Title: WTM Africa 2025 begins here
Time: 09:00 – 09:45
Description: Join us for the opening ceremony as influential leaders shape the future of African tourism. Three days of inspiration and connection await.
Speakers:
Carol Weaving – Marketing Director, RX Africa: carol.weaving@rxglobal.com
Ondela Mlandu – MC | Media Specialist: ondelamlandu@gmail.com
Title: Media Panel – Can African Destinations Thrive When Headlines = Headwinds?
Time: 15:00 – 16:00
Description: From Trump-era derogatory rhetoric to sensationalised reporting on viruses and political instability, African destinations often battle headlines that flatten complex realities into clickbait—crippling tourism economies even when risks are hyperlocal or overblown.
This panel brings journalists and tourism leaders into the same room to confront the elephant in the room: How do we report responsibly on instability without becoming PR agents?
Speakers:
Sue van Winsen – Editor, Travel News and Tourism Update: suev@nowmedia.co.za
Elise Kirsten – Travel Journalist: elise.kirsten@gmail.com
Title: Africa Travel Week Media Awards Ceremony
Time: 16:00 – 16:30
Description: Africa Travel Week Media Awards celebrate the storytellers who shape Africa’s tourism narrative. Through their work, writers, journalists, photographers and filmmakers connect Africa’s remarkable destinations with global audiences.
Title: Responsible Tourism – The Cape Town Experience
Time: 10:30 – 11:15
Description: The 1996 White Paper on the Development and Promotion of Tourism in South Africa was the first national tourism strategy to adopt the principles of Responsible Tourism. In 2002, the 1st International Conference on Responsible Tourism in Destinations was held in Cape Town, an official side event to the World Summit on Sustainable Development; the conference was attended by 280 people from 20 countries. The Cape Town Declaration is the founding document of a global movement.
In this session, we reflect on Cape Town’s contribution and current trends.
Speakers:
Dr. Harold Goodwin – WTM Responsible Tourism Advisor: harold@haroldgoodwin.info
Title: SATSA & Responsible Tourism
Time: 11:15 – 12:00
Description: In an exciting new development, SATSA and Fair Trade Tourism have partnered to promote Responsible Tourism. A collaboration designed to equip SATSA members with the tools and opportunities to thrive sustainably, driving sustainable development for the tourism industry and communities.
Come along to learn more about this initiative to drive positive change to benefit the industry and local communities.
Speakers:
Dr. Harold Goodwin – WTM Responsible Tourism Advisor: harold@haroldgoodwin.info
Rachel Nxele – Vice Chairperson/Responsible Tourism Chair, SATSA: rachelnxele@gmail.com
Title: The Twin Challenge of Climate Change for Tourism – Mitigation and Adaptation
Time: 12:00 – 12:30
Description: There is increasing awareness of climate change. 2024 was the first calendar year with a global average temperature exceeding 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels — with an average global temperature of 1.6°C above the target agreed at COP21 in Paris. Climate change, with drought, wildfires, storms and flooding, poses real challenges for the travel and tourism sector, which is under increasing pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
We have to mitigate and adapt. What can our sector do to make its contribution?
Speakers:
Dr. Harold Goodwin – WTM Responsible Tourism Advisor: harold@haroldgoodwin.info
Title: The International Centre for Responsible Tourism Southern Africa
Time: 12:30 – 13:00
Description: Throughout Southern Africa, many businesses and destinations take responsibility to make tourism more sustainable and to use tourism to make better places for people to live in.
The ICRT Southern Africa is being launched to create a network of practitioners to provide opportunities to share ideas, approaches and proven ways of making tourism better for communities, for the environment and biodiversity, and for tourists.
Speakers:
Dr. Harold Goodwin – WTM Responsible Tourism Advisor: harold@haroldgoodwin.info
Hugh Bartis – Principal Lecturer, Nelson Mandela University: Hugh.Bartis@mandela.ac.za
Title: The Power of Sports: Leveraging Major Events for Destination Growth
Time: 13:30 – 14:00
Description: From hosting Formula 1 to NBA games, South Africa has the potential to become a global stage for world-class sporting events — but what does it take to secure these coveted bids?
This session unpacks the competitive world of event hosting, exploring what destinations must do to stand out. From infrastructure and sponsorship to community engagement and political will, discover the key ingredients for successfully attracting high-profile events and the long-term benefits they can deliver for tourism, branding, and development.
