Africa’s share of the global tourism pie is yet to reach its potential, but sure is going to: that’s the message South Africa’s Minister of Tourism Derek Hanekom gave thousands of delegates at the official opening of Africa’s Travel Indaba at Durban International Convention Centre today.
He noted that Africa’s total share of the global travel market stands at just 5%, and while this may seem quite low, the positive that can be taken is that the continent is growing at a higher rate than the average global travel figures.
Africa’s tourism sector grew at 1% above the global average in 2017, just watch this space in 2018.
There is no continent with more room to grow than Africa
South Africa’s Minister of Tourism Derek Hanekom
He went on to say that the buyers here at this year’s Indaba were therefore ahead of the curve.
“I have no doubt that you will reap rich rewards from your buying decisions in the next days,” he said.
“And, sellers from all over the continent, we know that increased demand is the engine for growth of the tourism economy in our different countries.”
This year’s Indaba, which runs through to Thursday, has attracted 1747 buyers from all over the world while 22 African countries are on display.
This morning’s official opening also saw the announcement that South African has added another airline to its ever-growing airspace traffic: a brand new non-stop British Airways flight from London Heathrow to Durban.
The three times weekly flights from London to Durban are expected to begin from 29 October 2018.
British Airways also flies twice-daily service from Heathrow to Johannesburg and daily to Cape Town.
This route is expected to enhance Durban’s efforts of attracting visitors and investors from the UK and European markets.
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