How to put on a great trade show, African style

Nothing can quite beat the spirit, energy and goodwill that occurs when meeting face to face for business interactions.

Despite technological advances, exhibitions, events and meetings are continuing to grow rapidly.

Africa’s Travel Indaba is one of the largest tourism marketing events on the African calendar and one of the top three must-visit events on the global calendar. It has won awards for Africa’s best travel and tourism event, and it’s not hard to see why.

Indaba 2019 hosted 88 countries and 7000 delegates. Roughly18,000 meetings were held over two days, with 19 African countries showcasing over 250 products, as well as 135 hidden gems to promote the more boutique and small local products.

The Durban ICC has an African flair and beautiful architecture. The event is an immersion experience in itself on the scale and beauty of not just South Africa, but the continent.

Other countries represented there included Uganda, Madagascar, Rwanda and Namibia – a showcase of how you can deliver a sophisticated and grand product with your ‘competitors’. Working together to drive tourists to the continent is a smart strategy.

Buyer profiles included inbound tour operators, foreign travel agents, airlines, DMCs, online booking companies and transport services.

Exhibitors showcases South African tourism products and services for the international travel trade and media. Exhibitors across the road at the Durban Exhibition Centre included provincial products and other African countries.

Together, along with an extensive sustainability market village, Indaba has created a virtual immersion experience that touches all senses- beautiful designs and stands, colourful clothing, delicious food and coffee, music and inspiring presentations that lift the spirit and leave you feeling you really want to experience more.

Check out some snaps from Travel Indaba 2019 below: