In today’s read;
- West African travel experts push for deeper collaboration
- ILTM Africa 2026 connects new luxury travel markets
- South Africa confirms key MICE event dates
West African Tour Operators Urged to Collaborate for Seamless Regional Business Tourism
West African tourism stakeholders recently gathered in Accra for the eighth West African Travel Expo (Accraweizo 2025).
The event focused on boosting regional travel through collaboration between tour operators and transporters, groups who, until now, have largely operated independently. Discussions centered on overcoming obstacles to seamless travel within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) region.
Participants recognized the significant potential of West African tourism, a region boasting a large population and rich culture, yet receiving comparatively few tourists. The goal is to encourage more internal tourism and capitalize on the region’s already high outbound travel numbers.
Key recommendations for improving regional travel included advocating for supportive policies, fostering ongoing communication between all stakeholders, developing innovative partnerships, and prioritizing public-private partnerships to upgrade infrastructure such as border facilities and transportation networks. Further collaboration includes exploring ways to overcome language barriers through bilingual content initiatives.
ILTM Africa 2026: Connecting Luxury Travel Suppliers with Inbound & Outbound African Markets
ILTM Africa 2026 expands its reach.
The event will now cater to both inbound and outbound luxury travel, a first for a luxury travel marketplace in Africa. This expansion reflects the significant growth in Africa’s outbound luxury travel market, projected to reach $1.6 billion by 2026. Travel agencies across sub-Saharan Africa have already seen a 32% increase in luxury outbound bookings this past year, particularly to the Middle East.
The 2026 event will feature African and Middle Eastern luxury suppliers, alongside African and international buyers. This unique blend allows African buyers to access both regional and Middle Eastern luxury travel options in one place. It saves time and money, and provides suppliers with access to a wider range of clients.
The event will maintain its successful format of pre-arranged one-on-one meetings, networking sessions, and insightful market trend discussions. It will again be held at the stunning Norval Foundation in Cape Town. The overarching theme, “Igniting Opportunities, Fueling Prosperity,” highlights the event’s commitment to fostering mutually beneficial connections within the luxury travel sector.
For more information, or to register your interest in exhibiting, please visit the ILTM Africa website.
Meetings Africa & Africa’s Travel Indaba: Key 2026 Dates for MICE Professionals
Mark your calendars! Meetings Africa and Africa’s Travel Indaba will return in 2026.
Meetings Africa, the continent’s leading business events trade show, will run from February 23rd to 25th. A Business Opportunity Networking Day kicks off the event on the 23rd. This event showcases Africa as a prime location for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE). It aims to connect buyers and suppliers, driving growth within the sector.
Africa’s Travel Indaba follows from May 11th to 14th, also beginning with a Business Opportunity Networking Day on the 11th. This event highlights the continent’s diverse tourism offerings, from wildlife safaris to cultural experiences. It brings together travel agents, tour operators, and influencers to boost Africa’s global tourism presence.
Both events are crucial for South Africa’s tourism strategy. They drive economic impact, create jobs, and promote inclusive growth, particularly benefiting smaller businesses. A key focus is on sustainable tourism and expanding opportunities for marginalized communities. The events also foster international partnerships and collaboration, crucial for the continued growth of Africa’s tourism sector.
South Africa is currently selecting host cities for these events for the next five years. These events will showcase Africa’s unique culture, heritage, and natural beauty to a global audience, solidifying South Africa’s leadership in tourism and business events.
That’s it for today, thank you for reading.