DURBAN — With the theme  ‘Africa Without Limits’, the 2024 edition of Africa’s Travel Indaba exceeded all expectations.

The largest annual African tourism event hosted 1,245 exhibitors from 26 African countries

The largest annual event in African tourism welcomed a whopping 1,245 exhibitors from 26 African countries last month (compared to 21 countries in 2023).

Destinations including Burkina Faso and Eritrea participated for the first time in the show, organized by South African Tourism (SAT) in partnership with Tourism KwaZulu-Natal, eThekwini Municipality and the International Convention Center (ICC) Durban.

Over three days, no fewer than 24,000 meetings were held at the ICC between exhibitors and buyers from all over the world. In total, more than 1,100 suppliers from 55 countries – including Canada – walked the aisles of Africa’s Travel Indaba, which is more than ever an unmissable event for tourism, in the cradle of humanity.

“We are proud to continue to offer the best tourism products and experiences from the African continent,” said Nombulelo Guliwe, Managing Director of SAT, in her closing speech.

“This year, we have consolidated this position with a 9% increase in the number of African countries participating in the show, ” she added. “This significant increase reflects the robust growth of the African tourism sector. ”

During the first three months of 2024, the sector recorded a clear increase in the number of visitors from the Americas (more than 118,000 entries), representing growth of 12.4% compared to the same period in 2023.

At Indaba, safaris were more popular than ever

Lucille Sive, in charge of Lion World Travel, and Sherwin Banda, president of African Travel Inc.

CANADA’S IN THE TOP 10

South Africa has largely benefited from this upward trend. During a press briefing in Indaba, Justin Barnette, SAT’s marketing and communications manager for North America, told Profession Voyages of his enthusiasm for the future, particularly as it concerns Canadian travellers.

“For the 2023 calendar year, Canada ranked eighth among foreign tourism markets, with tourist arrivals to South Africa representing 83% of 2019 levels,” he noted.

“A full recovery from Canada is expected in 2024,” added Barnette, as South Africa celebrates the 30th anniversary of its democracy this year. “For the first quarter of 2024 (January to March), we have already recorded an increase of +5.8% year-over-year. Wildlife safaris, natural landscapes and culture are key attractions for travelers in the Canadian market and will continue to be heavily featured in South African Tourism campaigns and initiatives. ”

AFFORDABLE LUXURY

For Canadians, South Africa has many attractions, from the famous Big Five (the lion, the elephant, the leopard, the buffalo and the black rhino) in safari favourites like Kruger National Park, to wine routes highlighting Chenin Blanc and more.

“It’s also a great value destination, which is great for Canadians,” said Lucille Sive, who oversees the Toronto-based safari operator Lion World Travel. Lion World Travel is part of The Travel Corporation (TTC) family.

“At Lion World Travel, we call it ‘affordable luxury’,” said Sive. “We offer four and five star accommodation, but at very competitive prices. ”

“When people come to South Africa for the first time, they are always amazed by the quality of infrastructure and the diversity of experiences,” added Sherwin Banda, President of African Travel Inc., also part of TTC. “No matter what you are looking for and your budget, there will always be something for you in South Africa.”

The Kruger Shalati, which offers the experience of sleeping in a luxury train stationed on a bridge in the middle of Kruger National Park (photo courtesy Motsamayi Tourism Group)

AN UNUSUAL HOTEL

This 2024 edition of Indaba gave a good overview of the almost unlimited tourist possibilities offered by the homeland of Nelson Mandela.

Beyond the great classic circuits and the essential 4×4 safaris which are always in high demand, we were able to discover experiences that are a little more off the beaten track, like the Kruger Shalati, also known as ‘The Train on the Bridge’. This unusual hotel offers sleeping in a magnificent luxury train parked on a bridge, in the middle of the Kruger National Park, to better observe wild animals.

“It’s a property that we’re seeing growing interest in,” Brett Hendricks, director of operations for Motsamayi Tourism Group, which owns the Kruger Shalati, told us.

The South African company’s sales team will have the opportunity to present this unique product to Canadian buyers at the next Africa Showcase which will be in Toronto in early November. “We really want to develop our presence in Canada, which is an important market for us,” said Hendricks.

Accommodation at Kruger Shalati (photo courtesy Motsamayi Tourism Group)

Also present at the Indaba show, Akilanga is a DMC that has opened its doors to future collaborations with Canadian and more particularly Quebec tour operators. Based in South Africa since 1994, the incoming company, which has its head office in Paris and offices in Johannesburg and Cape Town, designs individual and group tours, à la carte and in French.

“We have French-speaking expertise and we work with French guides on site. This is what makes us unique and what is interesting for Quebecers,” said Jean Saouchi, general manager of Akilanga.

The city of Durban and its beaches along the Indian Ocean

 To find out more about South Africa see southafrica.net.

This story originally ran in Profession Voyages, part of The Travelweek Group