Speakers:
Naledi K. Khabo – CEO, Africa Tourism Association: naledi@ataww.org
Title: Wellness Washing or Genuine Wellbeing? The Truth About Business Travel and Unmasking Employee Health
Time: 14:30 – 15:30
Description: The business travel industry is buzzing with talk of wellness, but is it all just “wellness washing” — a marketing tactic to attract health-conscious travelers?
This panel takes a deep dive into the practical realities behind wellness initiatives in hotels, corporate travel policies, and tourism experiences – looking beyond buzzwords to real-world strategies to support employee physical and mental wellbeing.
Speakers:
Dr. Cleo Johnson – Founder, Nuecleo: cleo@nuecleo.co.za
René Stegmann – Co-founder, MyResidence.Africa: rene@myresidence.africa
Title: From Safaris to Summits: Reimagining African Destinations as Business Travel Hubs
Time: 16:00 – 16:30
Description: Join this bold conversation that challenges the traditional narrative of African tourism—moving beyond leisure and into the booming business travel and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions) market.
This fast-paced panel will showcase successful pivots, powerful partnerships, and practical policy changes that can help position African destinations as thriving business-travel hubs.
Speakers:
Glenton de Kock (Moderator) – CEO, SAACI: glenton.dekock@gmail.com
Tes Proos – President, SITE Africa / CEO, Crystal Events Africa: tes@crystalevents.co.za
Zahirah Marty – Founder, Think Liquorice: zahirah@thinkliquorice.com
Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo – Chief Convention Bureau Officer, South Africa: kotzenhlapo123@gmail.com
Title: Fireside Chat – Beyond Safari & Beaches: Can Angola Redefine African Travel?
Time: 16:30 – 17:00
Description: Forget the predictable safari-and-beach formula — Angola is rewriting the rules. With untouched landscapes, rare wildlife found nowhere else on Earth, and a rich Afro-Portuguese cultural fusion, Angola isn’t just another destination; it’s an entirely new kind of African experience.
But how does it craft a tourism model that blends conservation with culture, adventure with authenticity? This session dives into how Angola can break away from the conventional travel playbook and position itself as Africa’s next must-visit destination — on its own terms. Expect bold insights, fresh strategies, and real-world case studies that challenge everything you think you know about African tourism.
Speaker:
TBA
Title: African Tourism: Go Big or Stay Niche?
Time: 10:00 – 10:45
Description: As the world starts traveling again, we’re facing some tough questions.
Can we handle mass tourism? Do we even want to? And where are those sweet spots in emerging markets that are just waiting to fall in love with Africa?
Speakers:
Kgomotso Ramothea – CEO, ATTA®: kgomotso@atta.travel
David Frost – CEO, SATSA: sonnette@bigambitions.co.za
Karl Parkinson – Head of Partnerships, African Bush Camps: karl@africanbushcamps.com
Justice Ofentse – Executive Manager Quality Services, Botswana Tourism: jofentse@botswanatourism.co.bw
Title: Beyond the Big Five: Tapping into Africa’s Weird and Wonderful Tourism Niches
Time: 11:00 – 11:45
Description: Forget your typical tourist stereotypes – this session is all about the weird, the wonderful, and the downright wacky corners of the travel market.
At WTM Africa, we’re diving headfirst into the world of hyper-niche tourism, where the unusual becomes unforgettable.
Speakers:
Michael Wright – Owner, Sustain Safaris: michael@sustainsafaris.com
Eleanor Muller – Dark Sky Advocate, TFPD: eleanor@tfpd.co.za
Title: South African Tourism: Hard Truths, Bold Solutions
Time: 12:00 – 12:30
Description: Tourism is a key job creator and economic driver for South Africa, but are we maximising its potential?
While the USA market has rebounded, Europe lags, and emerging markets haven’t gained enough ground.
In this keynote, SATSA CEO David Frost explores the value of a proactive, diversified strategy that combines re-energising core good value markets while exploring new, untapped segments.
Speaker:
David Frost – CEO, SATSA: sonnette@bigambitions.co.za
Title: Sustainable Success: How Responsible Sourcing & Partnerships Will Shape the Future of African Tourism
Time: 13:00 – 14:00
Description: As sustainability becomes a key focus in tourism, African businesses are embracing responsible sourcing, local producers, and ethical partnerships.
This panel explores how this helps meet eco-conscious consumer demands and unlocks the long-term potential of regenerative travel.
