Durban – South Africa’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called on African governments and businesses to harness the full potential of the continent’s tourism sector to drive economic growth and social development.
Speaking at the opening of Africa’s Travel Indaba held in Durban on Tuesday, Mashatile told delegates and exhibitors that tourism remains one of Africa’s most powerful economic engines, having contributed 6.8% to the continent’s GDP in 2023. In South Africa alone, the sector contributed 8.9% to the GDP and supported 1.68 million jobs, with plans to grow this to 2.2 million by 2030.
Mashatile said Africa’s unique stories, ancient civilisations, and diverse cultures give it a competitive edge in the global tourism market. He encouraged countries to promote their historical landmarks and natural beauty, saying they are key to boosting visitor numbers and positioning Africa as a central player in the global economy.
He called for increased investment in tourism infrastructure, better regional cooperation, and the removal of travel barriers across the continent. These steps, he said, would help grow intra-African tourism, create jobs, promote cultural understanding, and strengthen regional economies.
The deputy president backed the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a key policy instrument to stimulate intra-African travel and trade, which in turn would unlock new markets and attract global investors.
Deputy President @PaulMashatile and Minister @PatriciaDeLille visiting some of the 1200 exhibitors from 26 countries at the Africa’s Travel Indaba#ATI2025#TravelIndaba25#G20SouthAfrica#SouthAfricaAwaits#WeDoTourism pic.twitter.com/KCmRsLfIww
— Dept of Tourism (@Tourism_gov_za) May 13, 2025
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille also addressed the gathering, revealing that South Africa recorded 2.6 million tourist arrivals in the first quarter of the year—a 5.7% increase compared to the same period in 2024. She said this year’s indaba brought together over 1,300 exhibitors, 27 African countries, and more than 1,200 vetted international buyers from 55 source markets.
Both leaders said the travel indaba reflects a unified African vision, where tourism is not only about leisure but also about connection, empowerment, and economic resilience.
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