BONDay Beach Clean-Up

After a morning of powerful conversations and connections at BONDay, we invite you to wind down with purpose and play at the BONDay Beach Clean-Up, taking place on the shores of North Beach.

This is your chance to connect with fellow changemakers, stretch your legs, and help us leave a positive footprint where it matters most – on our coastline.

Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/GHroqt4TssmCa4xCA

North Beach, Durban (next to the life Guard House)

By Invitation Only

Tuesday, 13 May 2025

Time

Schedule

07h00 - 08h30

TKZN Buyer Breakfast

Annual breakfast hosted by Tourism KwaZulu Natal as the Host Province of Africa's Travel Indaba.

TBC

By Invitation Only - Hosted Buyers

08h00 - 09h30

Speed Marketing Session 1 - Limitless Pursuits (Active Adventure and Coastal Beach Products)

The Tourism Grading Council of South Africa hosts Speed Marketing sessions designed to showcase eminent South African tourism products to buyers and media. Each session highlights a specific category of products and is structured around a dedicated theme.

Meeting Room 21, Durban ICC

By Invitation Only - Products, Hosted Buyers and Media

09h00 - 10h00

Africa's Travel Indaba 2025 Trade Floor Opening

The Official opening ceremony of Africa's Travel Indaba 2025. Guests are to be seated at 8.30am for a 9am start.

South Foyer, ICC

Ministry, NDT, Bid Parties, SAT, VIP's, Media, Exhibitors and Buyers

09h00 - 17h00

National Tourism Careers Expo Partners Meeting

Meeting Room 12, ICC

By Invitation Only

10h00 - 13h00

G20 Mobile Visitor Information Centre Meeting

Meeting Room 11 A, ICC

By Invitation Only

10h00 - 18h00

Exhibition Starts / Diary Meetings

Pre-scheduled appointments between hosted buyers and exhibitors

Exhibition Areas

Online Diary System / Exhibition Areas

10h30 - 12h00

Minister’s Walk-About

The Minister of Tourism conducts the official walk-about of the Africa's Travel Indaba exhibition floor. Exhibitors have the opportunity to engage the stakeholder in an intimate way.

N/A

11h00 - 11h30

BOMA Talks: Shaping Sustainability Session 1 - Redefining Sustainable Tourism for Africa’s Future

Exploring how African destinations can embed regenerative practices, community-led tourism, and responsible growth into their recovery and growth strategies.

Butterfly Wall - ICC Outdoor

Open Entry

11h00 - 12h30

TGCSA Stand (25 Years)

Celebrating 25 Benchmark properties with TGCSA

ICC105

All Delegates

13h00 - 14h00

Lunch - Vendors Trade from 12h00

Partake in a wide array of authentic South African and African cuisine whilst enjoying lunchtime entertainment.

Designated Venues

All Delegates

14h00 - 15h00

BOMA Talks: Media Editorial Session: Sports , Arts & Culture

Media Centre Presentation Room

Open Entry

15h00 - 15h30

Future Forward Session 1 - Beyond Recovery: Charting Africa’s Tourism Growth Trajectory for 2030 and Beyond

Unpacking emerging trends, digital disruption, and market shifts that will shape how African destinations compete and thrive in the global tourism landscape

Future Wheel - ICC Concourse

Open Entry

16h00 - 17h30

BOMA Talks: A Moment of Joy - Gastronomy / Fashion / Wine Experience

Media Centre

Open Entry

18h00 - 23h55

Welcome Networking - AFRICAN FAMfare

Step into the vibrant spirit of Africa and experience the authentic warmth of our continent at the AFRICAN FAMfare – a welcome networking event like no other. Join us for an unforgettable evening that brings together the bold flavours, timeless style, expressive art, and soulful sounds of Africa, all set against the cultural heartbeat of the Zulu Kingdom.

RSVP’d guests can collect their wristbands from the Guest Registration Desk located next to the escalators.

East Plaza, Durban Exhibition Centre

By Invitation Only

Wednesday, 14 May 2025

Time

Schedule

06h00 - 08h00

Africa’s Travel Indaba Fun Run & Sunrise Yoga

An Africa's Travel Indaba Community-Building fun outdoor activity that attracts fitness fundis of every level. Join us for a great start to the day as we explore the sights and sounds of the host city.

Beachfront Promenade

By Registration Only

07h30 - 08h00

SANParks Panel Discussion: Conversations About Conservation

The CEO of South African National Parks (SANParks), Ms. Hapiloe Sello, cordially invites you to a panel discussion exploring national parks of the future, as we move beyond exclusionary models toward more inclusive and community-driven approaches.

Under the Vision 2040 theme: From Fortress Conservation to Inclusivity, this meeting of minds will bring together experts to discuss sustainable, equitable, and inclusive conservation.

