The Indaba is Africa¡¦s top tourism trade show that
brings together more than 7 000 delegates that represent
the top tourism products in Africa, as well as the
world¡¦s leading travel buyers and travel and tourism
media.
On 16 May 2016, President Jacob Zuma officially opened
the Tourism Indaba 2017 at the Chief Albert Luthuli
International Convention Centre in Durban.
The Indaba, which took place from 16 to 18 May, again
showcased South African products and services in the
tourism and hospitality sector. Tourism Indaba 2017 also
promoted and supported the ongoing transformation and
development of the South African tourism industry,
notably the role entrepreneurs and small-business owners
play.
The South African Government has targeted tourism as one
of the key sectors to stimulate inclusive economic
growth and job creation, in line with the National
Development Plan, which is government¡¦s blueprint for
growth and development aimed at eliminating poverty and
reducing inequality in South Africa by 2030.
Government remains committed to creating a fertile
environment in which tourism can take root and flourish
as well as investing in tourism.
An additional R494 million had been allocated by
government over the medium term budget expenditure
period to promote tourism over the next three years.
This includes an injection of R110 million over three
years to help attract more business events and delegates
to South Africa, in the form of a Bidding Fund. The fund
will enable South Africa to bid more aggressively for
international association conferences, meetings,
incentives and exhibitions.
While government has committed to supporting tourism, it
will continue to enlist the support of the private
sector.
Domestic tourism also remains critical for the South
African economy, where each South African has a role to
play in contributing to the growth of the economy.
In South Africa, more than 10 million international
tourists arrived in 2016, 13% more than 2015. This is
well over the global average growth rate of 3% for the
period. |