Durban, South Africa – The 2024 edition of Africa’s Travel Indaba (ATI) kicked off today, with over 120 small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) brimming with anticipation. Themed “Unlocking Opportunities,” the prestigious event connects the tourism industry with a wealth of potential at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre from May 13th to 16th.
This year’s Indaba is expected to draw a record-breaking 9,000 delegates from over 25 countries. Among the excited participants are 120 SMMEs, 15 of which hail from KwaZulu-Natal and are part of Tourism KwaZulu-Natal’s (TKZN) Tourism Enterprise Development Programme.
According to Sibusiso Gumbi, Acting CEO of TKZN, these SMMEs view the Indaba as a prime opportunity to showcase their products and services to a vast audience of domestic and international travel buyers. “These fledgling businesses on the TKZN stand play a vital role in our tourism sector’s growth,” Gumbi remarked. “SMMEs not only create jobs, but also bring fresh offerings to the market, further stimulating the industry.”
Gumbi highlighted that while large corporations dominate outbound travel, a staggering 80% of inbound travel service providers are small, owner-managed businesses. “In fact,” he continued, “SMMEs make up over 80% of the entire tourism industry. Our goal is to empower them to become substantial players in this critical economic sector. We understand that transformation requires dedicated, ongoing effort from all stakeholders. That’s why we’ve implemented various programs to provide our SMMEs with the support they deserve. Enabling them to participate in the Indaba is one of the ways we assist these rising tourism stars.”
Thembo Ntuli, Chairperson of the Economic Development and Planning Committee for eThekwini Municipality, emphasized the significant economic impact the four-day event will have on the city. “Hotel occupancy rates are projected to reach between 85% and 95%,” Ntuli said. “The total estimated expenditure is R177 million, contributing R439 million to eThekwini’s GDP and creating an estimated 796 jobs.”
