Welcome to the MICE Africa daily read for MICE Professionals doing business in Africa.
In today’s topics;
- Airlink increases Johannesburg-Lusaka and Nairobi flights, plus a new Cape Town-Gaborone route.
- Cape Town launches the Festival of Eventing, focusing on innovation and networking.
- South Africa aims to balance tourism growth beyond Cape Town and Kruger.
Airlink Expands Flights: More Johannesburg-Lusaka & Nairobi Routes
Airlink is expanding its flight schedule, making travel between key African cities smoother for professionals and event planners.
Starting March 30th, the Johannesburg-Lusaka route will increase from 13 to 21 return flights per week, adding both morning and afternoon options for greater scheduling flexibility. The Johannesburg-Nairobi route will also see three additional night flights, providing more convenience for travelers between South Africa and Kenya.
Additionally, a new direct route between Cape Town and Gaborone will launch on April 1st. This direct connection simplifies travel between South Africa and Botswana, creating more efficient options for business and event delegates. These enhancements reinforce air connectivity across the region, making it easier to plan and attend international meetings and conferences.
Cape Town’s First Eventing Festival: Innovation, Networking & Tech
Cape Town is set to host the first-ever Festival of Eventing on August 8th and 9th, 2025, at the Century City Conference Centre. This two-day gathering will bring together industry professionals from across Africa to network, collaborate, and explore the latest innovations in event planning. Timed to coincide with South Africa’s Women’s Day, the festival will highlight the contributions of women shaping the sector.
The program includes hands-on demonstrations, workshops, live case studies, and networking opportunities designed to foster community and knowledge-sharing. Discussions will cover AI in event technology, sustainable practices, audience engagement, and cutting-edge design techniques. The goal is to create a space where event organizers, suppliers, venue managers, and tech experts can connect and exchange ideas.
Designed by event professionals for event professionals, the Festival of Eventing aims to equip attendees with practical skills, fresh insights, and new business opportunities. Whether you’re an independent planner, corporate marketer, exhibition director, or tech innovator, this is a rare opportunity to engage with the future of Africa’s MICE industry.
South Africa Tourism: Uneven Visitor Distribution Threatens Growth
South Africa’s tourism industry is facing an imbalance, with visitor numbers heavily concentrated in Cape Town and Kruger National Park. A recent poll found that 61.4% of respondents have observed this trend, leaving many other regions overlooked. David Frost, CEO of SATSA, highlighted the issue, emphasizing the economic risks of this uneven distribution. Smaller towns and lesser-known attractions are missing out on tourism benefits, prompting industry stakeholders to seek strategies to attract visitors beyond the usual hotspots.
Adding to the challenge, the government has announced a 0.5 percentage point increase in value-added tax (VAT), effective May 1st, 2025. This decision has drawn concern from tourism and hospitality leaders, including FEDHASA Chairperson Rosemary Anderson, who warns it could drive up costs and make South Africa less competitive. Higher prices may deter international travelers at a time when the industry is already navigating regional disparities in visitor interest.
Balancing tourism across the country while keeping costs attractive for global travelers is now a key focus. Industry players are working to redirect attention to South Africa’s hidden gems, ensuring broader economic benefits and a more sustainable future for the sector.
RwandAir Hosts Major Aviation Summits in Kigali: Safety & Innovation
RwandAir, together with the Rwandan government, is set to host two major aviation summits in Kigali. The 13th Aviation Stakeholders Convention will take place from May 11th to 13th, 2025, at the Kigali Convention Centre. Organized by the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), this gathering will bring together over 500 delegates worldwide to discuss sustainability, collaboration, and innovation in aviation. Industry leaders from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North America will explore growth opportunities and advancements shaping the sector.
Immediately following, the 2nd African Aviation Safety & Operations Summit will be held from May 13th to 14th, 2025. A partnership between AFRAA and the Flight Safety Foundation (FSF), the summit will focus on enhancing safety culture and operational resilience in African aviation. This event is a key platform for stakeholders to exchange best practices, strengthen regulatory frameworks, and push for continuous safety improvements.
Both events offer a vital opportunity for networking, learning, and collaboration among policymakers, airlines, and aviation experts. They reinforce a shared commitment to safety and innovation, driving progress in African civil aviation. Kigali is once again proving to be a central hub for meaningful discussions that will shape the industry’s future.
That’s it for today.