The eThekwini Municipality highlighted five benefits of hosting the Africa Travel Indaba (ATI) over the next five years , commencing from May 2026. The eThekwini municipality intends contributing R82.7 million over five years as the host of the Africa Travel Indaba (ATI) commencing in May 2026. The municipality stated that the decision follows a rigorous and competitive procurement process led by South African Tourism, with Durban emerging as the ideal location to showcase Africa’s vibrant tourism offerings.
At the eThekwini executive committee (exco) level, councillors noted the significance and impact of the ATI Africa Travel Indaba in enhancing the local economy, tourism and the hospitality industry. The committee mentioned that over the past five years, the event has grown substantially, attracting visitors from across the globe. City officials noted that this growth has contributed positively to the municipality’s revenue collection and job creation.
The extensive work undertaken to ensure that the municipality retained this event was acknowledged by city officials. At the December 2025 council meeting, the municipality outlined five benefits of hosting the ATI: In September 2025, minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille said: “We are proud to have Durban host Africa’s Travel Indaba in 2026. This event is more than just a showcase of tourism; it is an economic catalyst, a driver of job creation, and a strategic opportunity to position Africa as a premier travel destination on the global stage.” eThekwini mayor councillor Cyril Xaba stated that this was a tremendous opportunity for Durban to showcase its unique offerings and strengthen its position as Southern Africa’s tourism hub. “We look forward to welcoming industry leaders from around the world and creating meaningful business opportunities for local entrepreneurs and stakeholders,” Xaba said.
