Cape Town, 24 April 2024 – World Travel Market Africa (WTM Africa) wrapped up its 2024 edition with record-breaking numbers, demonstrating a significant surge in global interest towards African travel and tourism. This year saw a 40% jump in buyers compared to 2023, solidifying the event’s status as the continent’s leading travel trade show. WTM Africa 2024 hosted 705 exhibitors and 5,752 industry professionals from 99 countries. The buyer attendance was notably diverse, featuring strong representation from emerging markets like Greece, Philippines, Switzerland, Singapore, Lithuania, New Zeal ..read more

Cape Town, 15 April 2024 – The winners of the prestigious World Travel Market Africa (WTMA) Responsible Tourism Awards were announced at Africa Travel Week 2024 in Cape Town. Bangu Masisi of Transfrontier Parks Destinations revealed the honorees, celebrating businesses and initiatives that are making a positive impact through responsible tourism practices. “These awards are integral to WTM Africa’s responsible tourism programme, and spotlighting those that have truly made a difference is important for the encouragement of others to do the same,” said Masisi. Alderman James Vos opened the award ..read more

Speaking at the World Travel Market (WTM) Africa conference, tourism expert Marcus Lee emphasised the immense potential of the Chinese travel market and outlined strategies for African destinations to better attract these lucrative tourists. According to Lee, who is the CEO of China Travel Online, China is projected to see 130 million outbound travellers in 2024, more than double the volume of 2023. “China is back as the world’s largest outbound source market,” said Lee. “We were in lockdown for three years, but now we are poised to lead the global tourism recovery.” Lee noted that China was t ..read more

The untapped potential of inclusive tourism to drive the growth of Africa’s travel industry was in focus at this year’s Africa Travel Week 2024 part of WTM Africa. A diverse panel of advocates, experts, and tourism suppliers engaged in a discussion, highlighting the significant economic benefits that travellers with disabilities can bring to the continent. Inclusive travel is a billion-dollar industry that Africa can tap into, and the panellists emphasised the unique spending patterns of this market segment. Travellers with disabilities often spend more, travel with companions, and stay for lo ..read more

World Travel Market Africa 2024 opened with a dynamic Responsible Tourism session, hosted by Responsible Tourism Advisor Harold Goodwin.   Three of the five African winners from the 2023 WTM Responsible Tourism Awards were in attendance to share their inspiring stories and demonstrate the exceptional work being done in sustainable tourism across the continent.   The WTM Responsible Tourism Awards are held during Africa Travel Week and recognise excellence in sustainable tourism practices globally. They have become increasingly important in driving the industry towards a more eth ..read more

Cape Town 10 March 2024 – WTM Africa opened its 10th edition yesterday with a remarkable 53% increase in attendees compared to the previous year. This massive surge in participation, with unaudited numbers indicating representation from 88 countries worldwide, signals a bright future for the African tourism industry. ATW, which comprises shows like the Tourism Investment Forum Africa (TIFA), WTM Africa, and Equal Africa among others, takes place in the host city of Cape Town. The show also features seven networking events and the support of 53 partners, demonstrating the collaborative spirit t ..read more

Victoria Falls, the jewel of Zimbabwe’s tourism industry, played host to the much-anticipated launch of Fly Namibia’s new Windhoek to Victoria Falls service. The Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, the Honourable Barbara Rwodzi, graced the occasion, highlighting the strategic partnership between Fly Namibia and Airlink. In her address, Minister Rwodzi emphasised the importance of Zimbabwe’s rich heritage resources in promoting tourism. She commended Fly Namibia’s arrival as a move that perfectly aligns with the Ministry’s strategy, bringing much joy to the tourism sector. This new ro ..read more

Geneva – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for February 2024 global passenger demand with the following highlights: Total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs), was up 21.5% compared to February 2023. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), was up 18.7% year-on-year. The February load factor was 80.6% (+1.9ppt compared to February 2023). International demand rose 26.3% compared to February 2023; capacity was up 25.5% year-on-year and the load factor improved to 79.3% (+0.5ppt on February 2023). Domestic demand rose 15.0% com ..read more

Johannesburg (8 April 2024) – This past weekend, South African Airways (SAA) has advertised five interim executive management positions, including that of the Chief Executive Officer. Over the past three years SAA has been led by a talented and committed interim executive management team that has specifically been tasked with steering the airline until the anticipated Strategic Equity Partner (SEP) could come on board. As the pursuit of this transaction with Takatso Aviation has now been terminated, the Board has deemed it necessary to have a properly constituted and permanent executive team t ..read more

Destination marketing for South Africa is expected to get back on track as South African Tourism turns over a new leaf, but broader challenges in the African tourism market are having an impact both at home and across the continent. Speaking during the WiT Africa conference held in Cape Town recently, Tim Harris, former Interim Chair of South African Tourism, said the organisation had been “pretty broken” in the wake of the Tottenham Hotspur scandal. The appointment of Nombulelo Guliwe as CEO along with a new board in February were significant steps in getting the organisation back on track ..read more