By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe
The countdown to Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025 has begun, and South African Tourism is leaving no stone unturned to ensure the success of this premier travel trade event. As part of its efforts to deliver a world-class experience, South African Tourism has established an industry-led Advisory Committee comprising key stakeholders from the tourism sector.
The Advisory Committee, which includes representatives from SATSA, Classic Portfolio, ATTA, Sun International, Marriott, and Tourvest, will meet weekly to address critical aspects of the event. Their focus areas will include exhibitor and buyer engagement, logistical efficiencies, program enhancements, and overall event quality.
According to the members of the Advisory Committee, their participation in the event is driven by their commitment to showcasing the best of Africa’s tourism offerings. David Frost, representing SATSA, expressed his excitement about being part of the Africa’s Travel Indaba Advisory Panel. “This is a significant and visionary step towards deeper collaboration, ensuring that the voices of key private-sector stakeholders can be considered,” he said.
Dorcas Dlamini from Marriott echoed Frost’s sentiments, highlighting the importance of Africa’s Travel Indaba in promoting tourism on the continent. “Africa’s Travel Indaba is a vital platform that highlights the diverse and natural beauty of our continent. The success of this event not only boosts tourism but also creates jobs for local communities and opportunities for entrepreneurs,” she said.
Andrew Camp from Sun International emphasized the significance of Africa’s Travel Indaba in showcasing the continent’s award-winning products, services, and destinations. “We are committed to supporting this event as regular annual exhibitors and as South African Tourism partners,” he said.
Martin Botha from Tourvest highlighted the importance of collaboration in making Africa’s Travel Indaba a success. “Tourvest’s inbound travel brands have been active in global source markets for decades, selling South Africa to the world. South African Tourism plays a vital role in marketing this destination, and there is no prouder time than when all stakeholders, local, regional, and international, come together in Durban for Africa’s Travel Indaba each year,” he said.
Suzanne Bayly from Classic Portfolio expressed her enthusiasm for the event, highlighting the opportunities it presents for showcasing the finest privately owned camps and lodges from across Africa. “For 2025, Classic Portfolio is looking forward to another positive and productive Africa Travel Indaba. Our Classics stand is fully booked, and once again, we are proud to host all our members along with a few select partners,” she said.
Kgomotso Ramothea from ATTA emphasized the importance of driving meaningful conversations that bring positive change and contribute to making Africa’s Travel Indaba a success. “I am honored to be part of Africa’s Travel Indaba Advisory Panel. This is an opportunity to drive meaningful conversation that brings positive change and contributes to making ATI a success for the benefit of the African continent,” she said.
Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025 will take place from May 12-15, 2025, at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. The event is expected to attract exhibitors and buyers from across the continent and beyond, providing a platform for networking, collaboration, and business development.
With its focus on collaboration and innovation, Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025 is poised to unlock the continent’s tourism potential and establish itself as a premier global travel trade event.
