At Africa’s Travel Indaba, leaders highlighted tourism’s contribution to economic growth, creating employment, and strengthening communities throughout the continent.
Image: Facebook / EDTEA KZN
The power of tourism as a key economic driver and catalyst for inclusive growth dominated discussions at the official opening of Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026, with top government officials stressing its critical role in job creation, economic diversification, and community empowerment.
President Cyril Ramaphosa said tourism has become an important sector in any country’s economy.
“This sector in the end sits at the heart, as well as the intersection of economic growth, employment, infrastructure, development, cultural diplomacy, as well as conservation and continental integration,” Ramaphosa said.
“Tourism must be seen for what it is. A major economic driver, as it contributes billions of dollars annually to many African economies.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa highlights the transformative power of tourism at Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026.
Image: Facebook / EDTEA KZN
Ramaphosa said that for countries struggling with commodity dependence, tourism is the answer. It can diversify countries’ economies.
“Tourism can give a country an avenue, a new avenue to grow the economy, and it becomes possible, as I will outline in a minute. So economic diversification becomes an easier path that countries can take.”
He also said tourism has the unique ability to bring economic activity into rural and undeveloped areas.
Ramaphosa noted that conservation and environmental protection must also be aligned with tourism, as they can gain economic value from conservation.
He said that when communities benefit economically from tourism, they are able to be the true guardians of their environment because they become stakeholders.
Ramaphosa added that countries that successfully develop their tourism sectors often experience broader economic modernisation.
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille said tourism policy is economic policy. Tourism is an economic catalyst, and it impacts and changes many lives.
“We’ve seen, according to the recent stats released by the satellite account of Stats SA, that in 2024, tourism created 954,000 direct jobs. It contributed 4.9% to the GDP (gross domestic product) of our country. And with a record 10.5 million visitors in 2025, we are no longer speaking about recovering. We are speaking about growing,” De Lille said.
“And the growth is because of deliberate actions that we are taking, including our partnership with the private sector, with the stakeholders and with our communities.”
Delegates gather at Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026, showcasing the continent’s vibrant tourism potential.
Image: Facebook / The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli said the province is developing a world-class destination that blends modern infrastructure with authentic African experiences, attracts investment and innovation, and uses tourism as a powerful engine for inclusive growth, job creation, and shared prosperity.
He said KZN understands tourism not merely as a sector, but as a strategic economic effort capable of transforming communities, empowering small enterprises, and creating meaningful opportunities for young people.
“This is why we remain committed to strengthening our tourism ecosystem, improving visitor experiences, expanding destination offerings, and positioning KwaZulu-Natal as Africa’s premier tourism and investment gateway,” Ntuli said.
KZN Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs MEC Reverend Musa Zondi said the government recognises tourism not merely as a leisure industry, but as a strategic economic driver that creates jobs, that supports communities, that attracts investment and positions South Africa competitively on the global stage.
“For KwaZulu-Natal, Africa’s Travel Indaba is more than just a trade show. It is one of the most important economic and tourism platforms on our calendar. It brings buyers, exhibitors, investors, airlines, tour operators, and media from across the world into our province, thus creating opportunities for growth, partnership, and market access for our tourism businesses,” Zondi said.
“Tourism remains a critical contributor to the GDP of our province and our country.”
Tourism leaders unite at Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026 to discuss strategies for inclusive growth and community empowerment.
Image: Facebook / EDTEA KZN
eThekwini Municipality Mayor Cyril Xaba said tourism remains one of the most powerful tools for economic growth, job creation, and social inclusion.
“As the City of eThekwini, we continue to position Durban as Africa’s leading tourism and events destination.”
thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za