Saturday, July 5, 2025

The South African Government, through the Department of Tourism, has officially announced the dates for two of Africa’s most influential tourism and business events: Meetings Africa 2026 and Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026. These events are vital platforms for advancing tourism, driving economic growth, and fostering business relationships, both within the continent and globally.

The announcement came from Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille, who shared the details of the 2026 editions of these prestigious trade shows, which continue to shape Africa’s tourism landscape. The events are set to take place in early 2026, with Meetings Africa scheduled for 23 to 25 February 2026, and Africa’s Travel Indaba set for 11 to 14 May 2026. Both events will have their respective Business Opportunity Networking Days on the first day of each event, allowing participants to make valuable connections from the outset.

Meetings Africa 2026 will occur from , with the Business Opportunity Networking Day on . This event stands as Africa’s leading business events trade show, focused on meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE). It is a key forum for businesses and industry professionals to connect, share insights, and explore opportunities within the MICE sector.

Minister De Lille described the significance of these dates, saying, “These are not just dates; they represent important milestones in our continent’s tourism and business events calendar. Through these events, we are solidifying South Africa’s leadership role in hosting world-class business events.” Meetings Africa brings together key stakeholders from around the globe, positioning Africa as a competitive and creative destination for MICE activities. It also serves to connect regional and international buyers and suppliers, building a platform for the growth and development of Africa’s MICE sector.

South African Tourism has continuously leveraged Meetings Africa as a cornerstone event for positioning the continent as a global leader in hosting business events, conferences, and corporate meetings. It plays a crucial role in enhancing the business tourism sector, which contributes significantly to job creation and economic growth across Africa.

Following closely after Meetings Africa, Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026 will take place from 2026, with the Business Opportunity Networking Day scheduled for . As one of the most important leisure tourism trade shows globally, Africa’s Travel Indaba brings together tourism stakeholders to highlight Africa’s tourism offerings, from adventure tourism to luxury travel, wildlife safaris to cultural experiences.

Minister De Lille highlighted that Africa’s Travel Indaba continues to be an integral part of South African Tourism’s strategy to market and promote African destinations to a global audience. “Africa’s Travel Indaba is the ideal platform for tourism stakeholders to connect, showcase, and promote their offerings to an international audience. It celebrates Africa’s rich diversity in tourism products, services, and experiences,” she stated.

The event will showcase the unique tourism offerings across the continent, highlighting the beauty, culture, and experiences that Africa has to offer. By bringing together travel agents, tour operators, and key influencers from across the globe, Africa’s Travel Indaba serves as an essential marketing tool for boosting Africa’s presence in the global tourism market. The event not only promotes African destinations but also fosters a platform for collaboration, leading to long-term partnerships and investment in the continent’s tourism industry.

Both Meetings Africa and Africa’s Travel Indaba are part of South African Tourism’s broader strategy to drive economic impact and contribute to employment growth in the region. Through these trade shows, the organization helps facilitate vital connections between small and large players in the tourism sector, ensuring that opportunities for growth are accessible to all stakeholders, particularly small businesses that might otherwise lack the resources to participate in global events.

South African Tourism continues to prioritize the development of inclusive, sustainable tourism practices. Through these events, the government aims to contribute to long-term sector sustainability and inclusive economic growth by expanding market access for businesses and entrepreneurs from all walks of life. These initiatives align with broader national goals to diversify the economy, reduce unemployment, and create opportunities for marginalized communities.

South African Tourism is also actively focusing on innovation, supporting initiatives that enhance the sector’s resilience, adaptability, and ability to thrive in a rapidly changing global tourism environment. The organization is currently undergoing a competitive bidding process to appoint host cities for both Meetings Africa and Africa’s Travel Indaba from 2026 and for the next five years. This open process provides an opportunity for cities across South Africa to engage with these events and drive further local economic impact through tourism-related initiatives.

Minister Patricia de Lille emphasized that these trade shows are not only about promoting tourism but also about fostering global partnerships that will benefit all stakeholders. “These events are more than just dates on a calendar; they are opportunities to foster international partnerships, share knowledge, and create a collaborative platform that drives innovation and growth across the tourism sector,” she remarked.

The collaborative aspect of both Meetings Africa and Africa’s Travel Indaba is essential for ensuring that the African continent’s tourism sector continues to thrive. By creating a shared space where governments, private sector businesses, and international stakeholders can come together, these events contribute to building a strong foundation for a sustainable future for African tourism.

As South Africa prepares to host Meetings Africa 2026 and Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026, the country’s tourism and business events sector continues to evolve. These events, which have become cornerstones in the African tourism calendar, offer an unparalleled platform for showcasing the richness of Africa’s culture, heritage, and natural beauty. Both events are expected to draw international participants, providing a significant boost to South Africa’s economy and helping position the country as a global leader in tourism and business events.

With the competitive bidding process now open, South Africa’s cities will have the chance to compete for the honor of hosting these high-profile events. This ongoing process aims to keep the events fresh, innovative, and impactful, ensuring that they continue to contribute to the country’s tourism growth while expanding Africa’s role on the global tourism stage.

The declaration of the dates of the Meetings Africa 2026 and the Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026 is an important milestone towards South Africa’s dedication to fortifying its status as the world leader in business tourism and leisure travel. These conferences showcase not only fundamental business and networking opportunities but also present valuable platforms for the stimulation of inclusive economic development and sustainable tourism as well as the great potential of Africa’s varied tourism packages to the international world.

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