18 On The Hill, Greater Kruger Safari Lodge welcomed its first safari guests in August 2025, a mere 8 months ago. With an honest attitude of mixed feelings: excitement, angst, pressure to succeed and a dream come to life, 18 On The Hill was born. It all began with a vision of 9 luxury tented […]
The recent LIV Golf event at Steyn City, Johannesburg has firmly positioned South Africa back on the global golf stage, attracting over 100,000 spectators and becoming the highest-attended professional golf event in the country’s history. The immediate confirmation of its return in April 2027 underlines both the success of the event and the long-term opportunity […]
Anantara, the purveyor of immersive hospitality, is unveiling its first safari tented camp –Anantara Tented Camp Kafue River – set to open in June 2026. Poised high above the banks of the Kafue River, one of Zambia’s most vital waterways, the luxury camp connects guests directly to Kafue National Park, Zambia’s largest and oldest reserve, […]
Nadia Terblanche Head of Marketing & Sales | Chief Experience Officer Email: nadia@balloon.co.za
Story Angle or Product Launch
South Africa’s Original Balloon Safari Sees Surge in Bucket-List Travel Demand Ahead of WTM Africa 2026 Bill Harrop’s “Original” Balloon Safaris has reported a significant increase in demand for sunrise hot air balloon experiences, reflecting a broader global shift toward bucket-list and experience-led travel. Operating for over four decades in the Magalies River Valley, just […]
First Diamonds: Why International Visitors Are Investing In Diamonds And Tanzanite In South Africa
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heidi@firstdiamonds.co.za
(+27) 63 170 6064
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In recent years, South Africa has seen a notable shift in the way international visitors engage with luxury retail. Beyond safaris, wine estates, and iconic landscapes, a growing number of travellers are choosing to leave with something far more enduring: diamonds and Tanzanite. What was once considered a luxury purchase has increasingly become a meaningful […]
Hatari Travel: Discover Africa’s Tallest Trees and the Future of “Culinary Conservation”
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marketing@hatari.travel
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Hatari Travel invites attendees of WTM Africa 2026 to look beyond the traditional savanna and discover the “Vertical Wilderness” of Northern Tanzania. This year, the pioneers of regenerative tourism at Hatari Lodge and Shu’mata Camp are spotlighting two pillars of the Tanzanian experience that redefine luxury travel: the ancient giants of Arusha National Park and […]
HRS and TYNGO Bring Next-Generation Hospitality Tech to WTM Africa
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Caroline Wordsworth
Brand Manager
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HRS Hospitality & Retail Systems (HRS) is redefining hospitality technology in Southern Africa, showcasing its innovative TYNGO suite at World Travel Market Africa. Recognised as Oracle Hospitality’s largest global partner, HRS supports more than 15,000 customers in over 120 countries. In 2025, the company was honoured with the Global Oracle Partner Award for Hospitality, reinforcing […]
At WTM Africa 2026, LZ Travel makes the case that sustainability is ready to lead luxury travel, not just accompany it. The demand is there. The commercial case is made. What the industry needs now is the commitment to act. The luxury travel industry has spent years treating sustainability as a companion to the main […]
Palala Boutique Game Lodge: Introducing South Africa’s Ultimate 9-Night Luxury Bush & Cape Experience
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Palala Boutique Game Lodge, Groblersbrug, Limpopo, South Africa
+27 (015) 295 9212
+27 79 885 1273 reservations@palala.co.za
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Palala Boutique Game Lodge unveils an exclusive multi-destination journey combining the untamed beauty of Limpopo, the sophistication of Welgevonden Game Reserve, and the iconic allure of Cape Town. In response to growing demand for curated, seamless travel experiences, Palala Boutique Game Lodge is proud to introduce a new 9-night “Bush & Cape” luxury itinerary—a carefully […]
Botswana-based safari operator Roots & Journeys will showcase its diverse portfolio of safari experiences at WTM Africa in Cape Town, highlighting a collection that spans refined comfort, immersive adventure, and innovative new ways to explore the African wilderness. With properties and experiences across some of Botswana’s most remarkable landscapes, Roots & Journeys has built a […]
SafariOffice, a leading sales software provider for the safari industry, has officially announced the launch of SafariOffice PRO. This new premium tier is engineered to help tour operators and agents scale revenue and dominate an increasingly competitive market through advanced AI integration, hyper-personalized sales tools, and seamless connectivity. Aligning with 2026 Travel Trends As the […]
