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World Travel Market Africa 2025

9 – 11 April 2025

CTICC, Cape Town

About WTM Africa

WTM Africa is the leading event for the African travel and tourism industry, dedicated to fostering growth, collaboration, and innovation across the continent. Held annually in the vibrant city of Cape Town, this premier B2B exhibition brings together travel professionals from around the world to connect, explore new business opportunities, and share valuable industry insights. WTM Africa is a dynamic platform that showcases the rich diversity and potential of African travel, attracting thousands of industry leaders, suppliers, and key stakeholders.

The event features over 700 exhibitors from a wide range of sectors within the tourism industry, offering attendees the chance to network, exchange ideas, and form partnerships that can drive the future of travel in Africa. With an extensive program of seminars, workshops, and interactive sessions, WTM Africa not only focuses on business development but also addresses critical issues such as sustainability, innovation, and the evolving needs of modern travellers.

The Gauteng Tourism Authority (GTA) will contribute to WTM Africa by showcasing the province’s vibrant tourism offerings, including its cultural heritage, world-class attractions, and immersive experiences like the Gautrain and Amapiano musical activations. With interactive features and a focus on business tourism, GTA’s involvement will highlight Gauteng as a prime destination for both leisure and business travel.

Join us at WTM Africa to discover the endless possibilities within Africa’s travel and tourism sector, gain valuable insights, and play an active role in shaping the future of the industry. WTM Africa is where business, opportunity, and innovation meet.

 GTA’s Stand Number: P04

WTM Africa Conference Programme

Develop your knowledge and understanding of the travel industry across three days in the Spotlight Theatre, Inspire Theatre, Travel Tech Theatre, and Global stage. Find out more about our expert speakers or view all the session details below.

Wednesday, 9 April 2025

Opening Ceremony

Wednesday

09:00 – 10:00 

Global Stage

10:00 – 10:45

African Tourism: Go Big or Stay Niche?

Future Stage

10:30 – 11:30 

Responsible Tourism – The Cape Town Experience Theuns Vivian

Inspire Stage

11:00 – 2 sessions 

Beyond the Big Five: Tapping into Africa’s Weird and Wonderful Tourism Niches

Future Stage 

11:00 – 11:45

Connected Journeys: How eSIM is Revolutionizing Travel

 Brain Box 

11:15 – 12:00 

SATSA & Responsible Tourism

Inspire Stage 

12:00 – 3 sessions 

12:00-12:30 

South African Tourism: Hard Truths, Bold Solutions

 Future Stage 

12:00 – 12:30 

The twin challenge of climate change – mitigation and adaptation

 Inspire Stage 

12:00 – 12:30 

The Untapped Potential of LGBTQ+ African Travel: Marketing Through a Global Lens

 Brain Box 

12:30 – 2 sessions

12:30 – 13:00 

The International Centre for Responsible Tourism Southern Africa

 Inspire Stage 

12:30 – 14:00 

Travel Leaders Forum (An invite only event): Is Africa Sabotaging Itself? The Roadblocks to Tourism Growth

 Cullinan Hotel 

13:00 – 2 sessions 

13:00 – 14:00 

Sustainable Success: How Responsible Sourcing & Partnerships Will Shape the Future of African Tourism

Future Stage 

13:00 – 14:00

The EU Green Claims Directive and what it means for Africa.

 Inspire Stage 

13:30 – 2 sessions 

13:30 – 14:30 

Is African tourism really open to everyone?

 Brian Box 

13:30 – 14:00 

The Power of Sports: Leveraging Major Events for Destination Growth

 Inspire Stage 

14:30 – 2 sessions 

14:30 – 15:30 

Wellness Washing or Genuine Wellbeing: The Truth about Business Travel and Unmasking Employee Health

 Inspire Stage 

14:30 – 15:30

Why is Africa Sleeping on Diaspora Dollars?

 Future Stage 

15:00 – 2 sessions 

15:00 – 16:00 

Media Panel – Can African Destinations Thrive When Headlines = Headwinds?

