City celebrates successful Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026 and launches 5th Durban Tourism Business Awards

The City has welcomed the successful hosting of Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026, which concluded on Thursday, May 14 at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre.

This year’s Africa’s Travel Indaba, owned by South African Tourism and hosted by the City of Durban in partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority and the Durban ICC, once again reaffirmed Durban’s status as a leading tourism and events destination on the African continent. The event was particularly significant as it marked the first edition since the City successfully secured the hosting rights for Africa’s Travel Indaba for a five-year period.

Thousands of delegates, exhibitors, buyers, media representatives and tourism leaders from across the globe gathered in Durban last week to engage in meaningful business discussions, forge partnerships and showcase Africa’s diverse tourism offerings.

The event delivered significant economic and tourism benefits for the city - with hotels, restaurants, transport operators, attractions and local businesses experiencing increased activity throughout the week. Durban’s warm hospitality, world-class infrastructure and vibrant tourism experiences were on full display as delegates explored the city’s beaches, cultural attractions, township tourism offerings, adventure activities and culinary experiences.

Mayor Cyril Xaba said the successful hosting of the event demonstrated Durban’s continued ability to stage major international conferences and exhibitions.

“The city has showcased its capability, hospitality and readiness to welcome the world. We are encouraged by the positive feedback received from delegates and tourism stakeholders who experienced the city during this important tourism showcase,” Xaba said.

What has been particularly exciting is the quality of participants both regionally and globally, which the City believes will translate into meaningful business deals and long-term partnerships. Durban continues to evolve as a tourism destination, and is already preparing for the next episodes of ATI with new product offerings and enhanced visitor experiences.

Xaba acknowledged the strong collaboration between government, tourism bodies, law enforcement agencies, private sector stakeholders and communities in ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for visitors throughout the event.

Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026 provided a valuable platform for destination marketing, investment promotion, networking opportunities and tourism business growth, while further strengthening Durban’s reputation as a gateway destination to the African continent.

As part of closing Africa’s Travel Indaba, Durban Tourism officially launched the 5th Durban Tourism Business Awards - an initiative aimed at recognising and celebrating tourism business excellence. The awards ceremony will take place on June 18 at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre. 

As the curtains close on the 2026 edition, the City extends its gratitude to all exhibitors, buyers, delegates, organisers, sponsors, tourism partners, volunteers and residents who contributed to the success of the event.

Durban looks forward to continue building tourism momentum and leveraging the partnerships and opportunities created during Africa’s Travel Indaba to drive economic growth and job creation within the tourism sector.