Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025 wrapped up in Durban with a record-breaking turnout and a clear message: Africa’s tourism potential is truly unlimited. Under this year’s theme, Unlimited Africa, the event demonstrated a surge in Pan-African global interest while welcoming more than 9,990 attendees—a 7.7 percent increase over last year’s 9,280 delegates.
The show facilitated over 24,500 pre-scheduled meetings, cementing Indaba’s role as Africa’s premier tourism matchmaking platform. This year also saw 1,348 exhibitors and 1,037 international buyers—the highest numbers in four years—representing 27 African countries.
For travel advisors crafting authentic, customized African itineraries, Indaba 2025 offered inspiration across the board, from luxury lodges to conservation-focused safaris, destination-focused highlights, marine adventures and more.
“My first time attending Africa’s Travel Indaba was in 2019, which was also my first time visiting South Africa,” said Veranda Adkins, a travel advisor and owner of Travel Legacy, based in Alabama. “I was very overwhelmed—I didn’t know what to expect. This time around, it’s completely different. I’ve now been to South Africa at least six times, and my conversations with suppliers and vendors have completely changed because I’m informed about what I’m selling and offering to my clients.”
“This was my first time attending Africa’s Travel Indaba, and honestly, I was a bit overwhelmed,” said Shawnta Harrison, travel curator and owner of Harrison Travels, based in South Carolina. “But connecting with the tourism boards, destination management companies, and tour operators from across Africa has been incredibly enlightening. It’s my fourth time in South Africa, but my first time at Indaba, and I’m excited to create memorable vacation experiences for my clients.”
A Pan-African Vision
Darryl Erasmus, Chief Operations Officer for South African Tourism, emphasized the broader goals behind Indaba: “Post-COVID, it was a deliberate choice to position Africa’s Travel Indaba as a pan-African event. While South African Tourism hosts, the show floor highlights the entire continent’s offerings.
“This year, over 1,300 exhibitors from 27 countries participated, alongside more than 1,000 international buyers. This underlines our commitment to making Indaba not just South Africa’s premier travel trade show, but Africa’s leading tourism exhibition,” he said.
“It’s important to recognize that long-haul travelers from markets like the U.S. and Canada often use South Africa as a gateway to explore the region. So, presenting a strong mix of regional products and promoting intra-African travel isn’t just about collaboration—it strengthens the entire tourism economy,” he continued.
On the strategic repositioning of Indaba as a pan-African showcase with a focus on sustainable tourism, Erasmus noted: “Culture, food, sports—those are all incredible parts of the South African experience. But the true beauty lies in our landscapes, diverse flora, fauna and rich biodiversity. If we don’t protect what we have, it won’t be around forever.
“As a destination, we need to work with the trade to limit tourism’s environmental impact while ensuring these experiences remain meaningful and memorable for generations,” he said. “The key takeaway is that no matter where you sit on the tourism value chain, we must encourage responsible tourism. We’re already seeing a shift: some products are moving away from traditional brick-and-mortar lodges toward tented camps in natural reserves, providing authentic and respectful experiences.”
Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025 reaffirmed its position as the cornerstone event driving Africa’s travel trade forward—connecting suppliers, buyers and advisors with a shared passion for the continent’s boundless potential.
For more information, visit indaba-southafrica.co.za.
