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.
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
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
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
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
Media
Playlist
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