Durban: Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025 officially kicked off today, with Deputy President Paul Mashatile using the platform to highlight the continent’s vast, untapped tourism potential. Speaking at the opening ceremony in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, Deputy President Mashatile highlighted Africa’s rich cultural heritage and economic opportunities in the tourism sector.
According to South African Government News Agency, tourism is projected to contribute 10.4% to Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030, currently standing at 6.8%. However, Mashatile noted that tourism in South Africa alone contributes 8.9% to its GDP and supports 1.6 million jobs, with plans to expand this to over two million jobs by 2030.
Africa’s Travel Indaba is an iconic African leisure trade show, owned by South African Tourism, with the specific objective of creating market access for a vast array of African leisure tourism products. The three-day event, held during Africa Month, celebrates the continent’s unity and potential, with a focus on promoting inter-African travel and breaking down barriers. “This month, we are reminded to forge unity, strengthen the bonds of solidarity, and cooperation among the African states,” Mashatile said.
Key themes include sustainable tourism, regional integration, and leveraging the upcoming Group of 20 (G20) Leaders’ Summit to showcase the continent’s global economic significance. Mashatile also stressed the importance of intra-African trade, infrastructure development, and digital transformation to boost tourism.
Reflecting on late President Nelson Mandela’s speech at the Indaba International Tourism Workshop, Mashatile emphasized the commitment to boosting Africa’s tourism industry. He also highlighted the contributions of African leaders like Jomo Kenyatta, Julius Nyerere, and Thomas Sankara in achieving political independence and transforming the continent. “Due to their contributions in achieving political independence, Africa is now welcoming many tourists to explore its beauty, marvels, hospitality, and culture,” he added.
Mashatile believes that Africa’s attractions and influx of tourists signify the continent’s importance in global economy, politics, growth, and humanity. “Despite being separated by man-made borders, the humanity of the African people permeates the veins of all African countries,” he stated. He views this as a reminder of the uniqueness of Africans, created with love, compassion, and care linked to their identities.
Acknowledging the challenges Africa faces, including political strife, poverty, unemployment, and inequality, Mashatile called for collective action to confront these challenges and uncover enduring solutions, highlighting tourism’s role as a significant economic engine and catalyst for social change. The Indaba serves as a platform for African nations to collaborate, showcase their attractions, and develop strategies for inclusive tourism growth that benefits local communities, women, youth, and people with disabilities.
With the theme “Unlimited Africa,” the conference aims to position the continent at the center of global economic conversations and tourism development. Mashatile emphasized the need for investment in skills development and digital transformation for the tourism sector to thrive. “We must foster innovation and sustainable practices to ensure long-term economic growth,” he said, urging the celebration of Africa’s bond and demonstrating to the world that Africa is ready for business.