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International cooperation

South Africa Confirms Host Cities for Africa's Top Tourism Events

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Government of South Africa has announced that Johannesburg and Durban will be the host cities for Africa's top tourism trade shows, Meetings Africa and Africa's Travel Indaba, for the next five years, starting in 2026. Meetings Africa, the continent's leading business tourism platform, will take place at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg from February 23-25, 2026, while Africa's Travel Indaba will be held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban from May 11-14, 2026. Both events aim to promote investment, generate leads, and boost intra-African trade and connectivity.

Key Takeaways:

  • Johannesburg and Durban have been confirmed as the host cities for Meetings Africa and Africa's Travel Indaba for the next five years, starting in 2026.
  • Meetings Africa will take place at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg from February 23-25, 2026, while Africa's Travel Indaba will be held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban from May 11-14, 2026.
  • The decision follows a rigorous and competitive procurement process overseen by South African Tourism.
  • Johannesburg was selected for its compelling bid commitments, exceptional track record, world-class infrastructure, and alignment with South Africa's strategic tourism objectives.
  • Durban was chosen for its ability to showcase KwaZulu-Natal as an exceptional destination for business and leisure travel.
  • The events are expected to generate leads, promote investment, and boost intra-African trade and connectivity.
  • Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has congratulated both Johannesburg and Durban, highlighting the economic opportunities and job creation potential of the events.
  • The Johannesburg Tourism Company Chairperson, Nandipha Zonela, emphasized the city's competitiveness as a global city, crediting its global competitiveness with securing Meetings Africa for another five years.
  • KwaZulu-Natal's MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Reverand Musa Zondi, highlighted the province's exceptional destination status and the opportunities presented by hosting Africa's Travel Indaba.

Statistics:

  • 4.29 million arrivals in Johannesburg in 2024.
  • R69 billion total tourism spend in Johannesburg in 2024.
  • Meetings Africa will mark its 20th edition in 2026.
  • Africa's Travel Indaba will take place for the first time at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban in 2026.

Sources:

  • SAnews.gov.za - press release from the Government of South Africa

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