Title: Welcome Address
Time: 10:00 – 10:05
Description: A short opening to officially begin Day 2 of WTM Africa’s Global Stage programming.
Speaker:
Gillian Saunders – MC: gillians@gsaunders.co.za
Title: Address by the City of Cape Town
Time: 10:05 – 10:15
Description: An address from the City of Cape Town on their commitment to economic growth and inclusive tourism development.
Title: Setting the Scene – Where to For Africa
Time: 10:15 – 10:50
Description: In this session, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Africa’s position within the global context. We’ll explore key issues such as economic growth, identifying the winners and losers, the quest for stability, and the rise of intra-Africa trade. You’ll also learn about the continent’s demographic dividend and the challenges it faces in harnessing its youth for sustainable development. Join us as we unpack Africa’s opportunities and the obstacles it must overcome in navigating today’s complex global environment.
Title: How is Africa Tourism and Hospitality Doing?
Time: 10:50 – 11:30
Description: This session will take a close look at the recovery and growth prospects of Africa’s tourism sector. We’ll explore the progress made in rebuilding after recent challenges, examine current tourism trends, and assess the dynamics shaping the hospitality market across the continent. Join us for a deeper understanding of the opportunities and future potential within Africa’s tourism and hospitality industries.
Speakers:
Wayne Godwin – CEO, JLL Africa: Wayne.Godwin@jll.com
Bernadine Galliver – Head of Tourism Advisory, MEA, JLL: Bernadine.Galliver@jll.com
Title: What is government’s role – Creating an attractive investment climate and planning for tourism
Time: 11:30 – 12:15
Description: In this session, we will explore the critical role governments play in fostering a thriving tourism sector. We’ll discuss strategies for creating an attractive investment climate, including the establishment of one-stop shops, improving ease of doing business, and offering investment incentives such as tax breaks and import breaks. Additionally, we’ll examine policies around repatriating profits and the importance of master planning at both destination and project levels. Join us to understand how effective government action can drive sustainable growth in the tourism industry.
Speakers:
Lee-Anne Singer – Chairperson, FEDHASA Cape: lee-anne@singergroup.co.za
Title: Investment Panel Risk and Returns
Time: 12:30 – 13:1
Description: What the funders look for – LTV, equity returns, loan terms, branded operators
Speakers:
David Desta (Moderator) – JLL: david.desta@jll.com
Title: Sealing the Deal – negotiating the contractual minefields – finance, management, franchise and more
Time: 13:15 – 13:45
Description: Navigating the complexities of hotel agreements with branded operators can be daunting. This panel dives into the latest trends in management, and franchise contracts, offering expert insights on securing fair deals.
Speakers:
Samantha Fish – STBB: SamanthaF@stbb.co.za
Title: The Investors
Time: 14:45 – 15:30
Description: What are their secrets for successful investments – case studies of successful projects
Speakers:
TBA
Title: Fireside Chat – Insights into the Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari Development, KZN North Coast
Time: 15:30 – 15:50
Description: Insights into the Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari Development, KZN North Coast– South Africa’s Most Exciting Tourism Investment
Speakers:
Olivier Perillat-Piratoine – MD, Club Med Southern Africa: Olivier.Perillat-Piratoine@clubmed.com
Title: The Safari Industry – are private lodges an asset class?
Time: 15:50 – 16:40
Description: Explore the key players behind successful projects, uncovering how ownership and funding align and can it create scalable and investable opportunities
Speakers:
Gillian Saunders (Moderator) – Africa Tourism Advisor: gillians@gsaunders.co.za
Kim Irmler – Mantis, Accor: Kim.IRMLER@accor.com
Amos Wekesa – Great Lakes Safaris: amos@greatlakessafaris.com
Title: Sports, Leisure and Entertainment – What are the Opportunities for Africa?
Time: 16:40 – 17:35
Description: Discover the untapped potential in Africa’s sports, leisure, and entertainment sectors. This session focuses on the secrets of successful investments, innovative projects, and strategies driving growth in the region’s thriving tourism landscape.
