“We can breathe again, We can live again”: South Africa Tourism Minister opens Africa’s Travel Indaba

“We can breathe again, We can live again”: South Africa Tourism Minister opens Africa’s Travel Indaba

South Africa’s Tourism Minister Lindiwe Sisulu has officially opened the continent’s flagship trade tourism event Africa’s Travel Indaba after three years in hibernation.

The resilient travel businesses of Africa are on the way to overcoming the crippling effects of the global pandemic, which all but obliterated an industry that accounts for 10 per cent of GDP.

“We have overcome the stigma that was associated with us, we have rediscovered ourselves on the ground and we will overcome everything,” Sisulu said, adding that Africans are a proud, invincible people who have survived and are ready to tell their stories and inspire the world.

“This is the essence of the African champion. Indaba is a proudly made African show and as a continent, we have a unique blend of culture, heritage, nature, rural and urban experiences.

“Africa is a region where you inhale the beauty everywhere with a unique history of courage, resilience, and historic sites”

Sisulu spoke of a renewed focus on responsible tourism, which she said is the only way forward for the continent’s future.

South Africa’s Tourism Minister Lindiwe Sisulu

More than 600 buyers have come from across the world to experience the diversity of African tourism products.

The trade show features 634 exhibitors, from various African countries and with a matchmaking diary system, has resulted in more than 22,000 meetings confirmed to take place throughout the next three days.

The latest data shows that the global international tourist arrivals to Africa have more than doubled between January 2022, compared to 2021 with 1.8 million more visitors travelling worldwide in the first two months of 2022.

In January 2022, Africa enjoyed a growth of 51 per cent in 2022, over 2021.

Sisulu also answered the questions on everyone’s lips:

“I have had several engagements with my federal cabinet ministers in relation to ways we can innovate and partner and address the challenges that to make travelling as safe and effortless as possible,” she said.

“We’ve already seen positive developments around the rollout of the E visas for most of our key source markets and are working together on many more initiatives.”


Featured image: South Africa’s Tourism Minister Lindiwe Sisulu and UNIVEN chancellor Mojanku Gumbi open Africa’s 2022 Travel Indaba

Latest News

  • Destinations
  • Tour Operators

Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours advises final call for Anzac Day 2025

Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours has advised that the final call for Anzac Day 2025 is on 31 January 2025 with pre-registration also available for Anzac Day 2026. Travellers are encouraged to book their spot for either the 10-day Anzac Day on the Western Front departing on 19 April from Paris or the 8-day Anzac Day […]

  • Destinations
  • Hotels

Two destinations to visit in Mexico for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching and here are two romantic getaway destinations in Mexico to make any traveller’s day with their special someone even better. Casona Roma Norte, Mexico City This Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to visit Mexico City, as the streets come alive with roses, heartfelt gifts, and the city basks in […]

  • Aviation
  • Luxury

Emirates debuts new uniform for Premium and VIP Passenger Services team

Emirates has debuted a new uniform designed for its Premium & VIP Passengers Services team, who are responsible for the seamless transfer of VIPs through Dubai International Airport. The new uniform has echoes of the iconic Emirates cabin crew look, however, exclusively represents Emirates’ elite unit that caters to high profile customers. A new look […]

  • Appointments
  • News

BEIA appoints Rachel Cook as its new chair

The Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) Approved Professional Conference Organisers (PCO) Group has appointed Rachel Cook as its new chair. Cook is the business director of Conference Innovators (CI) and since joining CI 20 years ago has been instrumental in the company’s continuing growth and success. She plays a pivotal role in building and supporting […]

  • Hotels

Gaya Island Resort unveils its Wildlife Wonders package

Gaya Island Resort has unveiled its Wildlife Wonders package, a meticulously crafted 4-day, 3-night adventure designed for nature enthusiasts eager to discover the island’s rich biodiversity. The resort is nestled on the tranquil shores of Pulau Gaya, the largest island in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park just off Kota Kinabalu. Its location makes it the […]

  • News

New Caledonia is open and ready for business as Smartraveller downgrades warning

Eight months after the civil unrest, the South Pacific destination of New Caledonia has reopened and is ready to welcome Australian tourists. Smartraveller has recently downgraded its travel advice to the destination following the removal of the nation’s curfew on the 2nd of December. The island is currently rated as amber – ‘exercise a high […]

  • Business Travel
  • Hotels

Atura Wellington unveils newly refurbished rooms in the New Zealand hotel

Atura Wellington, the former Thorndon Hotel by Rydges, has unveiled its newly refurbished rooms in the New Zealand hotel. The rooms were completed following a full refurbishment of all public spaces as part of a broader redevelopment plan. All 108 guest rooms have now been upgraded. The hotel is in the historic Thorndon neighbourhood and […]