By Simon Nare
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has appealed to delegates and exhibitors at Africa’s Travel Indaba to unleash the continent’s tourism potential by unlocking vast untapped opportunities in the sector to hike the continent’s gross domestic product.
Addressing the opening of the indaba in Durban on Tuesday, Mashatile said tourism undoubtedly served as a significant economic engine, was a catalyst for social change and a cornerstone of inclusive growth.
He added that just in 2023, travel and tourism contributed 6.8% to Africa’s GDP and in South Africa alone, the sector contributed 8.9% of the GDP. The industry further supported 1.68 million jobs and the government was determined to grow it to 2.2 million jobs by 2030.
The deputy president said the continent had so many vibrant stories to tell its visitors.
“When you explore Africa’s vast regions and different civilisations, you will surely be met by a rich history, customs and natural beauties that demonstrate the interconnection of this great continent.
“From the ancient civilisations that thrived along the Nile River to the vivid cultures that cover the streets of busy cities today, Africa is a land full of stories that are just waiting to be told,” he said.
The deputy president said Africa’s attractions and influx of tourists showed that the continent was an important part of the world’s economy, politics growth and humanity.
“We are determined to accelerate investment, open our skies, deepen our partnerships and position Africa not at the margins of the global economy, but firmly at its centre – where it belongs,” promised Mashatile.
He said the theme “Africa’s Unlimited Potential” was a bold declaration of the continent’s promise and possibilities, and spoke of it unbounded by old stereotypes and driven by its own ambitions and solutions.
The deputy president said the theme also spoke of an Africa where intra-continental trade, investment and tourism were no longer mere aspirations but rather everyday realities.
Mashatile said the African Continental Free Trade Area was expected to significantly boost tourism in Africa by fostering intra-African travel, attracting investment in tourism infrastructure and stimulating economic growth.
“What is also important is that we boost our intra-Africa travel while also increasing the share of international tourism. Intra-African tourism is crucial for boosting local economies, fostering regional integration and promoting cultural understanding within the continent.
“It creates jobs, strengthens economies and contributes to infrastructure development while conserving natural environments and cultural assets,” said the deputy president.
The indaba stood as a beacon of what was possible when the continent united and also reminded Africa that tourism was not just about travel, but also connection, empowerment, and shared belief, Mashatile said.
Further, it was about promoting each other’s markets and harnessing what the continent and its diverse nations had.
Mashatile committed the South African government to promoting tourism by enabling seamless African travel. It would remove barriers, unlock access and make it easier for Africans and the world to experience the continent.
“We remain committed to ensuring that travel is safe, secure and seamless for all. We want each traveller to find joy in their journey through our land,” he said.
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille said in in her opening address that tourism remained a powerful driver of the economic growth across the continent.
She said that in the first quarter of the year, South Africa welcomed 2.6 million tourists, which was a 5.7% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
“I am proud to announce that this year’s indaba welcomes over 1300 exhibitors, delegates from 27 African countries and over 1200 vetted international buyers from 55 source markets.
“Our collective presence here signifies more than market access, it signals Africa’s readiness to lead, innovate and inspire the global tourism landscape,” said the minister.