INDABA 2016 gathers top tourism players

A considered and stringent selection benchmark for buyer participation at INDABA ensures the trade show attracts the best global buyers. These are buyers who are genuinely interested in doing business with quality travel brands from the rest of the continent, are eager to showcase Africa's appeal as a tourist destination and ultimately grow their businesses.

13 Jan 2016

This is the view of South African Tourism, the organisers and hosts of Africa's largest tourism gathering, INDABA, taking place from 7 to 9 May 2016 at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre.

Africa's longest running travel trade show is a focused platform bringing thousands of tourism players to converge and do business in the coastal city of Durban. The 2015 show recorded an impressive 7,704 delegates, 1,595 of whom were international buyers representing 66 countries including amongst others: Brazil, China, Germany, India, Australia, New Zealand, Italy and Germany.

Selection process

"Hosted buyers are selected through South African Tourism's country offices based in the various markets worldwide. Non-hosted buyers on the other hand, attend INDABA on their own accord and on their own budget," explains Sthembiso Dlamini, acting CEO of South African Tourism.

"Both groups of buyers are of paramount importance to INDABA which guarantees them an exceptional variety of unique destinations and tourism products to consider for inclusion in their inventory of destinations. INDABA meets these needs in its entirety by allowing for these quality business transactions to happen effectively and efficiently," she says.

For example, through the online diary and matchmaking system, buyers are able to assess beforehand the full buffet of exhibitors participating, and schedule appointments with those who meet their immediate requirements. This saves time and ensures that the right connections are made, resulting in positive business results. "INDABA is designed to facilitate business opportunities." Dlamini concludes

INDABA 2016 takes place from 7-9 May 2016 at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal. For more information or to register as an exhibitor or buyer, visit the website.

Alternatively, you may download the INDABA App from Google or Play store or follow us on Twitter @SATravelTrade.