South African Tourism will be rescheduling this year’s Africa’s Travel Indaba due to the initial dates which was set for the showcase clashes with the country’s national election date.
Indaba is Africa’s biggest travel and trade show, with over 7 000 delegates from 80 countries attending last year’s event.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced during Thursday’s State of the Nation Address that elections would take place on May 8.
The Indaba was scheduled to take place from May 6 to 9 at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC) in Durban.
The ICC also serves as the nerve centre for elections in KwaZulu-Natal.
“We are currently exploring all viable alternative options in light of the announcement of the election date,” said South African Tourism CEO, Sisa Ntshona.
“We also need to consult with our various partners and stakeholders and appreciate the understanding of our buyers, exhibitors and delegates who will now await a new date to attend Indaba. We know the importance of Indaba to the travel industry and want to ensure that we are still able to provide a world-class show despite having to change the date.”
According to Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, Chief Executive of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA), Indaba’s dates were confirmed upfront and buyers and exhibitors would have planned around the original dates.
“There are also other global shows during this period, but we would like to reassure the industry that despite the new date, Indaba will still be a fantastic show to attend and we would like to encourage you to attend once the new date is confirmed.”
Indaba is Africa’s biggest travel and trade show, with over 7 000 delegates from 80 countries attending last year’s event.
