Strong South African Product Representation Powers Tourism Showcase at Magical Kenya Travel Expo 2025

SSouth African Tourism has successfully concluded a dynamic showcase at the 15^th Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE), held from October 1 to 3, 2025, at Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi. Officially opened by Kenya’s Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, the event brought together leading tourism players from across Africa and the world, reinforcing the continent’s growing influence in the global travel economy.

Day one of the three-day expo opened on a high note, generating over 400 business-to-business meetings between the South African Product Owners and buyers, a clear indicator of renewed confidence and growing commercial opportunities within Africa’s tourism market.

South African Tourism reaffirmed its commitment to the East African market through a powerful presence, which included 17 South African Product Owners (SAPOs) representing the full spectrum of the country’s tourism value chain. Co-exhibitors included Airlink, South African Airways (SAA), KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film, Wesgro – Cape Town and the Western Cape, South African National Convention Bureau (SANCB), Marriott International, Southern Sun, ANEW Hotels & Resorts, James iLenge Mountain Lodge, and leading tour operators such as Buja Tours, Dinare Tours, Boyang Gape Tours & Travels, iXplore Africa, Legend Tours, Syavaya, and Theo Tours, along with the Robben Island Museum.

Of the 17 product owners, 10 were Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), reflecting South African Tourism’s commitment to inclusive growth, transformation, and market access. These enterprises showcased locally owned travel experiences that embody the authenticity, creativity, and entrepreneurial drive that define South Africa’s tourism sector.

“We are delighted with the success of Magical Kenya Travel Expo 2025,” said Evelyn Mahlaba, Regional General Manager: Africa at South African Tourism. “The quality of engagements and strong business interest reaffirm South Africa’s position as a destination of choice and highlight the importance of strengthening partnerships within our continent.”

Mahlaba further underscored the strategic importance of Kenya within the continent, noting: “Kenya remains one of our fastest-growing source markets, recording 18.7% growth in arrivals compared to the previous year. With the rest of Africa now contributing more than 70% of all international arrivals to South Africa, we see tremendous potential for continued collaboration and regional growth.”

Empowering SMMEs Through Trade Exposure

South African Tourism’s participation at MKTE also provided a global platform for SMMEs to showcase their products and build cross-border trade connections.

“Participating in MKTE has been a milestone for us,” said Excellent Madlala, Managing Director of James iLenge Mountain Lodge. “As a community-rooted enterprise from KwaZulu-Natal, this opportunity allowed us to share our heritage-based offering and develop new partnerships that can directly benefit our local economy.”

Bonolo Ntsime, Founder and Managing Director of iXplore Africa Travel & Tours, added: “Being part of the South African Pavilion gave us visibility in a key market like East Africa. It proved that when small businesses are given access to international platforms, they can stand proudly alongside established brands; that’s the essence of transformation in action.”

These success stories exemplify South African Tourism’s focus on empowering local businesses, expanding trade opportunities, and ensuring that tourism growth is both sustainable and inclusive. “Our support for emerging tourism enterprises is a practical example of how partnerships and inclusion can unlock Africa’s tourism potential,” Mahlaba concluded. “Together, we are creating seamless travel experiences that inspire joy and strengthen Africa’s position on the global stage.”

Driving Africa’s Tourism Growth Together

Beyond trade engagement, the South African Pavilion served as a vibrant celebration of African collaboration, connecting travel professionals, media, and influencers through interactive experiences, live content creation, and networking sessions.

The success of Magical Kenya Travel Expo 2025 has reinforced South African Tourism’s mission to drive demand creation, regional integration, and economic growth through tourism. Building on this momentum, the organisation will continue to strengthen partnerships, empower emerging enterprises, and invite travellers from across Africa to discover South Africa, a destination defined by warmth, diversity, and joyful discovery.

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For Media Queries:

Thandiwe Mathibela at South African Tourism

GM: Global PR, Communications and Stakeholder Relations

Email: mediaq@southafrica.net or thandiwe@southafrica.net

Website: www.southafrica.net