Durban, South Africa: Africa’s Travel Indaba 2023 was a phenomenal success. According to initial indications, this year’s Indaba surpassed projections with a remarkable 8,629 delegates, hosting 21,000 meetings between exhibitors and international buyers. Additionally, the event featured no less than 1,000 international buyers and 1,023 exhibitors who showcased an impressive array of products.

This year, South Africa celebrates 30 years of freedom providing a great opportunity for reflection. The tourism landscape in South Africa has transformed immensely since the 1994 democratic breakthrough. Not only has transformation, spearheaded by the government through deliberate policy and programmatic interventions, opened up new vistas for the sector, it has ensured that the sector is opened up and truly reflects the demographics of South Africa.

The 17th edition of Meetings Africa, a business events trade show owned by South African Tourism in partnership with Gauteng Tourism and Joburg Tourism, kicked off in style with a vibrant Business Opportunity Networking Day (BONDay) at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.

Africa’s Travel Indaba 2022 was a boon for the continent’s tourism sector as well as the host city of Durban, province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). This is as hundreds of buyers and exhibitors from 55 countries descended on Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC) from 2-5 May, to trade on the continent’s best tourism products and experiences. Of the 55 countries, 19 were from the African continent, including South Africa.

In an exclusive interview with the Daily News, she says, “I love it. I am accustomed to seeing different faces, some uptight and some with different energy... My role at Meetings Africa is to scan people’s tags and direct them to their sessions.”

South Africa’s tourism industry has received a boost as three of its towns made it to the world’s top 100 most loved destinations, according to the Tourism Sentiment Index (TSI) for 2022.

In the heart of the Berg River Resort, near Cape Town, lies Dome Glamping SA, an innovative venture merging luxury with nature. Spearheaded by Jana Breet, the company has swiftly carved a niche in the hospitality industry. Breet proudly noted that her company offers “a unique romantic getaway experience for couples,” with luxurious dome tents featuring queen-sized beds, walk-in showers, private decks, and wood-fired hot tubs, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Cape Winelands and serene Berg River.

As the glamping industry booms globally, Sycro Distribution, a leading supplier in South Africa's hospitality sector, is crucial in providing innovative solutions. The company initially focused on high-quality hospitality equipment and has since expanded to include products tailored for the glamping and adventure markets. Sycro's services have been critical in meeting the evolving demands of a post-COVID tourism industry that increasingly caters for discerning local and international travellers.

Mopane Bush Lodge, nestled in the heart of the Mapesu Private Game Reserve in Limpopo, near the iconic Kruger National Park in South Africa, is making its mark in the expanding glamping and adventure tourism market.

The 6th Africa Business Media Innovators (ABMI) conference, hosted by Bloomberg Media, brought together a constellation of thought leaders, innovators, and visionaries to explore the intersection of technology, creativity, governance, and media in Africa.