“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

  • Cruise

Princess Cruises unveils Sanctuary Collection, Star Princess to sail Alaska in 2026

From the sunny port of Barcelona, the Sun Princess welcomed worldwide media aboard for an update on what’s new and what’s next for Princess Cruises today, 23 April. The setting also doubled as the official naming ceremony for Princess’ first sphere class ship which was live streamed around the ship for all guests to enjoy. […]

  • News

Collette special offers across peak northern summer season

Global tour operator Collette has announced a series of special offers on selected dates across a range of tours in the peak northern hemisphere 2024 summer season. Greece The offers include ‘Greece & Its Islands’ features classics such as the Parthenon as well as the picturesque islands of Mykonos and Santorini. A saving of $700 […]

  • Aviation
  • News

Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries

Air India and All Nippon Airways have signed a codeshare agreement connecting their networks. The new commercial partnership will provide more travel opportunities for customers of both India’s leading global airline and the largest Japan’s largest carrier. Effective from 23rd May, the Air India and All Nippon Airways agreement will see passengers fly to their […]

  • News

A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave

A&K Travel Group will now provide a minimum of 18 weeks paid parental leave for both care-givers, setting a new standard for the travel industry. By providing 18 weeks of paid time off for all new parents, regardless of gender, A&K Travel Group is not only enabling parents to spend valuable time with their newborns […]

  • Cruise
  • Luxury
  • News

Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit

Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]

  • Luxury

Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa

Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]