Known as the platform where travel and tourism heavy-hitters convene to set the agenda for African inbound and outbound travel, WTM Africa will kick off its 2019 edition with an industry leaders’ press conference on 10 April. Open to all attending WTM Africa, pertinent points currently affecting travel and tourism on the African continent will be discussed by key industry role-players.

Panellists include the Host City of Cape Town Executive Mayor, Alderman Dan Plato; Gillian Saunders, Special Advisor to the Tourism Minister; Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA) CEO, David Frost; Tourism Business Council of South Africa CEO, Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa and Ghana Tourism Development Company CEO, Kwadwo Antwi, all of whom will be available for a post-conference Q&A.

Reed Exhibitions South Africa MD, Carol Weaving, will then give attendees a taste of what to expect at #WTMA19, sharing the multitude of highlights and innovations at this year’s market. Over the three days, exhibitors, buyers and media will take part in various sessions, meetings, seminars, talks, networking, experiences and activations all covering the full scope of the African travel and tourism experience. The partnership between WTM Africa and the City of Cape Town, as Host City, is essential in helping facilitate vital travel and tourism debates and opportunities for Africa as a whole.

WTM AFRICA HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

• African Tourism Investment Summit in partnership with Africa Business Group is a dedicated Summit for Tourism investors and associated investment opportunities);

  
  

• African Responsible Tourism Awards is an Africa-wide search and seek to celebrate the most inspiring and enduring responsible tourism experiences which contribute toward preserving, respecting and benefitting both destinations and local people;

  
  

• Travel Forward in partnership with e-Tourism Africa Summit (eTAS) is a one-day event aiming to educate continental industry stakeholders about the pivotal – and even somewhat unexpected - role that digital elements can play in driving business and improving experiences;

  
  

• Sports and Events Tourism Exchange (SETE) explores the impact and benefits of major sporting and other events which have a significant ROI for the tourism economy and how tourism and sports sectors need to work together to make the most of the opportunity;

  
  

• Women in Travel Meet Up is an event combining a panel debate with group mentoring and networking to ensure attendees access inspirational speakers, hands-on advice through mentoring and give women an opportunity to meet with their peers and share challenges, opportunities and learnings.

Registration for WTM Africa 2019 closes online on 9 April, but it’s still possible to join in the continent’s biggest B2B Travel Trade show by registering on-site, for a fee of ZAR 800, ex VAT.