Travel Trade News

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

Berlin, 6 March 2025 – South Africa’s Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, delivered an inspiring address at ITB Berlin 2025, the biggest global travel trade show, highlighting South Africa’s diverse tourism offerings, strong sector performance, and exciting new initiatives to boost international travel.

With the rapid advancement of technology, particularly AI (artificial intelligence) and automation, questions about the future of jobs are becoming more prevalent. In the tourism industry, these concerns are even more pronounced as digital transformation, sustainability, and changing consumer preferences reshape the sector. The question on everyone's mind is, "Will AI take my job?" and, more specifically, "What will the future of work in tourism look like?" This article looks at the key trends affecting future jobs, the implications for the general workforce, and how the tourism industry might evolve in response.

On Wednesday, 05 March 2025, South Africa will host the G20’s first virtual Tourism Working Group (TWG) meeting bringing together senior officials, authorities and experts who will chart a way to advance sustainable tourism growth among the G20 countries.