This week, the coastal South African city of Durban hosts Africa Travel Indaba, one of the continent’s largest and most influential tourism trade shows, drawing ministers, travel buyers, airlines, tour operators, hoteliers, creatives and entrepreneurs from across Africa and beyond.

Held under the theme “Unlimited Africa: Growing Africa’s Tourism Economy", the four-day event from May 11 to 14 is more than a tourism expo. It is a showcase of how African countries increasingly see tourism not just as leisure but as a strategic economic engine capable of creating jobs, attracting investment and reshaping the continent’s global image.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to officially open the event as delegates walk through packed exhibition halls showcasing everything from luxury safari experiences and ecotourism ventures to township tourism, gastronomy, music and fashion-driven travel experiences.

Yet beneath the optimism and polished presentations, another conversation has quietly followed delegates into Durban.

Contradiction

Recent anti-illegal immigrant protests in parts of the city have raised concerns among some visiting African delegations, casting a shadow over an event built on continental unity and cross-border collaboration.

For many observers, the tension exposes a contradiction confronting not only South Africa but also several African countries grappling with economic pressure, migration and unemployment: how can pan-African solidarity be promoted while domestic frustrations over migration continue to grow?

President Ramaphosa said on Monday, "opportunists" had orchestrated anti-immigrant attacks on foreigners as he sought to reassure other African countries, which have expressed concern about their nationals.

South African Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille acknowledged that some African government delegates attending the tourism event had raised safety concerns.

“Yes, we did receive enquiries from some of the African ministers. They wanted to have a guarantee that they would be safe,” she tells state broadcaster SABC.

“And of course, through our DIRCO department and the statements that the president made on Freedom Day, we will look after their safety.”

A series of anti-migrant protests in recent weeks across South Africa, along with claims of attacks against foreigners, prompted Nigeria and Ghana to voice concern.

Nigeria said last week it would repatriate 130 nationals.

Security assurances

Outside the convention centre, a visible police presence and traffic officers directed vehicles in efforts to reassure visitors and maintain order.

Indaba organisers promise the event will reflect a continent broadening its tourism identity far beyond wildlife postcards, with discussions also exploring the growing influence of African music, fashion and food culture.