Travel Trade News

On Sunday, 11 May 2025, the Minister of Tourism in the Republic of South Africa, Ms. Patricia de Lille, will address delegates and the media at a ceremony to mark the Second G20 Tourism Working Group (TWG) meeting that will place from 11 till 13 May 2025 in the KwaZulu Natal Province – South Africa.

A previous communication announced Expo Solutions as the official infrastructure partner. This unauthorised message was sent out on an SA Tourism letterhead. We are pleased to now confirm GL Events as the official infrastructure service partner for Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025. GL Events bring extensive experience and a strong track record in delivering reliable, high-quality exhibition services and we are confident they will help deliver an efficient and professional setup for all exhibitors.

The highly anticipated 2025 Africa’s Travel Indaba was officially launched today at a media event hosted at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. The event was led by the Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, senior representatives from the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government and Tourism Authority, South African Tourism and the greater tourism sector, underscoring the strategic importance of tourism as a catalyst for inclusive growth.

More buyers have registered and confirmed to attend this year’s Africa’s Travel Indaba when compared to the same time last year. With a 14.4% increase in hosted buyer applications.

Today marks the official launch of South African Tourism’s latest global brand campaign, ‘South Africa Awaits — Come Find Your Joy!’— a celebration of the country’s boundless energy, rich culture, and extraordinary experiences. This dynamic campaign invites travellers to rediscover their sense of wonder, embracing the joy that travel to South Africa can unlock.

Durban, South Africa – March 26, 2025 – Africa’s premier tourism trade show, Africa’s Travel Indaba (ATI) 2025, is gearing up to welcome industry leaders, media professionals, and tourism stakeholders from around the world. The much-anticipated event will take place from May 13 – 15, 2025, at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC Durban) in KwaZulu-Natal, with the Business Opportunity Networking Day (BONDay) on May 12, 2025.

Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille has embarked on a special outreach programme to Ghana from 26 – 28 March, aiming to strengthen tourism partnerships and promote cultural exchange between the two nations. As part of the outreach programme, Minister de Lille will engage the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts of Ghana, Honourable, Abla-Dzifa Gomashie, the South Africa-Ghana Chamber of Commerce, tourism trade, key media and tourism stakeholders to showcase South Africa as an attractive leisure and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination.

In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to truly connect with loved ones can be challenging. Between work commitments, school schedules, and daily responsibilities, family time often takes a back seat.

Globally, Small Medium Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) are said to represent over 80% of businesses, this is according to the World Bank. SMMEs they are a key contributor to employment and Gross Domestic product of economies1. According to the World Bank Group, they represent about 90% of businesses and over 50% of employment worldwide. They are said to account for about 65% of jobs in the OECD countries. But SMMEs are faced with numerous challenges including economic shocks, access to markets, access to funding and compliance requirements.

The Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) has broadened its reach by launching the Basic Quality Verification (BQV) training program in Gauteng. This exciting milestone was celebrated with an extensive compulsory training session held from February 11-13, 2025, at South African Tourism’s headquarters.

As the countdown to Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025 intensifies, South African Tourism has established an industry-led Advisory Committee to ensure the seamless execution of this premier travel trade event. Comprising key industry representatives, this dedicated panel will meet weekly to address critical aspects of the show, working collaboratively to enhance its impact and deliver an even better experience for exhibitors and buyers.

South Africa hosted a successful first G20 Tourism Working Group meeting virtually from the Head Office of the Department of International Relations and Co-operation (DIRCO) today