The Mother City once again played host to the continent’s premier tourism gathering, World Travel Market (WTM) Africa from Wednesday 9 to Friday 11 April.
This year’s gathering saw about 5 752 industry professionals from around 99 countries represented.
Under the theme ‘Ignite Africa’ the event brought together industry leaders and role players for panels, conferences, award ceremonies, and networking opportunities at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).
Enver Duminy, chief executive officer for Cape Town Tourism, said: “Event like these creates opportunity for trade and products to engage and see each other. It allows us to be able to showcase Cape Town as a destination by having trade come and visit.
“What is happening here is actual trade and people making deals for tourists who want to come to any destination from around the world.”
He said it is especially important for small businesses to help them connect with global industry professionals.
“A lot of smaller businesses always have the capital to be able to travel overseas to a trade show. They can afford to be here now and meet with international trade. It creates a platform for connections and trade that turns into business.”
Duminy says events like these are an opportunity to show why Cape Town is one of the continent’s leading tourist destinations.
“We invite people to come and see through diversity and change. We have a lot of beautiful assets but the most important is our people. Cape Town is not just a destination to visit once but multiple times.”
Patrons were spoilt for choice as the market provided something for every traveller focussing on topics like luxury travel, the LGBTQ+ visitor market, ‘bleisure’ (business and leisure) travel, responsible tourism and investment opportunities.
Included this year was a platform for aviation conferences and youth development sections.
Afzal Parambil, Emirates’ Regional Manager said this year marks the 30th anniversary of the company and to mark the milestone the airline introduced its new Retrofitted Boeing 777 services to Johannesburg and Cape Town, making South Africa the first African nation to experience their refreshed aircraft.
He also explains the new travel trends they are noticing.
“We are seeing a new trend where people are combining Dubai with Mauritius, we see people combining religious holidays with destination Dubai. We are also seeing people doing Maldives with a combination of Dubai. South Africans are also find new destinations, for example there wasn’t much traffic to East-European countries in the past but they are now becoming common to South Africans.
“I see a lot of youngsters aged between 20- 30 exploring new destinations. While those aged between 30 to 40 continue to go to the same destinations they are used to.”
James Vos, Mayco member for economic growth, said the WTM Africa brings together the top thinkers and brands that are helping to sustain and expand this continent’s incredible travel and tourism market.
“Not only is it the space for learning insights on where the industry is going, but it is also the site where real industry connections and collaborations are made that grow jobs and businesses.
He said the aim is to use platforms like WTM Africa to convert interest into arrivals, and arrivals into real economic opportunities for our local hospitality businesses.
“To do this, we must go back to our roots by playing to our strengths, our rich culture, diverse cuisine, thrilling adventure offerings, and vibrant communities filled with authentic products and places.
“This is what sets Cape Town apart, and this is how we will turn curiosity into confirmed bookings.”
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