Indaba returns to the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban from May 16th-18th, sporting a more streamlined programme and improved floor layout to make it easier for the world to come and sample the tourism treasures Africa has to offer.

Through the convenient online diary and matchmaking system, delegates can use technology to set up pre-scheduled meetings with buyers or exhibitors that may match their needs, saving time and enabling them to get the best out of the show.

For the first time, this digital platform has also been extended to media, meaning journalists can now schedule one-on-one meetings with exhibitors of interest to secure the stories they want to tell about Africa’s tourism industry.

This year’s heightened focus on matching like-minded tourism industry players is aimed at driving successful business deals while helping to showcase the kaleidoscope of product options on offer.

For instance, the Hidden Gems zone will introduce the world’s travel buyers and visitors to small tourism enterprises from each of South Africa’s nine provinces that may otherwise have remained undiscovered, in the hope of encouraging a broader range of authentic tourism experiences to be included in tours to South Africa.

As well as pre-scheduled meetings, buyers will have the chance to meet with exhibitors during the morning speed marketing sessions on each of the three show days.

Here, participating exhibitors will be grouped according to themes such as luxury and scenic outdoors, before making short presentations on their offerings.

Conversations at Indaba 2017 will showcase leaders and influencers from local and global industries, who will take part in panel discussions around topical issues and their impact on African tourism.

Topics will include how to foster private-public partnerships for inclusive tourism growth, the growing phenomenon of digital and online booking in the African tourism sector, and the contribution that African arts, fashion and design make to tourism on the continent.

Indaba’s focus on African destinations gives visitors a chance to become acquainted with exciting product developments throughout the continent. Industry players from more than 17 African countries are taking part, including Angola, Botswana, the DRC, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Réunion, Seychelles, Senegal, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

To register as an exhibitor, buyer or media delegate, or to simply learn more about Africa’s longest-running and internationally recognised leisure travel trade show, visit the official website.