DURBAN, May 14 (NNN-SANEWS) — Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025 officially kicked off Tuesday, with Deputy President Paul Mashatile using the platform to highlight the continent’s vast, untapped tourism potential.
Speaking at the opening ceremony in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, Deputy President Mashatile highlighted Africa’s rich cultural heritage and economic opportunities in the tourism sector.
According to the Deputy President, tourism is projected to contribute 10.4% to Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030, currently standing at 6.8%.
However, according to Mashatile, South Africa alone sees tourism contributing 8.9% to its GDP and supporting 1.6 million jobs, with plans to expand this to over two million jobs by 2030.
Africa’s Travel Indaba is an iconic African leisure trade show, owned by South African Tourism, with the specific objective of creating market access for a vast array of African leisure tourism products.
The three-day event, held during Africa Month, celebrates the continent’s unity and potential, with a focus on promoting inter-African travel and breaking down barriers.
“This month, we are reminded to forge unity, strengthen the bonds of solidarity, and cooperation among the African states. This is a call we must never forsake until we witness a more integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa.”
Key themes include sustainable tourism, regional integration, and leveraging the upcoming Group of 20 (G20) Leaders’ Summit to showcase the continent’s global economic significance.
Mashatile also stressed the importance of intra-African trade, infrastructure development, and digital transformation to boost tourism.
The leader also reflects on late President Nelson Mandela’s speech at the Indaba International Tourism Workshop, emphasising the commitment to boosting Africa’s tourism industry.
The Deputy President also highlighted the contributions of African leaders like Jomo Kenyatta, Julius Nyerere, and Thomas Sankara in achieving political independence and transforming the continent.
“Due to their contributions in achieving political independence, Africa is now welcoming many tourists to explore its beauty, marvels, hospitality, and culture. Many travellers are drawn to uncover the roots that shaped these remarkable men and women of our continent, and for this, we should be proud.”
Mashatile believes that Africa’s attractions and influx of tourists also mean that the continent is an important part of the world’s economy, politics, growth, and humanity.
“Despite being separated by man-made borders, the humanity of the African people permeates the veins of all African countries.
“Our unity is cemented by social cohesion.”
He is of the view that this is a reminder of how unique Africans are, created with love, compassion, and care that are inextricably linked to their identities.
“Our humanity makes us stand out in the world’s melting pot of cultures, traditions, and heritage.”
Mashatile acknowledged the challenges Africa faces, including political strife, poverty, unemployment, and inequality, which have led to widespread misery and violence.
However, he took the time to call for collective action to confront these challenges and uncover enduring solutions, stressing the role of tourism as a significant economic engine and catalyst for social change.
The Indaba serves as a platform for African nations to collaborate, showcase their attractions, and develop strategies for inclusive tourism growth that benefits local communities, women, youth, and people with disabilities.
With the theme “Unlimited Africa,“ the conference aims to position the continent at the centre of global economic conversations and tourism development.
According to the Deputy President, Africa needs to invest more in skills development and digital transformation for the tourism sector to thrive.
“We must foster innovation and sustainable practices to ensure long-term economic growth. Let us celebrate the bond that unites Africa, honouring the vibrant cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and the incredible people that make this continent shine with brilliance.
“Let us demonstrate to the world that Africa is ready for business.” — NNN-SANEWS