 Global Stage 

15:00 – 16:00

Pack Your Ethics: The Essential Guide to Responsible Africa Travel

 Brian Box

15:15 – 16:00 

Why Responsible Tourism Makes Business Sense

 Inspire Stage

16:00 – 3 sessions 

16:00 – 16:30

Africa Travel Week Media Awards Ceremony

Global Stage 

16:00 – 16:30 

From Safaris to Summits: Reimagining African Destinations as Business Travel Hubs

 Inspire Stage 

16:00 – 16:30

Putting Africa’s hidden destinations on the map

 Future Stage 

16:15 – 17:00 

Leveraging AI for Meta and Google Ads in Tourism

 Brain Box

Thursday, 10 April 2025

10:00 – 3 sessions 

10:00 – 10:50 

The Traveller. The eSim. And AI

 Future Stage 

10:00 – 10:45

Unhide & Seek: Building Inclusion and Belonging in Travel

 Inspire Stage 

10:00 – 10:15

Welcome to Africa Tourism Investment Conference, in partnership with JLL

 Global Stage

10:05 – 10:15 

Address by the City of Cape Town

 Global Stage 

10:15 – 10:50

Setting the Scene – Where to For Africa

 Global Stage

 10:30 – 11:30 

Promoting Cape Town: The Six Pillar Content Partnership

 Brain Box 

10:50 – 11:30 

How is Africa Tourism and Hospitality Doing?

 Global Stage 

11:00 – 2 sessions 

11:00 – 12:00

Unlocking the Power of AI: Hyper-Personalisation for the Future of Travel

 Future Stage 

11:00 – 11:45 

Young Blood Wanted: African Tourism’s Leadership Crisis

 Inspire Stage 

11:30 – 12:15

What is government’s role – Creating an attractive investment climate and planning for tourism

 Global Stage 

12:00 – 2 sessions 

12:00 – 13:00

Crack the Algorithm. How to master Meta

Brain Box 

12:00 – 12:30 

Sensory-Friendly African Travel: Designing Experiences for Neurodivergent Tourists

 Inspire Stage 

12:30 – 2 sessions 

12:30 – 13:00

Data or Destiny? Building Digital Trust in African Tourism

 Future Stage 

12:30 – 13:15

Investment Panel Risk & Returns

 Global Stage 

13:15 – 13:45 

Sealing the Deal – negotiating the contractual minefields – finance, management, franchise and more

 Global Stage 

13:30 – 3 sessions 

Delays, Data Breaches & Dysfunction – Is Africa Ready for Seamless Air Travel?

Future Stage 

13:30 – 14:30 

Hunting in Packs: Can African Countries Team Up to Win the Aviation Game?

 Future Stage

13:30 – 14:30

The Road to Inclusion and Innovation in Travel: What’s Holding Us Back?

Brain Box 

13:45 – 14:30

The Future of Travel Acquisition: Innovative Strategies for Explosive Growth

 Super Reality Dome

14:00 – 14:30 

In conversation with Michael Lutzeyer of Grootbos

 Inspire Stage 

14:30 – 15:15

Nature Positive Tourism

 Inspire Stage 

14:45 – 15:30 

The Investors

Global Stage 

15:00 – 2 sessions 

15:00 – 16:00

Effective Allyship and LGBTQ+ Tourism in Africa

 Brain Box 

15:00 – 15:30 

SAF: Green Fuel, Untapped Potential?

Future Stage 

15:30 – 15:50

Club Med – Fireside Chat – Insights into the Tinley Manor Club Med Development

Global stage 

15:50 – 16:40

The Safari Industry – are private lodges an asset class?

Global Stage 

16:00 – 17:00 

The 2025 WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards

Inspire stage 

16:00 – 16:30 

The “Africa Premium”: Why Are We So Expensive?

Future Stage 

16:40 – 17:25

Discover the untapped potential in Africa’s sports, leisure, and entertainment sectors

Global Stage 

16:45 – 17:30 

Tips and Tricks to get the most out of your Travel Tech. Technology is amazing and can be a great tool, but it can also be overwhelming

Future Stage 

Friday, 11 April 2025

Future Leaders: Creating a More Welcoming African Tourism Industry

Brain Box 

10:30 – 3 sessions 

10:30 – 11:15

State of the Industry: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities

Inspire Stage 

10:30 – 11:15

The Importance of Community & How to Leverage Digital Platforms

Super Reality Dome

10:30 – 11:00

Why West Africa Tourism is Growing in Popularity

Future Stage 

11:15 – 12:00 

Wine Tourism 2030: Where Next for Travel’s Fastest-Growing Niche?

