Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo
In a bid to boost tourism in Africa, Africans have been urged to change its narrative from a continent that needs saving to one that is thriving.
This was the key insight at the media launch of the 2019 edition of Africa’s Travel Indaba in Durban, South Africa on April 3.
The 2019 Africa Travel Indaba is scheduled to place from May 2 to May 4, 2019 in South Africa. It is described as Africa’s leading and longest running travel trade show that offers industry players and its stakeholders an opportunity to meet and engage on the challenges and opportunities that affect the advancement of tourism on the continent.
The Chief Convention Bureau Officer of South Africa National Convention Bureau (SANCB), Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo, who spoke at the launch about the event’s theme ‘Africa’s Stories, Your Success’, said Africans must own their narrative so that they can embark on the journey of changing the continent’s story.
“We no longer look to the world for affirmation or inspiration, the world looks to us. We are real, vibrant and driven to succeed. So, we invite the world to journey with us and tell the new story of Africa,” she indicated.
She added that the responsibility of safeguarding Africa’s narrative is not only up to its storytellers but all Africans.
“In this post-truth world, it is up to each of us to be vigilant about the way Africa is depicted. We can be the watchdogs of misrepresented stories and best of all, we have the digital tools to keep the narrative truthful.”
She said social media gives everyone the power to engage with the media, influencers and other prominent individuals so that “we can change the narrative together and basically set the story straight.”
The media launch provided the opportunity for stakeholders in the tourism industry to talk about their success stories.
Among other speakers were Acting Head of the KwaZulu-Natal Economic Development, Tourism & Environmental Affairs, Siza Sibanda, and Councillor at the Thekwini Municipality, Sipho Kaunda.
This year’s Indaba is expected to, as usual, showcase the widest variety of the continent’s best tourism products and attracts international buyers and media from across the world. For the first time in the Indaba’s history, it will host the Green Stand Awards. The award has been successful at promoting Africa and is now making its way to Indaba.
It recognises exhibitors who go that extra ‘green’ mile to build and design stands that are environmentally and socially sustainable.