The next edition of World Travel Market Africa will held at the Cape Town International Conference Centre from April 9 to 11, 2025. 

In a press statement, the organisers say that WTM Africa brings together leaders in leisure tourism, luxury travel, LGBTQ+ travel, MICE/business travel, sport tourism, tourism investment, responsible tourism as well as travel technology – delivering meaningful networking and collaboration opportunities for the African tourism industry.

The statement adds that mirrored on WTM flagship events like WTM London and the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, WTM Africa delivers a proven mix of hosted buyers, suppliers, media representatives, pre-scheduled appointments, networking and evening functions.

Megan De Jager

“Ignite Africa is the perfect theme for 2025. We are creating a space for real conversation, connection and collaboration, and bringing together the best minds in the industry to shape the future of African tourism,’’ says Megan De Jager, Portfolio Director, RX Africa. 

The statement adds that to this end, the 2025 programme introduces focused ‘content clusters’ for the first time. Each ‘cluster’ combines keynote presentations from established industry experts and emerging voices, panel discussions, and practical workshops for attendees – covering hot-button topics like sustainable aviation, AI in tourism, and next-generation marketing.

The organisers say there have been several new additions to the 2025 programme, including a half-day aviation conference addressing industry challenges and opportunities, the Africa Tourism Investment Conference in partnership with JLL as well as a youth development section focussing on career opportunities and skills development for young adults in tourism as well as a special session highlighting young African leaders in tourism.

The other novelties at the event include an exclusive State of the Industry report, interactive ‘brain box’ sessions for skills development and knowledge sharing and facilitated connections between buyers, suppliers, potential partners and media professionals.

According to De Jager, WTM Africa 2024 achieved a 53 pc increase in attendees compared to 2023, with representation from 88 countries across the world. “But perhaps most exciting, is the number of SMMEs and industry newcomers that showed interest,” says De Jager. 

“The future of African tourism is bright, and WTM Africa is the perfect platform for those looking to connect with both tourism titans and pioneers. It’s the place to be if you want to learn, network, and celebrate the diversity and opportunity in our industry.”

Geordin Hill-Lewis

“We cannot wait to welcome travel and tourism professionals from around the world to Cape Town for the World Travel Market Africa in April. This event has established itself as the premier travel and tourism expo on the continent and is key to unlocking African tourism’s enormous potential. It certainly means the world to us here in Cape Town. If the popularity and growth of the last WTM Africa is anything to go by, the 2025 event looks set to be the biggest and most well attended to date. I encourage all prospective delegates and exhibitors to register their interest sooner rather than later to ensure they don’t miss out,” says Geordin Hill-Lewis, Mayor, Cape Town.

De Jager backs up Hill-Lewis saying early exhibitor registration is important. “Stands are in high demand. Potential exhibitors need to get in touch as soon as possible as space on our floor plan is running out. Chat to us about availability, and about pre-scheduling meetings with sought-after buyers and suppliers,” says De Jager.

Alongside WTM Afria, ILTM Africa is scheduled from April 6-8  at the Norval Foundation in Cape Town.

“It is a new venue for ILTM Africa. We are celebrating art as a key component of luxury tourism and expect some of the world’s top-tier travel experience providers and international buyers with high buying power.  As an invite-only event it is advised that exhibitors register their interest as early as possible!” adds De Jager.

Attendees at WTM Africa 2025 can also attend concurrent events like Incentives, Business Travel & Meetings (IBTM Africa), Equal Africa powered by IGLTA and Travel Tech at no extra charge.

“WTM Africa is made possible through our partnerships with the City of Cape Town, the Cape Town International Conference Centre and Lift Airlines. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to the Mother City, and show-off Africa’s tourism industry in the most exciting week of the year,” says De Jager.