Hilton Hotel, Durban

All Delegates

Yvonne Mokoena-Mohapi

yvonne.mokoena@sanparks.org

+27 79 038 9005

08h00 - 09h30

Speed Marketing Session 2 - Soul of Africa (Cultural Roots and City Lifestyle Products)

Meeting Room 21, Durban ICC

By Invitation Only

10h00 - 11h00

Media Editorial Session: The business of Tourism & Film in destinations

Hosted by KwaZulu-Natal Tourism And Film Authority

Media Centre Presentation Room

Open Entry

10h00 - 13h00

G20 Provincial Feedback Meeting

Meeting Room 11 A, ICC

By Invitation Only

10h00 - 14h00

Department of Tourism Stakeholder Engagement Session

Meeting Room 12, ICC

By Invitation

10h00 - 18h00

Exhibition Starts / Diary Meetings

Pre-scheduled appointments between hosted buyers and exhibitors

Exhibition Areas

Online Diary System / Exhibition Areas

11h00 - 11h30

BOMA Talks: Shaping Sustainability Session 2 - Greener Journeys: Innovations in Eco-Travel and Transport

Highlighting transformative solutions in low-carbon travel, sustainable aviation, and eco-friendly mobility that reduce environmental impact while enhancing traveller experience.

Butterfly Wall - ICC Outdoor

Open Entry

11h00 - 12h30

TGCSA Stand (25 Years)

Celebrating 25 Benchmark properties with TGCSA

ICC105

All Delegates

11h00 - 14h00

BOMA Talks: NTCE 2025 Business Networking Session

South Foyer, ICC

By Invitation

11h00 - 14h00

NTCE 2025 Business Networking Session

South Foyer, ICC

By Invitation Only

12h00 - 13h00

Media Editorial Session: Gastronomy

Media Centre Presentation Room

Open Entry

13h00 - 14h00

Lunch - Vendors Trade from 12h00

Partake in a wide array of authentic South African and African cuisine whilst enjoying lunchtime entertainment.

Designated Venues

All Delegates

14h00 - 15h00

Media Editorial Session: Township & Rural Tourism

Media Centre Presentation Room

Open Entry

14h00 - 16h00

Trusted Tour Operators Workshop with Home Affairs

The Department of Home Affairs in collaboration with the Department of Tourism have recently launched the Trusted Tour Operators Scheme, that provides improved visa processing and quality services for China and India. This is a feedback workshop from the trade.

Meeting Room 21, ICC

By Invitation Only

15h00 - 15h30

Future Forward Session 2 - The Connected Traveller: Leveraging Technology and Data to Elevate the African Tourism Experience

Exploring smart technologies, AI, data-driven marketing, and seamless digital experiences to meet evolving traveller expectations and boost competitiveness.

Future Wheel - ICC Concourse

Open Entry

15h30 - 16h00

Tourvest Special Announcement

Media Centre Presentation Room

Open Entry

18h00 - 23h55

City Immersion Experience

Participating Restaurants

Dukkah
Maison on Florida
ZAI Precinct: Bean Bag Jazz Lounge
Dropkick Murphy
Hue Cafe
Gordon Park on Florida

Florida Road

Open Entry

Thursday, 15 May 2025

Time

Schedule

08h00 - 09h30

Speed Marketing Session 3 - Wild Majesty (Scenic Outdoors, Wildlife, Safari and Camping Products)

Meeting Room 21, Durban ICC

By Invitation Only

10h00 - 11h00

Media Editorial Session: Youth Tourism & Backpacking: Unlocking SA’s Appeal to Young Travellers

Media Centre Presentation Room

Open Entry

10h00 - 17h00

Exhibition Starts / Diary Meetings

related industries - to support and nurture innovation.

Exhibition Areas

Online Diary System / Exhibition Areas

11h00 - 11h30

BOMA Talks: Shaping Sustainability Session 3 - Inclusive and Equitable Tourism: Putting People at the Heart of Sustainability

Championing socio-economic sustainability by fostering inclusive opportunities for local communities, SMEs, and cultural custodians across the tourism value chain.

Butterfly Wall - ICC Outdoor

Open Entry

11h00 - 12h30

TGCSA Stand (25 Years)

Celebrating 25 Benchmark properties with TGCSA

ICC105

All Delegates

12h00 - 13h00

Media Conference - Bid Party Wrap Up

A wrap-up of key highlights of this year's Africa's Travel Indaba.

Media Centre Presentation Room

Media, Bid Parties and SAT

12h00 - 13h00

Media Editorial Session: Astro Tourism

A wrap-up of key highlights of this year's Africa's Travel Indaba.

Media Centre Presentation Room

Media; Bid Parties, SAT

13h00 - 14h00

Lunch - Vendors Trade from 12h00

Partake in a wide array of authentic South African and African cuisine whilst enjoying lunchtime entertainment.

Designated Venues

All Delegates

14h00 - 15h00

The Africa's Travel Indaba Awards

Africa's Travel Indaba recognises its valued exhibitors for demonstrating excellence in the various awards categories.

Durban ICC South Foyer

Media and Exhibitors

15h00 - 15h30

BOMA Talks: Future Forward Session 3 - Unlocking Africa’s Tourism Potential: Empowering the Next Generation of Changemakers (Youth Focus)

Engaging young innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders in shaping a vibrant, inclusive, and tech-savvy tourism industry for tomorrow.

Future Wheel - ICC Concourse

Open Entry

17h00

Show Closes

A celebratory culmination of Africa's Travel Indaba 2025! Join the team as we say thank you for a great show. See you next year!

Exhibition Areas

All Delegates

18h00 - 23h55

City Immersion Experience

Participating Restaurants

14 on Chartwell
Mushroom Lounge
Rockets/ Brown Sugar

Umhlanga Rocks

Open Entry