Speakers:
Bernadine Galliver (Moderator) – JLL: Bernadine.Galliver@jll.com
Oupa Pilane – Director, Graskop Gorge Lift: iepilane@icloud.com
Kelvin Watt – MD, Nielsen Sports SA: kelvin@nielsensports.co.za
Title: Unhide & Seek: Building Inclusion and Belonging in Travel
Time: 10:00 – 10:45
Description: Have you ever felt the need to hide a part of yourself to fit in?
Many of us hide parts of ourselves, believing it will protect us from judgment or rejection. But hiding often leaves us feeling disconnected, isolated, and exhausted.
The journey to unhiding reveals a profound truth: by embracing our true selves, we unlock the ability to create connection, foster inclusion, and build belonging—not just for ourselves, but for everyone around us.
Ruth Rathblott, MSW, a TEDx and award-winning speaker, bestselling author, and former CEO, will share her powerful personal journey of hiding her limb difference for 25 years and the life-changing freedom she found through embracing authenticity.
Speaker:
Ruth Rathblott – Inclusion Speaker & Author: ruth@ruthrathblott.com
Title: Young Blood Wanted: African Tourism’s Leadership Crisis
Time: 11:00 – 11:45
Description: African tourism desperately needs fresh blood, but where are all the young guns? This no-holds-barred session at WTM Africa tackles the elephant in the room – our industry’s struggle to attract, retain, and elevate young talent to leadership positions.
Speakers:
Luckson Zambuko – Founder, African Youth in Tourism and Hospitality: lucksonzambuko@gmail.com
Glenton de Kock – CEO, SAACI: glenton.dekock@gmail.com
Kagiso Ngwenya – President, SAYTN: kagisongwenya64@gmail.com
Title: Sensory-Friendly African Travel: Designing Experiences for Neurodivergent Tourists
Time: 12:00 – 12:45
Description: The African travel landscape is brimming with potential, but are we truly catering to all travelers? This session explores the untapped market of neurodivergent tourism, providing practical strategies to create sensory-friendly experiences.
Discover how thoughtful design, adaptable itineraries, and inclusive practices can open doors to a wider audience and unlock new revenue streams, while fostering a more welcoming and accessible travel environment for everyone.
Speakers:
Adrian Lange – Founder, Tourism that Cares & SustainAble: adrian@bestsafariafrica.com
Gary Bernstein – Neurodiversity & Aviation Specialist: gary.bernstein@execujet-mro.com
LoAnn Halden – VP-Communications, IGLTA: loann.halden@iglta.org
Title: The EU Green Claims Directive and what it means for Africa.
Time: 13:00 – 14:00
Description: The EU is preparing legislation to address greenwashing and ensure that consumers are not misled by green and sustainability claims made by businesses and marketing platforms.
This new legislation will likely be applied in 2026 and will impact all businesses selling into the EU countries.
In this session, we’ll discuss the latest information we have on the impact of this legislation and discuss how you can prepare to deal with the consequences.
Speakers:
Harold Goodwin (Moderator) – WTM Responsible Tourism Adviser: harold@haroldgoodwin.info
Leonie Andereya – General Manager, Radisson RED: leonie.andereya@radissonred.com
Title: In conversation with Michael Lutzeyer of Grootbos
Time: 14:00 – 14:30
Description: Grootbos has often been recognised for its pioneering work in Responsible Tourism. Michael turned a “Farm for Sale” with fynbos slopes overlooking Walker Bay near Gaansbai.
What began as a family holiday retreat, added five self-catering cottages, then a catered guest house and lodges.
The Grootbos Foundation has worked to create employment economic opportunities for the local community.
Grootbos is a rare example of a tourism business successfully conserving a floral kingdom and benefiting the local community – how does it work?