Future Stage 

11:30 – 2 sessions 

11:30 – 12:00

Cracking the Code – The Secret Behind Wine Tourism’s Global Success

Brain Box 

11:30 – 12:30

How can the tourism industry cash in on the digital nomad boom

Inspire Stage

12:15 – 13:15

Turning wine tourists into high-value, repeat visitors through innovative experiences

Future Stage 

12:30 – 13:30

Digital Foundations: How to Kickstart Digitsation in Your Hospitality & Tourism Business

Brain Box 

12:30 – 13:15

Lights, Camera, Tourism Boom? Navigating the Netflix Effect in Africa

Inspire Stage 

13:30 – 14:15

Tips and Tricks to get the most out of your Travel Tech. Technology is amazing and can be a great tool, but it can also be overwhelming

Future Stage 

Directions & Guidelines

Welcome to the Host City of Cape Town

Cape Town, the Host City of Africa Travel Week, is Africa’s leading festivals and events destination. The city ranks among the world’s top destinations to visit and has all the attributes that appeal to people looking for a great city in which to live, work, study, play and invest.

Accommodation during your Stay

If you’re joining WTM Africa, we have arranged discounted accommodation rates at conveniently located hotels. 

Please take note of the reference numbers provided below when booking.

Southern Sun

1. Southern Sun The Cullinan – 4648806
2. Southern Sun Waterfront – 4648807
3. Garden Court Victoria Junction – 4648808
4. Stay Easy City Bowl – 4648809
5. Southern Sun Cape Sun – 4648820

Contact Information: [email protected]
*Limited Spaces

Hotel Sky

Reference – WTM 2024
Contact Information: 
[email protected]

The Capital 15 on Orange

Reference – WTM 2024 
Contact Information: 
[email protected] 

The Venue

CTICC (Cape Town International Convention Centre) Convention Square, 1 Lower Long St, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa

2025 Dates

Wed 9 April: 10:00 – 17:00
Thu 10 April: 10:00 – 17:30
Fri 11 April: 10:00 – 14:15

The Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) is Africa’s premier exhibition and convention centre and is located in the heart of Cape Town. Whether you’re traveling from near or afar we have the information that will make it easy for you to attend WTM Africa.

Arriving by Air

WTM Africa attracts travel professionals from all over the world. If you are traveling to Cape Town, South Africa you can fly directly to Cape Town International Airport from many major International cities or you can connect easily from Johannesburg's OR Tambo airport which is serviced by a wide range of airlines. We suggest that you book your flights well in advance for WTM Africa.

Arriving by Bus or Coach

Luxury air-conditioned coaches and shuttle buses regularly run between the airport, hotels, the city centre and most major tourist destinations. MyCiTi Shuttles offer efficient and safe public transport across the city. The CTICC is conveniently located on one of the MyCiti routes, which runs from the airport to the city.

Arriving by Road

One of the most popular landmarks in Cape Town, the CTICC is easy to access but consider morning traffic if travelling from out of the city center. Parking at the CTICC is never a problem, with over 1 400 secure, easily accessible on-site parking bays available to visitors. There is also a dedicated drop off and pick up zone for Uber

The world’s most influential
travel and tourism event

Speakers

Aaron Munetsi

Chief Executive Officer

Adele Mackenzie

Editor

Adrian Gardiner

Chairman & Co-Founder of Mantis Collection

Aimee Lentz

Vice President Jnr.

Aisha Shaibu-Lenoir

Founder

Alderman James Vos

Mayoral Member for Economic Growth

Alexis Cronin

Co-Founder & COO

Amine Gabbouj

Coordinator

Amy Branford

Regional Sales Manager

Andre du Toit

Executive Head

Annie Galvin

Director of Client Success and Operations

Anshuman Khanna

Manager Business Development

Ari Adnan Cibari

Regional Manager – Africa

Aziz Abu Sarah

Co-founder

Bangu Masisi

Executive Director at Sapphire Corporate Solutions

Bernadette Willemin

Director General for Marketing at Tourism Seychelles

Brett StClair

Co-Founder

Briony Brookes

PR & Comms Manager at Cape Town Tourism

Captain Paul Wilson

Captain and Training Captain

Carel Stadler

Marketing Partnerships Manager

SMMEs at #VisitGauteng Stand P04

Activations

GAUTENG OFFSITE MUSICAL ACTIVATION

Gauteng’s offsite musical activation showcases local talent through pop-up performances at unexpected locations across the province, offering a dynamic celebration of diverse musical genres and cultural heritage.

