Deputy Minister of Tourism, Fish Mahlalela, emphasizes Africa’s pivotal role in shaping global tourism narratives.
Mahlalela delivered a compelling keynote address at the Business Opportunity Networking Day (BONDay) of Africa’s Travel Indaba 2024 (ATI), a prelude to the upcoming event running from tomorrow till Thursday at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre (ICC) in Durban.
He asserts, “It’s incumbent upon Africans to showcase our continent’s treasures to the world, seizing control of our narrative. Proactivity is key to steering our destiny.”
ATI serves as a platform spotlighting Africa’s premier tourism offerings, drawing African exhibitors, international and local buyers, and global media attention.
Mahlalela underscores the significance of Africa’s Travel Indaba, coinciding with Africa Month in May, as a pivotal moment for collective action towards transformative cooperation and shared success.
Transformation, particularly in South Africa’s tourism landscape, emerges as a critical agenda for Mahlalela, addressing entrenched inequality and poverty. He advocates for inclusive growth, highlighting strides in nurturing small businesses and promoting tourism in township economies.
Following Mahlalela’s address, a panel discussion featuring prominent entrepreneurs ensued, affirming South Africa’s pivotal position as the continent’s gateway.
Jerry Mabena, CEO of Motsamayi Tourism Group, showcases the group’s commitment to crafting iconic destinations, including the innovative Kruger Shalati – The Train on the Bridge and the transformed Nelson Mandela house in Gauteng.
Nombulelo Guliwe, CEO of South African Tourism, underscores tourism’s role as a catalyst for job creation, emphasizing the importance of knowledge-sharing platforms like Africa’s Travel Indaba in fostering sector-wide collaboration.
Panelist Zinhle Mqadi, CEO of Max’s Lifestyle, shares insights into broadening the scope of township tourism beyond traditional offerings, collaborating with local service providers to curate immersive experiences.
South African property developers also showcase their expertise, with Brian Mpono, CEO of Oceans Mhlanga Development, revealing regional interest in replicating successful models like the Oceans Mall in uMhlanga.
The youth perspective, explored in “The Future of Travel Through the Eyes of the Youth,” reveals innovative approaches to travel entrepreneurship. Acacia Denison and Michael Monk of Yeti the Van exemplify this, leveraging their nomadic lifestyle for brand partnerships and content creation.
Solo traveler Katchie Nzama shares her transformative journey across 35 African countries, highlighting the power of storytelling and digital content creation in shaping travel experiences.
In discussions on “Airlift Advancements in Africa,” industry leaders like Hamish Erskine of Dube TradePort and Mpumi Mpofu of Airports Company South Africa emphasize the critical role of robust travel networks in driving intra-African tourism and sustaining operational growth.
Erskine stresses cargo transport as integral to operational success, while Mpofu underscores the pivotal role of key airports like OR Tambo International and King Shaka International in facilitating passenger growth and connectivity across the continent.