Durban - The annual Tourism Indaba begins at Durban’s International Convention Centre (ICC) from Saturday with around 10 000 hospitality industry bosses and professionals, government officials and media in the city for the four-day trade show.
On Thursday the ICC precinct, including Walnut Road, which has been closed off for the event, was a hive of activity with dozens of workers building the 1 300 exhibition stands.
Indaba is hosted by South African Tourism to showcase tourism destinations, products and services to international “buyers”. More than a dozen African countries also exhibit.
Indaba banners have gone up on street lights and specially-dressed tourism “welcome ambassadors” were preparing. Durban Tourism said major hotels were almost booked out.
The agency estimated that Indaba would have an economic impact of R200-million for the city this year.
“Durban’s expertise and capacity to handle successful events and campaigns enables us to create the most memorable of experiences for the Indaba delegates,” said Phillip Sithole, head of Durban Tourism.
He said there were several activities planned for tourism “buyers” and media groups at Indaba, including township tours.
Durban Tourism would also locally launch its National Geographic documentary tonight at the Playhouse, which is part of its international marketing campaign with Cape Town.
South African Tourism boss, Thulani Nzima, said the country’s rich heritage and culture was this year’s theme for the indaba. A special show of the work of top local designers David Tlale, Marianne Fassler, Thula Sindi and Nkhensani Nkosi was one of the new elements this year.
“We have placed a major emphasis on our heritage and culture, and its important tourism role at Indaba this year. Having the support of top fashion designers in promoting our world heritage sites through their incredible work is a major boost and a wonderful creative addition to the show,” he said.
He said they would also be hosting a first travel bloggers’ conference on Friday.
Ndabo Khoza, chief executive of Tourism Kwazulu-Natal said: “For anyone in the industry wanting to do business with South Africa and to get a better feel for the regional African tourism industry, Indaba is the ultimate platform.
“It is the perfect opportunity to interact and forge business links with some of the world’s top travel buyers.” - The Mercury