KwaZulu-Natal to host Africa Travel Indaba for the next five years
In a major win, KwaZulu-Natal has secured the Africa Travel Indaba through 2030.
Image: Nonkululeko Nhlapho
KWAZULU-NATAL is redefining how and where Africa meets, spreading the benefits of business tourism across the province.
Having recently secured Africa’s Travel Indaba for the next five years, high-end conferences, incentive travel and deal-making experiences will extend beyond Durban to include the North Coast’s resorts to the Drakensberg’s peaks and the calm of the Midlands.
“Winning the bid to host Africa’s Travel Indaba in May next year gives us a powerful global stage,” says Sibusiso Gumbi, Acting CEO of the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority (KZNTAFA).
Durban was recently granted a license that designates the International Convention Centre as the home of World Trade Centre Durban.
Image: Archive
“But the bigger win is how it allows us to showcase the full depth of KwaZulu-Natal, the world-class infrastructure in Durban and the authentic regional experiences that make every visit unforgettable. It also boosts business tourism through Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events (MICE).”
At the heart of the ATI win is the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC). Recently, Durban was granted a license that designates the ICC as the home of World Trade Centre Durban.
“The World Trade Centre designation is a game-changer,” says Lindiwe Rakharebe, CEO of the Durban ICC. “It places Durban within a network of more than 300 WTCs across nearly 100 countries, positioning us as a trusted global hub for tourism, business and investment.”
During last year’s Travel Indaba, hotel occupancy in Durban hit nearly 90 percent. Restaurants were full, taxis busy and suppliers thriving.
Palesa Phili, CEO of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry NPC says ATI connected tourism and film stakeholders from across the province with international investors and creative industries, driving partnerships that strengthen KwaZulu-Natal’s wider visitor economy.
‘’The event generates real value for both corporates and SMMEs from new business contracts and co-productions to enhanced brand visibility in global markets. Its ripple effect is felt throughout KZN, supporting jobs, boosting confidence and positioning the province as a dynamic business and creative hub,’’ said Phili.
Jaya Naidoo, General Manager of the Federation of Hospitality Association of South Africa (FEDHASA) noted that during ATI, Durban hotels average between 75 to 90% occupancy, with overflow to Pietermaritzburg, the Dolphin Coast, Zululand, and the Drakensberg.
Naidoo said the economic impact extends across the province.
‘’Beyond the immediate event, ATI creates long-term benefits — generating future conferences, incentive travel, and repeat tourism into Durban and wider KZN. It is a strategic platform that positions Durban and KwaZulu-Natal as a world-class hub for business tourism and MICE hospitality,” said Naidoo.
In 2024, more than 50 major conferences and meetings were hosted across Durban and regional centres, generating R4 billion GDP impact, sustaining over 7 000 jobs, and driving R1.6 billion in delegate spend.
According to KZNTAFA, their integrated strategy is to ensure every conference hosted in the province becomes part of a bigger story.
Some of the regions MICE offerings are:
North Coast (Umhlanga–Ballito): Resorts such as The Capital Zimbali, The Oyster Box and Fairmont Zimbali offer ocean-view boardrooms and gala venues. Delegates enjoy yacht cruises, dolphin-watching or golf — turning business into pleasure.
South Coast: Selborne Park, Margate Hotel and Wild Coast Sun fuse coastal charm with conference convenience. Beach-themed banquets and team-building on Blue Flag beaches make this region ideal for incentives.
Drakensberg: Venues like Cathedral Peak, Champagne Castle and Dragon Peaks deliver high-altitude inspiration — meetings by day, starlit dinners by night.
Midlands: Along the Midlands Meander, lodges such as Fordoun Spa, Brahman Hills and Karkloof Villas host boutique summits and retreats amid craft trails and farm-to-table dining.