Johannesburg and Durban have been officially confirmed as the host cities for Africa's two premier tourism trade shows, Meetings Africa and Africa's Travel Indaba (ATI), for the next five years, commencing in 2026. This significant decision follows a rigorous and competitive procurement process overseen by South African Tourism, which evaluated numerous compelling bids from cities and provinces across the country.

Meetings Africa, which serves as the continent's leading platform for business tourism, is scheduled to host its 20th edition at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg from February 23-25, 2026. Conversely, Africa's Travel Indaba, focusing on leisure tourism, will take place from May 11-14, 2026, at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban. Both events are recognized as crucial economic drivers, fostering business leads, attracting investment, and bolstering intra-African trade and connectivity by bringing together buyers, exhibitors, media, and tourism stakeholders globally.

The selection of Johannesburg and Durban was based on their compelling bid commitments, established track records, world-class infrastructure, and strategic alignment with South Africa's overarching tourism objectives. Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille extended her congratulations to both cities, emphasizing that these events transcend mere tourism, representing significant opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and the strategic positioning of Africa as a globally competitive travel destination. The Minister articulated the department's commitment to sustaining strong partnerships with both host cities and the private sector over the next five years, aiming to execute innovative and purpose-driven trade shows that deliver substantial value to all participants across the tourism value chain, in collaboration with the Tourism Business Council South Africa and various tourism stakeholders.

Nandipha Zonela, Chairperson of the Johannesburg Tourism Company, affirmed that securing Meetings Africa for another five-year term underscores Johannesburg's global competitiveness. She highlighted the city's distinction as an all-year-round travel market leader in South Africa, citing 4.29 million arrivals and R69 billion in total tourism spend in 2024. Zonela proudly stated,