De Lille positions tourism as economic cornerstone ahead of Africa's Travel Indaba 2026
South Africa's Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, has reaffirmed tourism as a central pillar of the country's economic growth strategy, calling for stronger continental collaboration and increased investment in the sector. Speaking at a stakeholder webinar, the Minister announced that President Cyril Ramaphosa will officially open Africa's Travel Indaba 2026, underscoring the government's commitment to the industry. She emphasised that tourism's ability to drive job creation, GDP growth, and uplift communities across accommodation, transport, SMMEs, and cultural enterprises makes it a critical component of South Africa's broader economic recovery.
Africa's Travel Indaba, taking place during Africa Month, was described as more than a trade show - a platform to position the continent as a unified and competitive destination while advancing the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). eThekwini Mayor Vusumuzi Xaba and KwaZulu-Natal EDTEA Head of Department Dr Nkosenye G. Zulu both highlighted the event's role in driving local economic opportunity and showcasing the province's cultural and natural heritage. Planning for Africa's Travel Indaba 2027 is already underway, with increased private sector involvement set to further strengthen the event's global reach.
