As 1000’s of delegates attending Africa’s Journey Indaba (ATI) 2024 descend on Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, rising tourism entrepreneurs collaborating within the occasion are set to showcase their companies and the province’s wealthy tradition and historical past.
The Journey Indaba, which kicks off from 13 to 16 Might 2024 on the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Worldwide Conference Centre (ICC), brings collectively exhibitors from numerous African nations and patrons worldwide to showcase a set of merchandise from throughout the African tourism sector.
The occasion additionally emphasises capability constructing and information sharing, benefiting all attendees, together with smaller and rising companies within the business.
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The Journey Indaba is predicted to be attended by delegates from 26 African international locations, together with 120 small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs).
Among the many KZN entrepreneur exhibitors is Nkosikhona Ndlovu, the person behind Amangonyama Tour Operator, a 100% Black-owned firm within the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands.
Ndlovu mentioned his goal is to ship security, schooling, and unforgettable experiences for his purchasers attending the indaba.
“For me, Africa’s Journey Indaba is a big alternative to showcase what we provide and to have interaction with potential patrons from throughout Africa. I hope to make precious connections and safe future enterprise alternatives,” Ndlovu mentioned.
Entrepreneur Msizeni Mngadi, who’s the proprietor of Indlondlo Cultural Village within the Valley of a Thousand Hills, mentioned he’s obsessed with introducing guests to the Zulu tradition.
Mngadi famous that Indlondlo Cultural Village is not only a vacation spot, however a portal into the center and soul of the Zulu individuals.
“Right here, guests have the chance to delve into the essence of Zulu custom via guided excursions of conventional homesteads, fascinating shows of dance and drumming, and interactive actions that enable for a hands-on exploration of Zulu customs,” Ndlovu mentioned.
IMAGES (Supply: Africa’s Journey Indaba/X) | Africa Tourism Indaba BONDAY discussions
Danica Bartho, who owns Biweda Nguni Lodge and Tandweni Villa along with her mom within the coronary heart of Zululand, Northern KZN, mentioned they’re wanting to showcase their initiatives to the world at ATI 2024.
Biweda Nguni Lodge affords a mix of consolation and affordability, with farmhouse attraction, whereas Tandweni Villa affords an opulent safari expertise.
With a deal with empowerment and talent growth, Bartho and her staff present a secure haven for beforehand deprived ladies to flourish inside the tourism business.
“This [ATI] is not only about enterprise, it’s about forging connections, sharing tales, and opening doorways to new alternatives and persevering with our dedication to empowering ladies and selling sustainable tourism,” Bartho mentioned.
The ATI occasion kicks off with the Enterprise Alternative Networking Day (BONDay) on 13 Might 2024.
BONDay is tailor-made to foster thought management and share world tourism insights underneath 4 streams: limitless, uncover, join, and develop.
The day is essential for advancing information and exploring new alternatives within the tourism sector, providing invaluable networking alternatives, thought management discussions, and insights into world tendencies.
Welcoming Africa’s Journey Indaba again to the province, KwaZulu-Natal Financial Growth, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs MEC, Siboniso Duma, mentioned Africa’s Journey Indaba performs a major function in KwaZulu-Natal tourism progress and has an immeasurable affect on the province’s financial system.
“Once more, this 12 months, we could have a number of rising tourism entrepreneurs collaborating as a part of the Tourism KZN Tourism Enterprise Growth Programme to afford them a possibility to showcase their companies and lock enterprise offers to assist them develop within the sector,” Duma mentioned.
EThekwini Municipality Financial Growth and Planning Committee Chairperson, Thembo Ntuli, emphasised the importance of the indaba for Durban, saying it’s an instrumental platform for the tourism business, which is firmly on the highway to restoration.
“The present has change into synonymous with the town of Durban, as we have now hosted this essential tourism showcase over a few years. Town’s financial system will profit immensely from internet hosting this three-day lengthy commerce showcase as resort occupancy is predicted to be between 85% and 95%.
“As well as, native tourism merchandise and group tourism organisations are prepared and keen to have interaction with patrons, tour operators, and journey businesses to proceed promoting Durban because the vacation spot of selection,” Ntuli mentioned.
The 2023 version witnessed outstanding progress, with an almost 62% improve in attendance and over 1 033 exhibiting corporations, attracting 8 688 delegates from 22 international locations, and contributed R451 546 283 to eThekwini’s GDP and R597 051 772 to KwaZulu-Natal, underscoring the occasion’s significance.