SAFETY and security will be bolstered in and around Durban.
This is the assurance from the Mayor of the City and security cluster, as the Pan African global travel showcase, Africa’s Travel Indaba, kicks off at the iconic Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) from the 13 to 16, May 2024.
Collaborating with Durban, the province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) will increase Police presence, particularly in tourist hotspots and around the Durban ICC Precinct, to facilitate seamless navigation.
The province will also deploy ambassadors through its tourism agency to assist visitors with directions and information.
Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda says security will be added to deal with influx of local and international guests, expected to attend the showpiece, pre and post.
He also reaffirmed the City’s dedication to visitor satisfaction, citing Durban’s track record of successfully hosting major events.
Kaunda also highlighted the City’s accolade as Africa’s leading Festival and Events destination for three consecutive years, as recognized by the World Travel Awards.
Renowned for its hospitality and dynamic culture, Durban remains a top destination for both leisure seekers and business travellers, with billions expected to be generated into the GDP of the province, that would trickle down to areas devastated by floods, etc.
In terms of direct and indirect jobs, most of students from colleges, TVTs and varsities will be on hand to provide services to guests at the ICC, with unconfirmed reports that hotels, B&Bs, and AirBnBs almost sold out.
Some of the African countries participating in this year’s exhibition include Burkina Faso, Eritrea and Guinea, who are the three new entrants.
Meanwhile, Angola, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho and Madagascar are also set to make a return to the event.
They will be joined by representatives from South Africa, Malawi, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zanzibar and Zimbabwe.
These countries represent a total of 344 products which are set to be showcased at the Indaba, a 14 % increase in comparison to last year’s 301 products.
Minister of Tourism Patricia De Lille, says the Africa Travel Indaba’s seeks to drive the continent’s economic development as well as to foster collaboration and growth.
“I am particularly pleased to welcome the new countries that are joining us as they exhibit at the trade show for the first time,” she said.
“We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial partnership.”
The minister added the ATI provides a platform for African tourism product owners to meet with global buyers and with a record number of participating countries this year, they will have a wide variety of products and experiences to engage with.
“I am confident that Africa’s Travel Indaba will continue to be a fertile environment for closing business deals that nurture partnership and drive growth,” asserted De Lille.
Whether indulging in a leisurely stroll along the beach promenade or immersing themselves in the City’s captivating sights and sounds, attendees are promised an unforgettable experience.
For updates, insights, and live coverage, follow on social media and join the conversation using #TravelIndaba2024 and #ATI2024
