Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025 sees 14.4% surge in participation

SOUTH AFRICA – Africa’s Travel Indaba, set to take place in Durban from May 12-15, 2025, has experienced a 14.4% rise in hosted buyers and confirmed 163 exhibitors from 24 countries, signaling growing global interest in African tourism, particularly from key markets like the US, China, UK, and India.

As of April 21, 873 buyers have been vetted and approved, many of whom are already scheduling meetings with exhibitors.

Interest in the event is particularly high from key international markets such as the United States, China, the United Kingdom, and India.

Since the start of April 2025, 804 hosted buyer applications have been received from 55 countries, showcasing an increasing demand for African tourism products and services.

The role of buyers is crucial in curating, packaging, and promoting Africa’s tourism offerings to global travellers.

Africa’s Travel Indaba provides these buyers with the opportunity to book pre-scheduled meetings using the event’s world-class online diary, granting them exclusive access to exhibitors of all sizes, including Small and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs).

This arrangement offers both buyers and exhibitors unique opportunities. Buyers are not simply attending but actively engaging in shaping the future of global travel.

With a diverse and high-quality pool of buyers, exhibitors have a prime opportunity to connect with decision-makers who are instrumental in driving the tourism industry forward.

Exhibitor interest is also strong for the 2025 edition, with 163 exhibitors from 24 African countries already confirmed.

Notably, 95% of the available floor space has been filled, and an additional 400 sqm of exhibition space has been secured compared to the previous year.

This commitment from exhibitors further underscores the growing recognition of Africa’s Travel Indaba as a premier platform for business opportunities and market expansion.

Darryl Erasmus, Chief Operating Officer of South African Tourism, remarked, “There has never been a more exciting time to invest in African tourism.

With high buyer interest and exhibitors ready to showcase the continent’s best, Africa’s Travel Indaba is the ultimate platform to unlock business opportunities and shape the future of travel on the continent.”

Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025 will take place from May 12 to 15 at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

It promises to be a key gathering for anyone looking to invest in Africa’s diverse and evolving tourism landscape.

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