South African runners with a spirit of adventure can now sign up for WMRM 2027 – with St Helena Island hosting a full marathon (42.2 km), half marathon (21.1 km) and 10 km distance, all starting in the grounds of Plantation House, the Governor’s residence and home to Jonathan, the world’s oldest living land animal. […]
Visit Stellenbosch has announced a significant evolution in its destination marketing strategy with the launch of a new global brand repositioning. Anchored by the statement, “Unexpected Firsts. Unforgettable Moments,” the shift marks a deliberate transition from activity-led promotion to a narrative focused on emotional connection and discovery. Moving past the traditional “must-do” checklists that dominate […]
The first direct booking app for hotels launches in ChatGPT, powered by Lighthouse
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Hotels gain a direct connection to travelers in AI search results with brand-controlledcontent, live rates and commission-free bookings Lighthouse, the AI commercial operating system for the travel and hospitality industry, today announced the launch of The Hotels Network app, the first direct booking app for hotels available inside ChatGPT. Powered by Lighthouseʼs Connect AI engine, […]
The Little Bush Baby Company: When Safari Goes Slow
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Katie Wormald
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How Child-Centred Tours Are Transforming Wildlife Tourism By Katie Wormald | Co-Owner & Director, The Little Bush Baby Company | KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa The safari industry has long been built on the pursuit of the Big Five, with the assumption that the experience begins and ends with the game drive. But something is shifting in […]
Small and medium tourism enterprises in South Africa are gaining critical international exposure through initiatives led by the National Department of Tourism, with measurable impact on business growth and market reach. Durban-based Travel Bug Tours & Safaris is among the beneficiaries of the Department’s Market Access Support Programme, which provides emerging tourism businesses with access […]
At Travel Designer, we believe that travel should be transformative, an experience that moves you beyond sightseeing and movement into a place of meaningful connections. This philosophy underpins each journey we craft: values-driven, lifestyle-oriented travel that brings people together in places of rare beauty and authenticity.With this in mind, we design unique itineraries that connect […]
Established by born and bred St Helenian Matt Joshua, Senior Travel Designer and Marketing Lead at Travel Designer. Matt acted as Head of Tourism for the St Helena Government from 2021-2025 and was the opening General Manager for the Mantis St Helena Hotel from 2016-2019. During these years, Matt realised the critical need for a […]
New Luxury Oceanside Property Celebrates the Hip, Off-the-Beaten Path Destination for “Slow Travel,” Swahili Culture, Pristine Beaches, Untouched Marine Ecosystems and Longevity Tourism Embraced by Artists and Digital Nomads. Tribe Hotels Group, owned and operated by the Ehsani family in Nairobi, today unveils plans to open “Tribe Beach House,” its first-ever expansion to Kilifi on […]
Unexplored Cape Town: Beyond the boom: Unexplored Cape Town drives Tourism 2.0 to bridge the City’s tourism gap
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Unexplored Cape Town
(+27) 79 786 551
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Over peak tourism season in December 2025 and January 2026, Cape Town received 1,12 million visitors, a 10% year-on-year increase in international tourists arriving, and a 7% increase in domestic tourists. For small, community-based food businesses, this seasonal boom has largely bypassed the city’s backstreets. Most visitors gravitate toward the establishments offering luxury and fine-dining, […]
UtopiaSpa, a leader in sustainable mobile spa experiences, is partnering with WTM Africa 2026 (13-15 April, CTICC) to offer attendees relaxation and rejuvenation on the go. “We’re excited to bring our unique wellness solutions to WTM Africa,” says Lebo Olifant, UtopiaSpa. “Our team will showcase mindfulness activities and eco-friendly spa treatments at the event.” Media […]
Stellenbosch has launched Art of Origin Stellenbosch, a town-wide art competition and exhibition bringing together every generation and creative community in the region for the very first time. Organised by Visit Stellenbosch in partnership with the Art Association Stellenbosch, the initiative is open to all: primary and high school learners, university students, emerging and established […]
