While Durban’s hosting contract for Africa’s Travel Indaba (ATI) ends this year, eThekwini mayor Cyril Xaba says they want to demonstrate why it should remain the host city in the years to come.
Thousands of delegates gathered at the Durban ICC for the opening day of the ATI which has the theme “Unlimited Africa”.
Speaking at the Durban KZN Business Breakfast on Tuesday morning, which was hosted by Tourism KwaZulu-Natal, eThekwini mayor Cyril Xaba underlined Durban’s ambitions to remain the “home of Africa’s premier tourism showcase” even as its hosting contract ends this year.
“We are determined to work flat out to demonstrate why Durban deserves to remain the home of Africa’s Travel Indaba,” he said.
He said the city was undergoing a rapid transformation and mentioned the R1 billion capital investment by Southern Sun for upgrades to beachfront hotels including the Elangeni and Maharani.
“From the newly opened Westown Square in Shongweni to the proposed Durban Eye, our city is more than a getaway, it is a platform, a story of evolution, and the pulse of ‘Unlimited Africa’.”
Xaba said the tourism industry was demonstrating its resilience and there had been a recovery after the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We are encouraged by the increase in the number of tourists descending on our shores,” said Xaba. “The return of this sector is vital because it provides much-needed employment, supports livelihoods, and helps reduce poverty.”
Officially opening the event, Deputy President Paul Mashatile invoked the spirit of African unity and history, linking the continent’s liberation legacy to its tourism renaissance.
“Africa’s attractions and influx of tourists also means that our continent is an important part of the world’s economy, politics, growth, and humanity,” said Mashatile.
Mashatile said: “Tourism is not just about travel, it is about connection, empowerment, and shared belief.”
Highlighting South Africa’s leadership role as the 2025 G20 host country, Mashatile stated, “Over 200 G20-related meetings will take place across South Africa. We must echo a united African voice on every global stage.”
Mashatile concluded with a rousing call to action: “Let us celebrate the bond that unites Africa. Let us demonstrate to the world that Africa is ready for business.” Declaring the Indaba open, he added: “Africa’s Unlimited Potential is not just a vision, it’s a Pan-African reality waiting to be realised.”
THE MERCURY