Showcasing Gauteng as the Global Home of Amapiano

Gauteng Tourism is set to deliver an unforgettable, immersive musical experience that positions Gauteng as the undisputed home of Amapiano — the genre that has captured the world’s attention with its unique sound and infectious rhythms. This proudly South African genre, born in Gauteng, has quickly become a global sensation, and this activation will showcase the province’s central role in its rise to prominence.

Feature: Piano Hub by Kabza De Small
This dynamic, interactive activation space will immerse visitors in the energy and culture of Amapiano. Attendees will step into the heart of the genre’s evolution, guided by the very beat that has transformed the global music scene.

Collaboration Highlight: DJ Kabza De Small
Partnering with the internationally acclaimed “King of Amapiano,” DJ Kabza De Small will lead live master classes that reveal the magic behind crafting an Amapiano track. Visitors will also experience collaborative performances with both local and international artists, all while hearing personal stories about Gauteng’s influence on the genre’s worldwide success.

 

GAUTENG HOME OF CHAMPIONS – SPORTS

Gauteng is a hub of sporting excellence, home to world-class athletes and iconic stadiums. From thrilling football matches to rugby, athletics, and motorsports, the province continues to produce champions and host major sporting events, solidifying its reputation as South Africa’s sports powerhouse

GAUTENG SPORTING SHOWCASE

World-Class Stadiums and Arenas in Gauteng

  • FNB Stadium (Soccer City, Johannesburg): Africa’s largest stadium with a capacity of approximately 94,000. It has hosted major soccer matches, concerts, and the 2010 FIFA World Cup final.
  • Loftus Versfeld Stadium (Pretoria): A top-tier venue for rugby and soccer.
  • Ellis Park Stadium (Johannesburg): Known for hosting the 1995 Rugby World Cup final, this is a premier venue for both rugby and soccer.
  • DP World Wanderers Stadium (Johannesburg): An internationally recognized cricket ground.
  • SuperSport Park (Centurion): A key cricket venue.
  • Tuks Stadium & Lucas Moripe Stadium: Additional sports venues for football and athletics.

High-Quality Indoor and Outdoor Concert Venues

  • Time Square Arena (Pretoria): A modern indoor arena hosting international and local artists.
  • New Nasrec Dome (Johannesburg): Located adjacent to FNB Stadium, this world-class facility will debut with a performance by Grammy Award-winning artist TEMS.
  • FNB Stadium & Ellis Park: Dual-purpose venues for major concerts featuring global stars.
  • Carnival City & SunBet Arena: Premium entertainment venues offering a variety of live performances.
  • Moretele Park & Emmarentia Botanical Gardens: Iconic outdoor locations for unforgettable concert experiences.

Golf Virtual Reality Stand Activation

At this premier tourism event, Gauteng Tourism will showcase the province’s world-class golfing facilities through cutting-edge virtual reality. This interactive activation allows visitors to immerse themselves in iconic Gauteng golf courses with a 360° experience, featuring fly-over previews, first-person play through simulations, and virtual clubhouse tours.

Key Features:

  • VR Headsets: Preloaded with 360° golf course experiences from renowned locations like Glendower Golf Club, Royal Johannesburg, and Serengeti Golf & Wildlife Estate.
  • Interactive Booking Kiosks: Instant access to golf holiday packages.
  • LED Screen: Showcasing stunning drone footage and VR highlights.
  • Photo Wall: Branded for social media sharing, allowing visitors to capture and share their experience instantly.
  • Golf Putting Green: A chance to participate in the “Win a Golf Getaway” competition.

Specialised Packages created for WTM Africa

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Ekurhuleni
Johannesburg
Sedibeng
Tshwane
West Rand

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