Media centre

The global LGBTQIA+ travel market has evolved into one of the most valuable and fast-growing segments in tourism, fostering not just social inclusion but serious economic opportunity. In 2025 LGBTQ+ travellers are expected to contribute more than USD 333.4 billion in global tourism spend, with projections reaching USD 521.6 billion by 2031, according to recent industry reports (For context, South Africa generated R91.6 billion (USD 5 billion) from international visitors and a further R136.4 billion (USD 7.5 billion) from domestic tourists in 2024). This growing cohort is reshaping travel trends, demanding inclusive experiences, and rewarding destinations that treat them with dignity and visibility.

The Minister of Tourism notes the recent update by the United States Department of State to its travel advisory for South Africa. We respect the sovereign right of all nations to provide guidance to their citizens travelling abroad. We also acknowledge the recent meeting between Presidents Ramaphosa and Trump and the subsequent media coverage that has followed.

South African Tourism, through the South African National Convention Bureau (SANCB), proudly announces its participation at IMEX Frankfurt 2025, the premier global trade show for the business events industry. South Africa arrives in Frankfurt not only as a destination of choice for meetings and conferences but also as Africa’s top performer in the latest International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) 2024 rankings. IMEX Frankfurt is set to take place from 20 to 22 May in Frankfurt, Germany.

The South African Tourism Board is deeply saddened by the passing of Ms. Lungi Mnganga-Gcabashe, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Tourism. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and her colleagues across government and Parliament.

It is with great sadness that we, Minister Patricia de Lille and Deputy Minister Maggie Sotyu, extend our deepest condolences on the passing of Ms. Lungi Annette Mnganga-Gcabashe.

Long before the term ‘Astro Tourism’ entered the global travel lexicon, African communities had been reading the stars, mapping the skies, and using celestial knowledge to guide agriculture, rituals, and movement. Today, that deep-rooted relationship between humanity and the cosmos is being reawakened, this time as a powerful lever for tourism, education, and sustainable economic growth.

South Africa’s youth make up the majority of the population, and the future of the country’s tourism sector. But for the country to realise its full potential as a travel destination and industry leader, young people must be engaged today not just as consumers, but as creators, contributors, and catalysts for growth.

16 May 2025, Durban, South Africa – The projected economic benefits spurred by Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025, from event infrastructure and logistics to accommodation, restaurants, and local transport services, has been significant. The direct economic impact of Africa’s Travel Indaba on Durban’s GDP is estimated at R574-million, with direct spending totalling more than R232-million, highlighting the substantial economic benefits. Additionally, the event created over 2,000 jobs, particularly for the youth and local communities, with an anticipated household income contribution exceeding R140 million.

A powerful wave of optimism and a unified vision for the future of African tourism swept through the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal on 13 May, as esteemed tourism leaders convened for the highly anticipated African Ministers' Roundtable at Africa's Travel Indaba 2025. Hosted by South Africa’s Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, the panel featured a distinguished lineup including Márcio de Jesus Lopes Daniel, Angola's Minister of Tourism; Sikhumbuzo Dlamini, Eswatini's Minister of Tinkhundla Administration and Development; Fredson Bacar, Mozambique's Secretary of State of Tourism; and Rodney Sikumba, Zambia's Minister of Tourism.

The African continent's premier travel and tourism trade show, Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025 officially opened its doors today at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. Running from May 13-15 under the resonant theme “Unlimited Africa”, the event was officially opened by South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile and South Africa’s Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, signalling a powerful, unified drive to showcase the continent's boundless tourism potential and declare Africa open for global business.

Africa's Travel Indaba 2025 kicked off with palpable energy and a clear sense of purpose on its Business Opportunity Networking Day (BONDay), on 12 May, setting a visionary tone for the continent's premier leisure tourism trade show. Hosted by South African Tourism at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, BONDay convened a full house of media, industry stakeholders, and thought leaders under the theme “Unlimited Africa”, celebrating the continent’s boundless tourism potential and fostering greater collaboration across borders.

On the sidelines of the 2nd G20 Tourism Working Group meeting currently underway in Durban, Africa’s Travel Indaba kicked off its BONDay with a powerful plenary session titled ‘Africa’s Voice at the G20 – A Continental Collaboration for Future Tourism Opportunities.’ The session brought together thought leaders from across sectors who urged the continent to rally as one in shaping global tourism policy and practice.