Title: State of the Industry: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities
Time: 10:30 – 11:15
Description: Join us at WTM Africa for an in-depth discussion on the State of the Industry report, where we’ll unpack the key forces shaping African tourism today. From unexpected visitor demographics to the realities of aviation’s digital transformation, from AI-driven hyper-personalisation to the overlooked potential of sensory-friendly travel, this year’s report goes beyond surface-level trends to tackle the industry’s most pressing questions. Are major events truly driving long-term tourism growth? Is Africa leading or lagging in sustainable and wellness tourism? And what will it take for wine tourism and women in travel to reach new heights? With expert insights and data-backed analysis, this session will challenge conventional wisdom and spark fresh thinking on Africa’s evolving place in global travel. Don’t miss it.
Speakers:
Michelle Gounden – Director of Insights, Skift Advisory: mg@skift.com
David Frost – CEO, SATSA: sonnette@bigambitions.co.za
Title: How can the tourism industry cash in on the digital nomad boom
Time: 11:30 – 12:30
Description: Cape Town is already on the radar for remote workers—it’s a global hotspot blending productivity with unbeatable lifestyle offerings. But the question is: how can your tourism business become a core part of the nomadic experience, rather than an optional extra? This high-impact session will discuss how lodges, tourist attractions, and service providers can adapt and profit from the rising tide of digital nomads. You’ll walk away with a clear picture of why this market matters, what remote workers truly want, and how collaboration across different tourism players can unlock massive growth for the region.
Speakers:
Dorine Reinstein – Content Director, Big Ambitions: dorine@bigambitions.co.za
Andy Fenner – CEO, STAA (Short Term Accommodation Association): andy.fenner@ukstaa.org
Leigh Myles – Regional Director: Africa, Profitroom: leigh.myles@profitroom.com
Gina Lesch – Chief Revenue Officer, TPF Hospitality: gina@tpfhospitality.com
Title: Lights, Camera, Tourism Boom? Navigating the Netflix Effect in Africa
Time: 12:30 – 13:15
Description: From Queen Charlotte to Kings of Jojoba, hit shows and films are putting African destinations on the global map. But is the “Netflix effect” a fleeting trend or a sustainable tourism game-changer? This session at WTM Africa explores the real impact of streaming media on travel, and how destinations can make the most of the spotlight.
Speakers:
Kelvin Osoo – Founder, Different Dimension Productions / Head of Africa Office, Drama Deluxe: kelvosoo94@gmail.com
Caroline Ungersbock – Co-Festival Director, ITFFA & Chair, Sustainable Tourism Partnership Programme: caroline@itff.africa
Title: Why West African Tourism is Growing in Popularity
Time: 10:30 – 11:00
Description: West Africa is rapidly emerging as a top travel destination, driven by increased air and sea connectivity, expanded tour offerings, and cultural experiences that captivate global audiences. This panel at WTM Africa 2025 will explore the key factors fuelling the region’s tourism boom, from new flight routes and cruise itineraries to major tour operators adding West African destinations to their portfolios.
Industry leaders from both private and public sectors will discuss how businesses can capitalise on this momentum, the challenges and opportunities ahead, and what’s next for one of the world’s fastest-growing tourism markets. Don’t miss this insightful discussion on why West Africa is a destination to watch in 2025 and beyond!
Speakers:
Ola Wright – CEO, West Africa Tourism Organisation (WATO): wright@westafricatourism.com
Abisoye Ayoyinka Fagade – Director General/CEO, NIHOTOUR (Nigeria): dg@nihotour.gov.ng
Fatmata Mida Carew – Executive Director, Sierra Leone Tourism Board: fatk2003@yahoo.com
Hassan Zakari – Founder, MICE & Tours Africa Group / West Africa Director, African Travel & Tourism Association: hazaks@absoluteafricatours.com
Title: Wine Tourism 2030: Where Next for Travel’s Fastest-Growing Niche?
Time: 11:15 – 12:00
Description: Climate change is shifting wine regions. Gen Z is drinking differently. Virtual reality is revolutionising how we experience destinations. As traditional wine tourism evolves, who will be tomorrow’s wine tourist, where will they go, and what will they want?
This forward-looking session brings together industry innovators to explore how wine tourism is adapting to radical change – and what it means for the broader travel industry.
Speaker:
TBA
Title: Turning Wine Tourists into High-Value, Repeat Visitors Through Innovative Experiences
Time: 12:15 – 13:15
Description: As global travellers increasingly seek authentic, immersive experiences, this session examines how the travel trade can capitalise on this trend through wine tourism.
