Welcome to the MICE Africa daily read for MICE Professionals doing business in Africa.
In today’s topics;
- Nigeria’s Ikogosi Resort hailed as a beacon for future tourism
- Travel Indaba records strong economic and regional impact
- Air Tanzania broadens its network to power trade and tourism
Nigeria’s Ikogosi Resort: A Magical Tourism Flagship for the Future
Nigeria’s Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort is poised to become a flagship icon for the country’s tourism future.
During a recent visit, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, inaugurated the resort’s new Presidential Villa and praised the site as “absolutely magical.” Her words reflected not just admiration, but a strong belief in Ikogosi as a prototype for tourism excellence in Nigeria.
The Minister emphasized the resort’s distinct charm, with its rare convergence of warm and cold springs, integrated seamlessly with modern facilities and rich local heritage. She sees Ikogosi as a vital part of Nigeria’s Destination 2030 agenda and a key contributor to the government’s cultural and tourism-driven economic plan.
Musawa also highlighted the need for improved access roads and pledged collaboration with state authorities to enhance infrastructure. Encouraging domestic tourism remains central to her vision, and Ikogosi stands ready to welcome travelers eager to rediscover the magic within their own borders.
Africa’s Travel Indaba: Record Growth Fuels Regional Tourism Boom
Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025 wrapped up in Durban with a powerful economic imprint, injecting R574 million into the local GDP. Direct spending reached R232 million, and over 2,000 new jobs were created, many going to young people and the communities that need them most. The knock-on effect in household income is set to reach R140 million, signaling that the event’s impact was more than just numbers on paper—it’s in people’s pockets.
Themed “Unlimited Africa,” this year’s Indaba drew nearly 10,000 delegates, a 7.4% rise from 2024. It also broke records with 1,348 exhibitors and 1,037 buyers attending. The presence of 27 African countries, including newcomers like Chad, St. Helena, and Burkina Faso, underlined the event’s role as a vital platform for continental unity in tourism.
This collaboration stretched into every corner of the sector. Rural and township tourism operations reported an uptick in demand, while essential partnerships were forged to support SMMEs and international networking. Agreements signed during the event aim to improve cross-border tourism flow—keeping African travel stories not just local, but regional.
Durban’s Sustainability Village stood as a bold statement on responsible tourism. With government backing and a clear focus on inclusivity, job creation, and local empowerment, Africa’s Travel Indaba continues to shape a tourism narrative that celebrates both growth and purpose—just as the “Unlimited Africa” vision promised.
Tanzania Expands Air Tanzania: 27 Destinations, Boosting Tourism & Trade
Tanzania is positioning itself as a rising hub in African aviation, with Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) undergoing a robust expansion under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan. The fleet has grown by 15 new aircraft, including a cargo plane – a strategic move that demonstrates the government’s commitment to diversifying operations and improving regional air logistics.
Transport Minister Professor Makame Mbarawa announced on May 15, 2025, that the airline now operates across 27 destinations, up from 23 in 2021. This expansion reflects not only ambition but a clear direction toward greater connectivity across Africa. The added routes mark a significant stride in easing access to and from Tanzania.
This connectivity boost is expected to strengthen Tanzania’s tourism and trade sectors, creating a ripple effect across related industries. More flight options and improved infrastructure support the country’s efforts to draw in international visitors and business travelers.
For the African meetings and events landscape, this development is especially timely. Greater accessibility opens doors for smoother planning, increased attendance, and broader global participation in conferences and exhibitions held in Tanzania. The sky is looking clearer—and more connected—for the MICE sector.
That’s it for today.