Indaba 2017 has begun in South Africa with thousands of exhibitors, travel buyers, visitors and media from all over the world expected to converge on the destination.

The event is taking place at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban and will offer visitors a chance to experience the dynamic African travel industry in all its diverse glory.

Africa’s top travel show will set Durban abuzz over three show days and was preceded by a Business Opportunity Networking Day, aimed at exhibitors only.

Over the course of more than 35 years, Indaba has become regarded as Africa’s top travel show, with a strong focus on doing business aimed at growing travel on the continent.

This year, 18 African countries will be rolling out the welcome mat to the world at Indaba, inviting buyers and visitors to marvel at their multifaceted basket of attractions as the continent’s travel industry basks in an upsurge in global interest.

During four themed Conversations over the three days of Indaba, exhibitors and journalists can take part in constructive discussions around developing the tourism economy.

These talks will see local and international game changers, technology disruptors, innovators and captains of industry driving lively and informative exchanges of ideas.

In the first conversation, taking place at noon today, South African Tourism chief executive Sisa Ntshona will be among the panellists looking at creative ways in which the private and public sectors can steer inclusive growth in the tourism economy.

The second conversation, following at 14:00, takes the form of a thought leadership talk by Paul Midy.

The chief executive of Jumia Travel, he will share his views on how African tourism businesses can harness the power of technology to their benefit.

During the third Conversation, tomorrow at 10:30, acclaimed filmmaker Akin Omotoso will be joined by South Africa’s National Heritage Council chief executive, Sonwabile Mancotywa, and FNB Joburg Art Fair director Mandla Sibeko.

They will interrogate how Africa’s cultural richness can be used to greater effect in promoting tourism on the continent.

The final Conversation for exhibitors and media, a bid party wrap-up session at 10:30 on Thursday, will highlight the achievements of this year’s Indaba, the feedback received and the business concluded at the event.

Speed Marketing

The ever-popular speed marketing sessions, where a diverse array of South African tourism products are introduced to top buyers from across the globe in hour-long sessions, will once again feature at Indaba 2017.

During the fast-paced morning sessions, South African product owners each have three to four minutes to deliver the essence of their sales pitch to an audience of global buyers.

Follow-up meetings and negotiations are then at the discretion of both parties.