Embassy Activities

INDABA is one of the largest tourism marketing events on the African calendar and one of the top three ‘must visit’ events of its kind on the global calendar. It showcases the widest variety of Southern Africa's best tourism products and attracts international buyers and media from across the world.

Minister of South African Tourism Mr Derek Hanekom, MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs in KwaZulu Natal Mr Michael Mabuyakhulu and Mayor of Durban Mr James Nxumalo made speeches during the Opening Ceremony of INDABA 2016. Minister Hanekom urged members of the tourism industry across the continent to harness the rich potential of the sector by working together. "We are united in our common aspiration brand Africa," he said. "We are bound by our common past and our future is intertwined. "INDABA gives us a sense of belonging. It is where we can come together to share knowledge and create partnerships," he said". "The world's tourists want what we have authentic meaningful experiences and a taste of local communities. This gives more indigenous people the opportunity to become part of our tourism industry. "At the same time, the packaging of our diverse tourism products, which reflect Africa`s travel experiences such as rich cultural and historical heritage as well as the continent`s exceptional natural wealth, should be tailor—made to suite tourists who are keen to move from our country to the other within the region."