Attendance Balloons At 2008 INDABA in South Africa

Following the same growth trend as its host destination, the 2008 INDABA taking place May 10-13 in Durban, South Africa, is expected to top the target goal of 13,500 trade visitors this year. The annual trade show has established itself as the premier event for Africa’s leading suppliers and worldwide buyers to meet and introduce new products and negotiate new business agreements.

The 10-percent plus increase in attendance at this years INDABA reflects the surge in worldwide tourism to the African continent. In a keynote address, the Deputy Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Rejoice Mabudafhasi, said South Africa's share of international tourism arrivals had grown since the country installed a democracy in 1994. “Last year, South Africa’s tourism industry grew by 8.3 percent against the global average of six percent as measured by the UN World Tourism Organization," said Mabudafhasi. "We had the highest number of arrivals South Africa has ever experienced, and it represented an impressive increase over 2006 arrivals." Visit www.indaba-southafrica.co.za.