ITB Berlin is a prime meeting place, a marketplace, and a driving force behind the entire tourism industry. It draws no less than 10 000 exhibitors from 180 countries and regions, and in so doing, represents the full spectrum of global tourism at all levels. This is the first time that Africa’s largest and most prestigious travel trade exhibition is showcasing its offerings on the main South African pavilion, giving it more prominence, making it more accessible, and allowing for the Indaba concept to be fully integrated with the rest of the SA presentation.
According to Sindile Xulu, project manager of Indaba, “The latest UN World Tourism Organisation’s statistics reveal that SA is one of the world’s fastest growing destinations. Our presence on a global platform such as the ITB is therefore extremely important, and I have no doubt that the SA stand will draw a great deal of interest and attention.
“In light of this, I am truly excited that Indaba will be represented alongside the rest of destination’s unique and diverse tourism offerings. It will give us the opportunity to present Indaba - within the right context - to new customer contacts and some of the highest-ranking decision makers and influencers in the travel trade from across the globe.”
Outside of the UK, Germany is the biggest European source market of visitors for SA. Of such importance and consequence is the German market that South African Tourism has upped its marketing budget for Germany by 40% in the last year. Furthermore, the destination marketing organistion is fully committed to continuing its investment in this key market ahead of 2010, when SA will host to the first 2010 FIFA World Cup to be held on African soil.
Indaba, which will for the second year running be branded the Gold Standard Travel Trade Show, attracted a record-breaking 11 691 participants in 2006. This year’s show will again be held in the ICC (International Convention Centre) in Durban and at the adjacent DEC (Durban Exhibition Centre).
Exhibitor categories include provincial authorities, provincial products, tourism products from across the Southern African region, accommodation providers, tour operators, game lodges, transport, online travel, media publications and industry associations. Outdoor exhibitors will include transport, camping and safari companies.
For the international visitor, Indaba is a platform to engage with, experience and transact with South SA products.
As well as the exhibition, Indaba hosts a number of industry seminars and networking events. Xulu explains that, “Although Indaba is already forging ahead in its bid to be one of three top ‘must visit’ travel trade events on the globe, we’ll continue to introduce new industry seminars, as we believe that these truly add value to the Indaba initiative, enriching the entire Indaba experience.”
A detailed event calendar of Indaba 2007 is available at www.indaba-southafrica.co.za.