Speakers:
Tom Fels – Founder, Animarem: tom@animarem.com
Ana Maria Panait – Founder, Rrraw Chocolate: anamaria@zinga.style
Title: Why is Africa Sleeping on Diaspora Dollars?
Time: 14:30 – 15:30
Description: Wake up, Africa! There’s a gold mine of luxury travellers right under our noses — the Black diaspora — and we’re snoozing on it.
This bold panel explores the market potential of the African diaspora, how they travel, and how to roll out the red carpet for them authentically.
Speakers:
Naledi K. Khabo (Moderator) – CEO, Africa Tourism Association: naledi@ataww.org
Christina Belloge – Founder, Melanin Travels Magic: melanintravelsmagic@gmail.com
Akua Kufour – Executive Producer, Countdown Africa: akua@akvance.com
Cynika Drake – Founder, Lavish Lifestyles Concierge: cdrake@lavishlifestylesla.com
Title: Putting Africa’s Hidden Destinations on the Map
Time: 16:00 – 16:30
Description: Africa’s iconic attractions draw the world’s attention — but how do we shine a light on its overlooked gems?
This session looks at how hotspot destinations can support lesser-known regions through marketing, storytelling, and inclusive development strategies.
Speakers:
Michelle Gounden – Director of Insights, Skift Advisory: mg@skift.com
Tessa Bell – Founder, The Pack Africa: tessa@thepack.africa
Title: Connected Journeys: How eSIM is Revolutionising Travel
Time: 11:00 – 11:45
Description: Discover the revolutionary impact of eSIM technology on travel connectivity and how businesses can capitalise on it.
This presentation explores the benefits of eSIMs (digital SIMs) for travellers, including cost savings and convenience, and shows how incorporating them into travel packages can generate incremental revenue.
Speaker:
Tony Kaldas – Director of Partnerships (Arabia & Africa), Airalo: antonios.kaldas@airalo.com
Title: The Untapped Potential of LGBTQ+ African Travel: Marketing Through a Global Lens
Time: 12:00 – 13:00
Description: For all attendees with questions about reaching LGBTQ+ travellers around the world, this interactive marketing session provides a safe space to get all your questions answered.
IGLTA members and staff will share insights and best practices that will support tourism across Africa, both for ally businesses and LGBTQ+ travellers.
Speakers:
LoAnn Halden – VP Communications, IGLTA: loann.halden@iglta.org
Title: Fly on the Wall Session – Is African Tourism Really Open to Everyone?
Time: 13:30 – 14:30
Description: Eavesdrop on an honest exchange between industry leaders as they tackle the complexities of diversity and inclusion in African tourism.
This “Fly on the Wall” session offers an unfiltered look at the challenges and opportunities for creating a more accessible and equitable travel experience for all.
From neurodiversity to physical limitations, the panelists explore the current accessibility landscape and discuss innovative solutions to remove barriers for all travellers.
Speakers:
LoAnn Halden (Moderator) – IGLTA: loann.halden@iglta.org
Ruth Rathblott – Author & Speaker, Inclusion Expert: ruth@ruthrathblott.com
Deirdré Gower – Founder, Warrior on Wheels Foundation: deirdre@warrioronwheels.co.za
Gary Bernstein – Aviation Engineer & Neurodiversity Advocatel: gary.bernstein@execujet-mro.com
Jason Fiddler – Chairperson, KZNGALTA: info@kzngalta.org.za
Title: Pack Your Ethics: The Essential Guide to Responsible Africa Travel (Pub Quiz Style)
Time: 15:00 – 16:00
Description: How can travel professionals be true advocates for responsible tourism?
This fun and educational session explores the essential principles of ethical travel to Africa — and puts your knowledge to the test!
Perfect for everyone from travel agents to storytellers and sustainability champions.
Speaker:
Melissa Foley – Director, All About Africa Consulting: melissa@allaboutafrica.biz
Title: Workshop – Leveraging AI for Meta and Google Ads in Tourism
Time: 16:15 – 17:00
Description: Join us for a transformative workshop presented by Eco Africa Digital, designed for tourism professionals looking to harness the power of AI in digital advertising.
Learn practical, AI-driven techniques for Meta and Google Ads that will drive engagement and ROI. Hands-on tools you can apply immediately.
Speakers:
Lizanne du Plessis – Founder & CEO, Eco Africa Digital: lizanne@ecoafricadigital.co.za
Robyn de Villiers – Digital Strategist, Eco Africa Digital: robyn@ecoafricadigital.co.za