Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025: Gauteng Tourism Prepares for Global Spotlight
As the African continent gears up to host a range of global events, Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025 is once again taking centre stage. It promises unparalleled networking opportunities, industry collaboration, and a celebration of Africa’s rich tourism offerings. Held from 12 to 15 May 2025 at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban. This premier leisure trade show is where Africa’s tourism leaders and global buyers come together to shape the continent’s tourism future.
Among the standout exhibitors this year is the Gauteng Tourism Authority (GTA), which is showcasing its top-tier experiences, attractions, and events at Stand L01. With the G20 Summit on the horizon, which Gauteng will proudly host, GTA is using this prestigious platform to spotlight the province’s unique tourism value, inviting both local and international travellers to explore Gauteng during this pivotal time.
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Travel Indaba: A Strategic Opportunity in the Lead-Up to the G20 Summit
The upcoming G20 Summit in Gauteng presents a historic opportunity not just for South Africa but also for its gateway province to position itself as a dynamic, globally competitive tourism hub. The Gauteng Tourism Authority is maximising this opportunity by aligning its presence at Africa’s Travel Indaba with its broader strategic goal—to attract G20 delegates, business travellers, and leisure tourists to explore the province during and after the summit.
This alignment allows GTA to offer an immersive preview of Gauteng’s rich, multifaceted tourism product. By doing so, they are transforming the Indaba stand into a gateway to Gauteng’s urban culture, culinary excellence, natural retreats, music and sporting events, and undiscovered hidden gems.
Sporting Gauteng: A Thriving Destination for Global Sport
Gauteng continues to build a solid reputation as a premier sporting destination. From world-class stadiums to community-driven events, the province hosts a wide variety of tournaments and matches throughout the year. As South Africa’s economic powerhouse, Gauteng boasts iconic venues such as the FNB Stadium and Loftus Versfeld. These venues requently host international rugby, football, and cricket events.
Visitors are invited to discover the adrenaline-fueled spirit of Gauteng’s sports culture. Whether it’s the atmosphere of a packed derby match in Soweto or the excitement of the annual cycle races and marathons that take over the city streets, sport plays a key role in drawing tourists and enhancing local pride.
Musical Gauteng: The Pulse of South African Sound
The heartbeat of South Africa’s music scene lives in Gauteng. Home to genres like amapiano, house, kwaito, and gospel, the province nurtures legendary and rising talents alike. As part of its showcase at Indaba, GTA highlights the province’s vibrant live music venues, music festivals, and cultural events that serve as a magnet for music lovers from across the globe.
Gauteng plays host to major festivals like the Joy of Jazz, the DStv Delicious International Food & Music Festival, and the Macufe Festival. These gatherings not only celebrate musical excellence but also provide an immersive cultural experience filled with dance, cuisine, and creativity.
The province’s connection to musical heritage is further embedded in institutions such as the South African State Theatre and the Market Theatre, where historical and contemporary performances continue to captivate audiences.
Hidden Attractions: Untold Stories and Unexpected Beauty
While Johannesburg and Pretoria are often associated with Gauteng, there is so much more to the province than its bustling urban cores. One of GTA’s focal points at Africa’s Travel Indaba is to shine a light on the lesser-known but equally enchanting destinations scattered across the province.
For example, Dinokeng Game Reserve offers an authentic Big Five safari experience just outside the city, while the Cradle of Humankind—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—presents visitors with a journey into the origins of humanity. Adventure seekers can explore Magaliesberg’s hiking trails and canopy tours, while those seeking tranquillity may retreat to the Hartbeespoort Dam for art galleries, markets, and scenic boat rides.
These hidden attractions offer authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences that add great depth to Gauteng’s tourism offerings.
Gauteng Eats: A Culinary Journey Like No Other
No trip to Gauteng is complete without indulging in its diverse and flavour-packed culinary scene. From township-style braais and street-side kotas to high-end fusion cuisine, the province is a melting pot of African and global flavours.
The Gauteng Tourism Authority is giving culinary tourism pride of place at Stand L01, offering a taste of the province’s food culture to Indaba delegates. Visitors will learn about culinary hotspots in Soweto, the trendy eateries of Maboneng and Melville, and the emerging fine dining scenes in Pretoria and Sandton.
Food markets such as the Fourways Farmers Market, Neighbourgoods Market, and Hazel Food Market are highlighted for their role in connecting communities through cuisine and showcasing local produce and artisanal goods.
Gauteng’s culinary trail is about more than just food—it is a narrative of resilience, innovation, and cultural fusion.
Championing Township-Based SMMEs at Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025
Gauteng Tourism Authority (GTA) continues to reaffirm its commitment to inclusive economic growth through strong support for Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs). As part of the Township Economic Development Initiative, GTA is working to transform Gauteng’s economic landscape by promoting the sustainable integration and coordination of resources, especially within underdeveloped areas such as townships.
This year, at Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025, the spotlight will be on the township-based SMMEs that represent the innovation, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit thriving in Gauteng’s communities. These enterprises will be showcased at Stand L01, gaining access to global buyers, tourism stakeholders, and potential investors.
These SMMEs span a range of sectors, including hospitality, arts and crafts, culinary experiences, local tourism services, and eco-tourism. Their participation not only opens doors to new markets but positions them as crucial players in building a more inclusive and representative tourism industry.
Business, Leisure, and Cultural Synergy
Africa’s Travel Indaba is more than a trade show—it is a space for inspiration and strategy, bringing together global tourism leaders under one roof. For Gauteng Tourism Authority, this platform provides an ideal setting to strengthen tourism partnerships, introduce new travel packages, and position the province as a key destination in Africa’s tourism renaissance.
With over 1,000 exhibitors, buyers, and media representatives from across the globe expected to attend, GTA’s participation underscores the province’s readiness to host international guests during the G20 Summit, as well as its commitment to sustainable, inclusive tourism development.
Gauteng’s tourism strategy includes community-based initiatives, support for emerging tour operators, and infrastructure development aimed at enhancing the visitor experience. These efforts will be critical as the province prepares to welcome thousands of delegates and tourists during the G20 period.
Travel Indaba 2025: A Call to Explore Gauteng
The message from Stand L01 at Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025 is clear: Gauteng is ready to welcome the world. With a tapestry of experiences woven from its people, history, and creativity, Gauteng stands as a province of discovery.
Visitors, travel agents, and tourism industry players attending the Indaba are encouraged to engage with the Gauteng team to learn more about travel itineraries, packages, and opportunities tailored to the G20 Summit and beyond. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, music lover, foodie, or history enthusiast, Gauteng promises an unforgettable experience.
As the curtain rises on Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025, Gauteng Tourism Authority invites you to make the province your next destination. Let Gauteng be the beginning of your African journey.
Visit Gauteng Tourism Authority at Stand L01 and start your journey through the golden province.