South Africa’s Tourism Minister, Mr Marthinus van Schalkwyk, officially opened Africa’s top travel show, INDABA 2012, in Durban on Saturday evening with a strong message to the country’s travel and tourism trade: it is only through strong partnerships and a collective approach that South Africa’s tourism industry will continue to grow.

Located of the crest of 315-319 Peter Mokaba Ridge in Musgrave, is the exclusive, upmarket chic 4 star Coastlands On The Ridge Hotel where innovative, hi-tech and modern architecture meets exquisite luxury and sophistication. This stunning hotel boasts spectacular views overlooking the Moses Mabhida Stadium, the city centre, the harbour and ocean.

The South African tourism industry left the fourth E-Tourism Africa Summit better equipped on how to engage with - and listen to - potential customers in a world where over 95 percent of travel research, more than half of all travel purchases, and the majority of travel conversation is happening online.

The gala ceremony for The World Travel Awards for Africa & Indian Ocean was held on the 16th September 2011 at Sharm el Sheikh in Egypt.

‘Winning campaign made millions realise how exciting and accessible South Africa is, and how friendly and welcoming South Africans are’ – Roshene Singh, South African Tourism Chief Marketing Officer

INDABA 2011, Africa's biggest travel and tourism show, opened in Durban on the weekend.

INDABA is one of the largest tourism marketing events on the African calendar and one of the top three ‘must visit’ events of its kind on the global calendar. It showcases the widest variety of Southern Africa's best tourism products, and attracts international visitors and media from across the world. INDABA is owned by South African Tourism and organised by Witch & Wizard Creative (Pty) Ltd.

The fourth Annual E Tourism Africa Summit was launched on the 16^th March at the quarterly Joint Association Membership Meeting (JAMM) of Cape Town Tourism, Fedhasa Cape, SAACI and SATSA Western Cape. The JAMM session brought together over 200 delegates to hear how the tourism industry needs to develop in order to take advantage of technology changes and new global travel trends.

The South African government plans to set up a National Events and Convention Bureau by the middle of next year to help the country’s business tourism industry secure bids for major events and conventions.

South African Tourism CEO, Thandiwe January-McLean, said: “The National Events and Convention Bureau will ensure an integrated, coordinated approach in positioning South Africa as a business and events tourism destination par excellence. Our aim is to increase the business tourism volume, as well as create a more balanced geographic spread.”

The SAACI Northern Territories Branch (NTB) AGM was held yesterday at the new Protea Hotel Fire and Ice! in Melrose Arch. This urban, contemporary and edgy hotel is an experience in old Hollywood glamour, appealing to both the domestic and international business and leisure traveler.