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President Cyril Ramaphosa is welcomed by Minister of Tourism Patricia De Lille as he arrives at the 2026 Africa Travel Indaba in Durban.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has described tourism as a major economic contributor in the continent. Ramaphosa has officially opened the 2026 Africa Travel Indaba in Durban on Tuesday. The Indaba is one of the largest tourism marketing events on the African calendar, showcasing the widest variety of the continent’s best tourism products.
“For many African countries, tourism is not merely a leisure industry. It is a developmental instrument. It becomes an instrument through which we can grow our economies. Tourism must be seen for what it is, a major economic driver as it contributes billions of dollars annually to many African economies,” says Ramaphosa.
His Excellency, President Cyril Ramaphosa, has arrived at Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026 for the official opening of Africa’s premier tourism trade showcase.
The President’s attendance underscores the strategic importance of tourism in driving economic growth, investment, job… pic.twitter.com/o1uB4Rl1ET
— Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026 (@travel_indaba) May 12, 2026
According to Statistics South Africa, the tourism sector accounts for nearly one million direct jobs.
“This means that around one in 18 workers is directly employed in tourism.”
President Ramaphosa says SA’s tourism industry is attracting more tourists.
“ South Africa welcomed 10.5 million international visitors last year, a clear sign that the world is rediscovering our country with renewed enthusiasm.”
The City of eThekwini has recently added two new attractions to its famous tourism offering. In March, we unveiled the statues of Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo here in Durban.
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) May 12, 2026
VIDEO | President Cyril Ramaphosa’s addressed the 2026 Africa Travel Indaba:
