The opening of Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026 at the Durban ICC marked a powerful moment for African tourism, as President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered a keynote address focused on growth, regional integration and the economic potential of tourism across the continent.
Welcoming delegates from across Africa and the world, Ramaphosa described Durban as “a city that embodies the spirit of African hospitality” and said the gathering reflected Africa’s determination to shape its own tourism narrative. Speaking during Africa Month, the President emphasised that tourism was not only an economic sector but also “a living expression of who we are as a people.”
The President highlighted the resilience of South Africa’s tourism industry following years of global disruption, revealing that the country welcomed 10.5 million international visitors in the past year. He noted that three-quarters of these arrivals came from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, demonstrating that “Africans are choosing Africa.”
Ramaphosa said government was working with neighbouring countries to advance the proposed SADC Tourism UNIVISA system, which would allow seamless travel across member states. He added that South Africa was also expanding one-stop border posts and developing cross-border tourism routes to strengthen regional integration.
“When Africans travel within Africa, we strengthen our economies, deepen our cultural ties and build a more integrated continent,” he said.
The President also reiterated his State of the Nation Address call for the tourism sector to promote South Africa’s unique cultural, historical and natural attractions. He praised several recent tourism infrastructure developments, including the upgraded Cape Agulhas Lighthouse precinct at the southernmost tip of Africa and the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre in the Free State’s Golden Gate Highlands National Park.
According to Ramaphosa, the dinosaur centre, home to the world’s oldest dinosaur embryo discovery, has already attracted more than 88,000 visitors since opening in June 2025.
Durban itself has recently expanded its tourism offering with the unveiling of statues honouring liberation icons Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo.
The President stressed that tourism growth translated directly into economic opportunities for ordinary citizens. Citing Statistics South Africa data, he said the tourism sector now supports nearly one million direct jobs, meaning one in every 18 South African workers is employed in tourism.
“Africa’s Travel Indaba has become one of the most powerful platforms for tourism growth on the continent,” Ramaphosa said, noting that last year’s event attracted around 10,000 delegates and more than 1,300 exhibitors.
He further linked tourism development to broader continental ambitions under the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area. Ramaphosa said Pan-Africanism was not only a political ideal but “a driver of economic progress” and “the foundation of our shared prosperity.”
The President also highlighted several reforms aimed at improving accessibility and competitiveness, including South Africa’s Electronic Travel Authorisation system and the introduction of a Digital Nomad Visa. He said these measures, along with increased airline seat capacity on African and Asian routes, were helping position South Africa as a more attractive destination.
Looking ahead, Ramaphosa said South Africa was intensifying tourism marketing efforts in countries such as China, India, Brazil, Mexico and across Southeast Asia to diversify source markets.
He concluded by calling on governments, businesses, communities and young innovators to work together to ensure tourism continues creating opportunities for future generations.
“Africa is not waiting. Africa is leading,” he declared.
Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille echoed the President’s optimism in her address, describing tourism as a powerful economic catalyst capable of changing lives.
“Today, we pledge to grow Africa’s tourism economy, to tell our stories and together build a better Africa and a better world,” she said.
De Lille noted that tourism contributed 4.9% to South Africa’s GDP and supported 954,000 direct jobs by 2024, while the record-breaking 10.5 million international arrivals in 2025 signalled that the industry had moved beyond recovery into sustained growth.
The Minister highlighted major tourism investments approved through partnerships between government and the private sector. These included the R24 billion expansion of the V&A Waterfront, a R10.5 billion investment into Winelands Airport and the R2.1 billion Club Med Beach and Safari resort in KwaZulu-Natal, which is expected to open in July.
“These are demonstrations of confidence in South Africa’s tourism growth prospects,” she said.
De Lille also pointed to ongoing government investment in tourism infrastructure, including the R82 million Cape Agulhas Lighthouse redevelopment and the R120 million Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre project developed with support from the European Union.
She further announced that Durban would host the SADC Heads of State Summit in August 2026, while South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia would jointly host the Cricket World Cup in 2027 alongside a World Economic Forum special meeting.
The Minister emphasised the importance of the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events (MICE) sector, revealing that the South African National Convention Bureau secured 52 international conference bids from 100 submissions during the 2025/26 financial year.
De Lille also announced plans to revamp Africa’s Travel Indaba in 2027 and called on stakeholders, creatives and investors to partner with government in shaping the future of African tourism.
“With over 1,200 exhibitors and 1,000 buyers, I wish everyone turbulent-free negotiations as we invite the world to Africa,” she said.