South Africa’s warmest province, KwaZulu-Natal welcomed the world on Tuesday morning as Deputy President Paul Mashatile officially opened Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025 at the Durban ICC, reinforcing KwaZulu-Natal’s role as Africa’s leading tourism and investment hub.
The opening followed a high-level breakfast at the Hilton Hotel, where KwaZulu-Natal set the tone for the continent’s premier travel trade event. Over 1,200 exhibitors from 26 African countries, 908 vetted international buyers from 55 global markets, and major media outlets gathered in anticipation of a record-breaking event.
KwaZulu-Natal’s MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Reverend Musa Zondi, described the moment as a turning point for the province’s tourism revival. “We are entering a new era. The world is once again coming to KwaZulu-Natal—and we’re ready. KwaZulu-Natal is a land of opportunity, a mirror of Africa’s warmth, resilience, and potential,” he said.
Zondi praised the resurgence of the tourism sector post-COVID, with iconic establishments like the Hilton Hotel fully operational once again. “Last year’s Indaba generated over R550 million in economic activity. This year we expect to exceed that, with the floor sold out and more than 7,400 business-to-business meetings already scheduled.”
He also highlighted multi-billion-rand projects that are reshaping the province’s tourism landscape. “From the R2-billion Club Med resort at Tinley Manor opening in 2026, to the long-awaited Okhahlamba cable car project in the Drakensberg—KwaZulu-Natal is building for the future,” said Zondi.
The MEC also revealed plans to improve accessibility to the province through direct international flights. “We are in talks with Air France and other global carriers to introduce direct routes into KZN. Connectivity is critical for our growth.”
Zondi reaffirmed the province’s commitment to restoring Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, which he called a “crown jewel” of eco-tourism.
“Thanks to anti-poaching technologies, smarter fencing, and our dehorning programme, rhino poaching has decreased. We are also reforming Ezemvelo’s leadership and ensuring it plays a central role in the biodiversity economy.”
Further optimism came from efforts to boost international tourist numbers through streamlined visa access. “We welcomed 75,000 Indian tourists last year. With the new visa processing system under the Tour Operators Training Scheme, we aim to reach 100,000 visitors from India in 2025,” Zondi said.
EThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba said Durban is more than a destination — it is a powerful symbol of progress. “Under this year’s theme, Unlimited Africa, we’re positioning Durban as a city where culture, commerce, and community converge,” he said.
He pointed to major tourism-related investments, including a R1 billion upgrade by Southern Sun to several landmark beachfront hotels. “The Elangeni, Maharani, Garden Court South Beach and The Edward are all undergoing significant refurbishment.These upgrades reflect confidence in the future of our city and its ability to attract high-value tourism.These upgrades reflect confidence in the future of our city and its ability to attract high-value tourism,” Xaba said.
The mayor also highlighted the Westown mixed-use development near Shongweni, calling it a prime example of tourism-driven regional development. “The precinct, which includes a mall, hospital and residential units, will boost the local economy and position the region for inclusive growth,” he said.
As South Africa currently chairs the G20, the second G20 Tourism Working Group meeting is also being held during the Indaba—giving Durban another platform to shine. Zondi emphasised, “This is yet another signal that Durban is Africa’s conference capital and a serious player in global business tourism,” said Zondi.
He closed by pledging KwaZulu-Natal’s determination to retain Africa’s Travel Indaba, which has been hosted in Durban for over 30 years. “We have the infrastructure. We have the hospitality. We have the track record. We mean business—and we’re taking bold steps to lead Africa’s tourism future,” Zondi declared.
