Durban - Once again the city of Durban played host to the International Tourism Indaba which was staged at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre last weekend.
The Indaba brings together a showcase of Southern African tourism products and services for the international travel trade. Exhibitors include provincial authorities, provincial products and African Countries as well as accommodation, tour operators, game lodges, transport, online travel, media publications and industry associations.
Outdoor exhibitors include transport, camping and safari companies. Durban Tourism, the media, exhibitors and guests also had a chance to network while attending social events across the city.
Last year the Indaba generated around R200-million into the local economy and this year Patrick Sithole, Head of Durban Tourism, stated that the figure should rise to R260-million nationally and more than R60-million in Durban alone.
“The main purpose of Indaba is to sell South Africa to the international community, more especially to bring international investors. Over a period of three days Indaba generates more that R260-million to South Africa and more than R60-million to Durban specifically. That is the capital injection to South Africa's economy,” said Sithole.
Deputy Mayor Nomvuso Shabalala, told delegates at the CNBC Live Panel Discussion that the plan is to make Durban the most caring and liveable city which competes with the likes of Paris and New York.
“Our strategy is to invest in making Durban one of the world's best cities to be visited, we want to take Durban to the world and bring the work to Durban,” said Shabalala.
Tourism Indaba has become a part of Durban as the event grows every year and has proven time and again that Durban is the best destination for a huge networking event like Indaba with many Tourism Indaba officials and organisers calling for Durban to be the permanent home for the Tourism Indaba.
Mojo-IOL