Continental Tourism Fete in Durban South African

The INDABA, hosted by South African Tourism takes place in Durban, Kwa Zulu-Natal at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre (Durban ICC) and the Durban Exhibition Centre (DEC). runs from May 7 to 9, 2016.

Indaba means ‘gathering’. It grew out an important conference held by the izinDuna (principal men) of the Zulu or Xhosa peoples of South Africa. Most of the East African Community (EAC) member states are regular participants.

According to a press statement, over 500 buyers from around the globe are expected at  INDABA end of this week. The trade show organizers will provide exhibitors with direct access to some of the top buyers, leaders and policy makers,  in one centrally located venue  and over a three-day period.

Africa’s longest running travel trade show remains the single most focused platform bringing thousands of tourism players to converge and do business.

“Hosted buyers are selected through South African Tourism’s country offices based in the various markets worldwide. Non-hosted buyers on the other hand, attend INDABA on their own accord and on their own budget,” Sthembiso Dlamini, the acting CEO of South African Tourism said.

“Both groups of buyers are of paramount importance to INDABA which guarantees them an exceptional variety of unique destinations and tourism products to consider for inclusion in their inventory of destinations. INDABA meets these needs in its entirety by allowing for these quality business transactions to happen effectively and efficiently,” she said.

Through the online diary and matchmaking system, buyers are able to assess beforehand the full buffet of exhibitors participating, and schedule appointments with those who meet their immediate requirements. This saves time and ensures that the right connections are made.

“A well-considered and stringent selection benchmark for buyer participation at INDABA ensures the renowned trade show attracts only the best global buyers. These are buyers who are genuinely interested in doing business with quality travel brands from the rest of the African continent, are eager to showcase Africa’s appeal as a tourist destination and ultimately grow their businesses”, reads part of a press statement.

The 2015 show recorded an impressive 7704 delegates, 1595 of whom were international buyers representing 66 countries, including amongst others: Brazil, China, Germany, India, Australia, New Zealand, Italy and Germany.

INDABA 2016 will  give the world’s media an unprecedented opportunity to come and gather information and stories about the African and South African tourism sector.

Tourism has the potential to transform the African continent with its ability to bring about economic growth and create employment. Tourism INDABA has been bringing together Africa’s tourism leaders, policy makers, global buyers and travel media under one roof for 36 years.