By 
During his keynote address at the launch of the 2026 Africa’s Travel Indaba at the Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban, President Cyril Ramaphosa said South Africa is becoming a preferred tourism destination for international tourists, especially Africans.
The official launch was marked by the president, tourism ministers and tourism leaders signing an Unlimited Africa Pledge at the Indaba, reaffirming a shared commitment to growing Africa’s tourism economy and strengthening continental collaboration.
According to the President, 10.5 million international tourists landed on the shores of South Africa, which he said was a clear sign that the world is discovering South Africa with renewed enthusiasm. Ramaphosa said three-quarters of international arrivals come from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, which is significant.
“This tells us something important: Africans are choosing Africa. That is why South Africa is working with our neighbours to advance the SADC Tourism UNIVISA, which would enable seamless, borderless travel for tourists across SADC member states.
We are also working to expand our one-stop border posts and develop cross-border itineraries that showcase the richness of our region. When Africans travel within Africa, we strengthen our economies, deepen our cultural ties and build a more integrated continent,” said President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Despite ongoing tensions between foreign nationals and the natives in South Africa, tourism remains untainted for now as Africans still visit the country.
“Last month, we launched the upgraded Cape Agulhas Lighthouse precinct at the southernmost tip of Africa. This is where the warm Indian Ocean and cold Atlantic Ocean meet. This follows the opening in June 2025 of the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre in the Free State’s Golden Highlands National Park, where the world’s oldest dinosaur embryo was discovered.
Since the launch of the centre more than 88,000 people have visited the site. The City of eThekwini has recently added two new attractions to its famous tourism offering. In March, we unveiled the statues of Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo here in Durban. This demonstrates the importance of expanding and diversifying our tourism offering, catering to a broad range of domestic and international travellers.
The increases we have seen in tourism figures are not merely of statistical interest. They represent families supported, small businesses revived and communities that are being uplifted,” said Ramaphosa.
“According to Statistics South Africa, the tourism sector accounts for nearly one million direct jobs in this country. This means that around 1 in 18 workers is directly employed in tourism. Africa’s Travel Indaba has become one of the most powerful platforms for tourism growth on the continent.
Last year, about 10,000 delegates gathered here in Durban and more than 1,300 exhibitors showcased the best of African tourism. In itself, the Indaba contributes to local economic and social development. The benefits are felt not only in boardrooms but also in small businesses, township enterprises and the homes of ordinary South Africans.
The benefits of this Indaba are felt across our country and across the continent as new destinations are discovered and new linkages are formed,” he continued.
