Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026 builds traction as buyer numbers climb

Source: Travel Indaba

The event will take place in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, from 11 to 14 May 2026.

Buyer programme signals market demand

A total of 528 hosted and non-hosted buyers from 34 countries have already been confirmed, including representation from major source markets such as the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, India and Australia.

Of these, 210 buyers will be attending for the first time, indicating continued expansion into new and emerging markets. First-time participation includes buyers from countries such as Brazil, Japan, Botswana, Kenya and Tanzania.

The event’s hosted buyer programme remains a central feature, enabling pre-scheduled meetings and structured matchmaking between exhibitors and international decision-makers.

“We are dedicated to delivering maximum value to our exhibitors by ensuring that key decision makers from all of our important source markets are considered in our evaluation criteria,” said acting CEO, Dr Shamilla Chettiar.

BONDay returns with focus on market shifts

The Business Opportunity Networking Day (BONDay) will return as part of the 2026 programme, with a half-day session scheduled for 11 May.

The programme is expected to focus on changes in travel demand, distribution trends, air access and emerging opportunities for African tourism businesses, providing shared insights for buyers, exhibitors and media ahead of the main event.

To date, 479 exhibitor applications have been received, reflecting continued industry participation across the tourism sector.

Preparations are now moving towards operational milestones, including stand allocations and the launch of the event’s online meeting diary, currently scheduled for 24 April 2026.

Africa’s Travel Indaba is one of the continent’s largest tourism marketing platforms, connecting African tourism products with international and regional buyers through structured trade engagement.