Welcome to the MICE Africa daily read for MICE Professionals doing business in Africa.
In today’s topics:
- Botswana’s medical tourism expansion opens new travel opportunities
- Essence of Africa 2025 heads to the Kenyan coast
- Key strategies for choosing the right event dates
- IFES & AMPROFEC partner to boost the global exhibitions industry
Botswana: Africa’s Rising Medical Tourism Hub & New Travel Opportunities
Botswana is making bold strides in medical tourism, shaping itself into a key destination for international patients. Significant government investment in healthcare infrastructure, including a 450-bed academic hospital and upgraded primary hospitals, is driving this transformation. The combination of high-quality yet cost-effective treatments with Botswana’s renowned safaris and luxury retreats creates a compelling offer for medical travelers worldwide.
For travel professionals, this presents a growing opportunity. Medical tourists need seamless travel experiences, which means demand for tailored packages that blend healthcare with safaris, cultural exploration, and wellness retreats. Collaboration with healthcare providers and detailed logistical planning will be essential in ensuring smooth experiences for patients while expanding business prospects in this sector.
As Botswana cements its position in medical tourism, savvy travel agents can tap into this lucrative market. The economic ripple effect is considerable, boosting hospitality, retail, and local transportation industries. Now is the time to align with this growth, develop specialized offerings, and establish Botswana as a leading destination for medical and wellness travel in Africa.
Essence of Africa 2025: Kenyan Coast Tourism Summit
Essence of Africa 2025 is heading to the Kenyan coast.
From October 7-9, 2025, Diamonds Malindi will host the second edition of this key tourism summit. After a successful debut in Nairobi, the event shifts to highlight Africa’s coastal tourism potential. Organized by On Show Solutions and ATTA Events, the summit will connect international buyers with top African tourism suppliers through pre-scheduled meetings, networking opportunities, and insightful seminars.
Attendees can expect immersive destination experiences that showcase the true allure of the Kenyan coast. More than just an event, Essence of Africa 2025 aims to drive real growth in African tourism while providing actionable industry knowledge. Registration details, including early bird rates, will be announced soon.
Perfect Dates for Business Events: Maximize Attendance & Success
Picking the right dates for your business event in Africa is critical. Overlapping with major holidays or industry events can hurt attendance, and with changing preferences post-pandemic, some previously unconventional dates are now worth considering. Attendees’ willingness to participate during holidays has shifted, making adaptability a key factor in event planning.
Understanding your audience’s cultural and industry-specific priorities should guide your decision. Use tools like Earth Calendar and Time and Date to avoid scheduling conflicts. Communicate dates early to help attendees plan. Rigid scheduling is outdated—being flexible and data-driven allows for better engagement and attendance.
Beyond holidays, regional and industry-specific events must be factored in. Competing conferences, major trade shows, and cultural beliefs around auspicious dates all influence turnout. Weighing these elements carefully gives your event the best chance of success.
IFES & AMPROFEC Join Forces: Boosting the Global Exhibition Industry
The International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services (IFES) and the Asociación Mexicana de Profesionales de Ferias, Exposiciones y Convenciones (AMPROFEC) have formed a two-year partnership to strengthen the global exhibitions industry. Signed on March 21st at CONAM, this agreement focuses on professional development, international expansion, and improved visibility for industry professionals. By aligning their expertise, both organizations aim to create a more interconnected global community.
A key aspect of this partnership is the exchange of knowledge and access to major industry events. AMPROFEC members have been invited to attend the IFES World Summit in Guadalajara this June, providing them with valuable networking and learning opportunities. Additionally, members from both organizations will benefit from shared educational resources and industry insights to stay updated on emerging trends.
Beyond education and events, IFES and AMPROFEC will actively promote each other’s initiatives, increasing exposure and access to new markets for members. This collaboration underscores a mutual commitment to advancing the exhibitions sector while preserving the independence of each organization. By working together, they are fostering growth and innovation across the global exhibitions industry.
That’s it for today.