Africa's Travel Indaba 2026 Opens in Durban with 600 Exhibitors and Record Buyer Attendance

Africa’s biggest travel trade show is underway in Durban. Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026 opened on Monday 11 May at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre and the Durban Exhibition Centre, running through Thursday 14 May. It is the industry event that sets the direction for South African and continental tourism for the year ahead.

The scale of this year’s event

The 2026 edition brings together 600 exhibiting companies representing all nine South African provinces alongside participants from 22 African countries — a strong signal of how broadly the continent’s tourism community is looking to South Africa as a business gateway. Of those exhibitors, 191 are micro, small and medium enterprises, which reflects South African Tourism’s deliberate push to put smaller operators in front of international buyers.

On the buying side, over 700 buyers and hosted delegates from 71 countries have confirmed attendance, with 3,315 pre-scheduled trade meetings taking place across the four exhibition days. Show hours run 10:00–18:00 on 12 and 13 May, closing at 17:30 on 14 May.

What it means for travellers

Events like Indaba are where new products enter the market. Lodge openings, new packages and regional routes often make their trade debut here before reaching travellers six to 18 months later. This year’s focus on small business development and intra-African connectivity suggests the pipeline of independent and off-the-beaten-track options for visitors to South Africa will continue to grow.

For those visiting KwaZulu-Natal this week, Indaba creates real pressure on accommodation near the ICC. If you are arriving in Durban between 11 and 14 May, book early and consider the beachfront or northern suburbs as alternatives to the convention precinct.

The broader context

May is one of the best months to visit South Africa: the safari season is building across the Lowveld as winter approaches, Cape Town’s autumn is pleasant, and the country is quieter than its December peak. Before travelling, check our visa requirements guide for the latest entry conditions — South Africa has been expanding its electronic travel authorisation system through 2025 and 2026.