Taking stock of Indaba 2009 – despite economic crisis said to be one of the most successful INDABAs ever.

Didi Moyle, Chief Operating Officer and acting Chief Executive Officer at South African Tourism is full of praise for every effort that went into making this INDABA the success it was. “INDABA is always hard work, and not only for us at South African Tourism. A successful INDABA demands months of planning by every single delegate. It demands an investment of time and energy. It is this partnership and focus on a collective cause that makes INDABA, and our industry, as successful as they are.” Attendance at INDABA was down this year. This was expected in light of the global economic crisis and an industry whose growth has slowed significantly in the last nine months with some tourism businesses closing down. By close of business on Monday afternoon, 12 002 people had come through the INDABA front door. By 5pm on Monday, total attendance figures were down 2.35 percent on 2008 attendance. There were fewer exhibitors at INDABA this year (1.37 percent down on last year) and there were 7.04 percent fewer visitors. However, the number of media delegates grew significantly. There were 10.24 percent more journalists at INDABA this year than last year: 673 journalists in total. Although numbers are down this year, host South African Tourism is not disappointed. Says Moyle: “It’s been a quality rather than a quantity INDABA. We have had numerous reports of brisk business and keen interest in our destination and products ahead of the Confederations Cup and 2010.” The highlight of INDABA was the launch, during the Opening Ceremony, of South African Tourism’s 2010 campaign that invites the world to visit and to experience “rhythm like you’ve never seen before”. The 60 second television commercial (that will be broadcasted on all the major global television networks and at home on the SABC channels) was screened for the first time publicly at the Opening Ceremony and was met with rapturous applause and enthusiasm by the thousands strong audience.

Source: South African Tourism