#Indaba2018: SA Tourism CEO Charges African Countries To Develop Tourism
Indaba has built up a reputation for excellence as the world’s biggest showcase of the African tourism industry’s quality and diverse offerings.
With Africa being about people with energy and spirit coming together, performing with vibrancy, and expressing our culture and history in a most compelling way, Indaba is one of the topmost platforms to experience this vibrant culture and rich history of tales left by our forefathers.
Known to be one of the leading African Travel and Tourism trade shows in the world, this year’s Africa’s Travel Indaba hosted over 1060 quality tourism, exhibitors from across the African continent attended and showcased some of the most creatively designed exhibitions stands on the trading floor.
The Welcome Networking Function showcased African stories, bringing them to life through music and stunning performances from various artists that wowed the packed South Foyer of the ICC.
Indaba plays an integral role in the shaping of the continent’s success stories especially with success stories from the just ended Indaba 2018 which saw exhibitors showcase the diversity of products with over 500 smaller enterprises known as “Hidden Gems” from startup entrepreneurs.
“Tourism growth, and sharing the benefits of tourism, contribute to replacing poverty and despair with prosperity and hope. Africa’s Travel Indaba is the ideal springboard for further growth,” says South African Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom at the opening.
His message at the official Welcome Networking Function at the 25th Africa’s Travel Indaba at the Durban ICC highlighted how powerful stories of Africa, a continent that has given so much to the world, will never cease to amaze visitors.
However, he believes as Africans, “We have unique attractions to share and stories to tell, stories of our common origins and of early African civilisations. Stories of courage and resilience abound, including the story of Nelson Mandela, who would have turned 100 years old this year.”
Rounding up closing remarks at the just ended Indaba 2018 in Durban, the CEO of South Africa Tourism, Mr. Sisa Ntshona also added his voice to Minister Derek’s who earlier in his welcome note called for the need to focus also on tourism product improvement to attract more investment in Africa.
Mr Sisa praised the Africa delegates for cooperating to promote and integrate the continent as one destination through tourism.
He also believes that tourism has the potential to be the new ‘gold’ that could steer African economies to new heights – and boost the continent’s share of global tourism significantly.