Industry experts will debate successful strategies for creating and marketing high-value experiences that drive repeat visitation. Discussion will focus on practical approaches to developing partnerships, pricing strategies, and marketing techniques that resonate with experience-seeking travellers.
Speakers:
Mike Ratcliffe (Moderator) – Proprietor, Vilafonté / Chairperson, Stellenbosch Wine Routes: mike@vilafonte.com
Penny Streeter – Owner, Benguela Cove & Leonardslee Wine Estates: penny.streeter@benguelacove.co.za
Carolyn Martin – Co-owner and Creative Director, Creation Wines: carolyn@creationwines.com
Steyn Fullard – Marketing & Sales, Weltevrede Chardonnay Estate: weltevrede@weltevrede.com
Title: Tips and Tricks to Get the Most Out of Your Travel Tech
Time: 13:30 – 14:15
Description: Technology is amazing and can be a great tool, but it can also be overwhelming. We are so scared to be left behind or to give competitors the edge, that we are often desperate to get our hands on the “next best thing” that will “revolutionise our business”.
This usually results in a cluttered tech stack that doesn’t necessarily work for you or your business – or even together. When this happens, we often blame the tech we purchased, but that’s not necessarily where the issue lies.
Use these tips and tricks to build an amazing tech stack that does exactly what you need it to do to improve your business and take it to the next level.
Speaker:
Lanese Carstens – Founder, Nurturing Revenue: lanese@nurturingrevenue.com
Title: Future Leaders: Creating a More Welcoming African Tourism Industry
Time: 10:00 – 11:00
Description: Today’s hospitality and tourism students and young professionals will shape the future of our industry. This interactive session will tap into youthful energy and creativity to inspire new ways of looking at Africa travel that are diverse, inclusive, and responsible. If you’re interested in looking at your brand through fresh eyes, this session is for you!
Speakers:
Amine Gabbouj – Foundation Coordinator, IGLTA Foundation: amine.gabbouj@iglta.org
Title: Cracking the Code – The Secret Behind Wine Tourism’s Global Success
Time: 11:30 – 12:00
Description: What makes people fly halfway around the world not just to drink but to experience a glass of local Cabernet Sauvignon? What has turned vineyards into bucket-list destinations while other niche markets struggle to stand out?
In this hands-on workshop unpacking the “secret sauce” behind wine tourism’s meteoric success story—we’ll explore what other players in the industry can learn from its ability to build deep emotional connections with travellers while driving premium revenue streams at scale. Is it about exclusivity? Storytelling? Or simply knowing how to turn passion into profit?
Speaker:
Mike Ratcliffe – Proprietor, Vilafonté / Chairperson, Stellenbosch Wine Routes: mike@vilafonte.com
Title: Digital Foundations: How to Kickstart Digitisation in Your Hospitality & Tourism Business
Time: 12:30 – 13:30
Description: In a fast-evolving digital world, hospitality and tourism businesses must adapt to stay competitive. In this session, Dr. Cleo Johnson, Principal Consultant at Nuecleo, will share practical steps to enhance online visibility, streamline bookings, and leverage automation for growth.
Learn how to make your business more discoverable, bookable, and commercially successful through digital transformation.
Speaker:
Dr. Cleo Johnson – Principal Consultant, Nuecleo: cleo@nuecleo.co.za
Title: The Sigma Tourism Business Incubator (SATSA)
Time: 14:00
Description: Deep dive into the SATSA Tourism Business Incubator. This launch provides a unique opportunity to explore how tourism initiatives are becoming vehicles for economic empowerment and cultural celebration in South Africa.
Speaker:
Leaders from SATSA, Anglo American, City Lodge Hotels, Jozi My Jozi, and SATSA Incubator entrepreneurs
Media enquiries: Kim Taylor – kim@satsa.co.za
Title: The Importance of Community & How to Leverage Digital Platforms
Time: 10:30 – 11:15
Description: In today’s interconnected world, community plays a vital role in the success of any business. This workshop will explore the power of community building and provide practical strategies for harnessing digital platforms to foster meaningful connections and drive tangible results.
This session will delve into the multifaceted benefits of cultivating a strong community, from increased brand loyalty and advocacy to valuable feedback and collaborative opportunities. We’ll examine why community matters, how it impacts different stakeholders, and how to define, engage, or build your ideal community. The workshop will then focus on the practical application of digital platforms, including social media, online forums, and dedicated community platforms, to build, engage, and nurture your target audience.
Speaker:
Jamie Akinola – Founder, Africa Tourism Club: akinolajamie@gmail.com