By Francis Chipalo
Deputy Minister of Tourism Maggie Sotyu has called for innovation, partnerships, and community-driven growth to unlock Africa’s tourism potential, as she officially opened the Business Opportunity Networking Day (BONDay) in Durban today.
Speaking at the South Foyer of the Durban ICC under the theme “Unlimited Africa: Growing Africa’s Tourism Economy”, Sotyu said the continent was no longer in “recovery mode” but entering a new expansion phase.
“Africa is among the fastest growing tourism regions globally, according to UN Tourism Africa. This signals that we are entering a new expansion phase,” Sotyu told delegates.
BONDay is the business and thought-leadership prelude to Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026, bringing together tourism leaders, entrepreneurs, and public and private sector partners from across the continent.
Sotyu said BONDay was especially significant as it falls during Africa Month.
“It is a celebration of Africa’s collective potential and a reminder that our continent’s future is strongest when we grow together,” she said.
She also marked Mother’s Day, observed on Sunday 10 May, honouring women “whose care, leadership, and entrepreneurship continue to shape Africa’s homes, communities, industries, and economies.”
The Deputy Minister said tourism remains one of Africa’s most powerful economic drivers, supporting 357 million jobs globally in 2024, or one in every ten jobs, according to the World Bank.
She stressed that tourism creates direct pathways for MSMEs, local guides, artisans, and community businesses to participate in economic growth.
“Tourism gives communities practical entry points into ownership, enterprise, and participation. My hope is that BONDay inspires us to help communities see tourism not as a distant industry, but as a powerful local opportunity,” she said.
Sotyu urged the sector to embrace digital innovation, citing TikTok’s role in how travellers discover destinations. She highlighted sport and culture as key tourism assets that drive demand, investment, and destination branding.
“Every cultural celebration, every heritage offering, and every sporting platform is also an opportunity to grow arrivals, unlock enterprise, and position Africa as a globally competitive tourism force,” she said.
She emphasized that sustainable growth depends on strong public-private partnerships.
“Governments provide policy and infrastructure. The private sector brings innovation and investment. Together, these partnerships drive inclusive development.”
Sotyu described Africa’s Travel Indaba as more than a trade show, calling it a “strategic economic platform for knowledge exchange, market access, policy dialogue, and continental growth.”
“Africa’s tourism future is brightest when we innovate boldly, collaborate intentionally, and grow together,” she added.
The event was attended by KZN MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Reverend Musa Zondi, eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba, South African Tourism board members, provincial tourism authorities, the Tourism Business Council of South Africa, and media.
