Africa’s leading travel show that brings together the region’s leading buyers and suppliers May 7-10 has opened up in Durban, South Africa. “We have always maintained that INDABA is far more than just a four-day event,” comments SA Tourism CEO, Thandiwe January-McLean. “It’s the result of a year’s hard work from the entire tourism industry, as we look to consistently build on innovation, visitor numbers and the stature of INDABA year on year.

When it comes to the actual physical creation of the INDABA showcase, it’s the combination of the efforts of over 100,000 hours put in to deliver the show between our production partners, agencies, rigging crew and SA Tourism personnel.

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At over 27,000 sqm visitors and exhibitors at this years INDABA will be exposed to an exhibition floor space larger than four soccer fields. According to South Africa Tourism statistics in 2010, South Africa welcomed more than 8 million tourist arrivals to the country, compared to just over 7 million in 2009. Figures from the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) show that global tourism arrivals is estimated to have grown by 6.7% in 2010, which means that South Africa outperformed the global market by more than 8%.

Coming off its success in hosting the World Cup in 2010 last year was the best year ever for the South African tourism industry. Having impressed the massive global audience that tuned in to watch the World Cup coverage in June and July last year the destination’s first-class infrastructure, warm and welcoming people, a myriad of unique experiences the mood for South African stakeholders is upbeat. Tourism figures released for January 2011 show a YOY increase of 10.8% for the United States amd 9.9% for Canada. A new global branding campaign “Leave Ordinary Behind” has also been launched as part of South Africa’s new marketing activities.

South African Tourism, www.southafrica.net