Speakers:
Harold Goodwin – WTM Responsible Tourism Adviser: harold@haroldgoodwin.info
Title: Nature Positive Tourism
Time: 14:30 – 15:15
Description: The old ecotourism mantra “Take only photographs, leave only footprints” is not seen or heard as much today as it was. Regenerative, conscious, nature-positive tourism is in fashion.
We have begun to understand that conservation is expensive, and communities bear the opportunity costs of preserving land and species.
Tourists are partly attracted to charismatic megafauna because they were hunted out at home long ago.
Our panel will explore how we can grow nature-positive tourism and ensure the local community benefits.
Speakers:
Harold Goodwin (Moderator) – Responsible Tourism Partnership: harold@haroldgoodwin.info
Title: Why Responsible Tourism Makes Business Sense
Time: 15:15 – 16:00
Description: Your panel will explore the latest market research, the growth of the ‘experience economy’ and how a Responsible Tourism approach can benefit the bottom line.
We’ll look at Harvard economist and business guru Michael Porter’s ideas about creating shared value and review the business cases for Responsible Tourism. It is not just about the market.
Speakers:
Harold Goodwin (Moderator) – Responsible Tourism Adviser: harold@haroldgoodwin.info
Title: The 2025 WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards
Time: 16:00 – 17:00
Description: This year’s Awards categories are:
Come along to the Awards Ceremony to see who has won, and the Gold winners will be going forward to the Global Award.
Presenter:
Rachel Nxele – SATSA: rachelnxele@gmail.com
Title: The Traveller. The eSim. And AI
Time: 10:00 – 10:50
Description: Nazareen Ebrahim’s talk, titled “The Traveller. The eSim. And AI”, promises to captivate audiences with a forward-thinking exploration of how technology is reshaping the traveller experience. As an AI Ethicist and expert in the practical applications of artificial intelligence, Nazareen will delve into the transformative role of AI and eSim technology in creating seamless, hyper-personalized journeys.
This session will examine the evolving travel landscape, where agentic AI enhances decision-making, empowers travelers, and redefines the very nature of connectivity. Nazareen will also address the critical ethical considerations that arise from these innovations, emphasizing the importance of balancing technological advancements with human values.
Speakers:
Nazareen Ebrahim – CEO, Naz Consulting International: naz@nazconsulting.co.za
Title: Unlocking the Power of AI: Hyper-Personalisation for the Future of Travel
Time: 11:00 – 12:00
Description: AI-powered hyper-personalisation presents both immense opportunities and complex challenges for the travel industry.
This session explores the potential pitfalls and rewards, providing insights into data management, customer expectations, and the evolving role of human connection in an increasingly automated world.
Speakers:
Nazareen Ebrahim (Moderator) – Naz Consulting International: naz@nazconsulting.co.za
Cleo Johnson – CEO, Nuecleo: cleo@nuecleo.co.za
Lizanne du Plessis – Founder & CEO, Eco Africa Digital: lizanne@ecoafricadigital.co.za
Bentzy Goldman – Founder, Safaribot: bency@africovery.co
Title: Data or Destiny? Building Digital Trust in African Tourism
Time: 12:30 – 13:00
Description: In the digital age, data is the lifeblood of the travel industry.
But with increasing cyber threats and growing concerns about data privacy, how can tourism businesses build trust and encourage travelers to share their personal information?
This session at WTM Africa dives into the crucial intersection of cybersecurity, digital trust, and data ethics.
Speakers:
Paul de Waal – CEO, WETU: paul@wetu.com
Lizanne du Plessis – Eco Africa Digital: lizanne@ecoafricadigital.co.za
Title: Delays, Data Breaches & Dysfunction – Is Africa Ready for Seamless Air Travel?
Time: 13:30 – 14:30
Description: The future of African air travel is digital—but is the continent ready?
As the world moves towards biometric borders, digital IDs, and frictionless passenger journeys, Africa risks falling behind due to infrastructure failures, cybersecurity threats, and policy bottlenecks.
With air traffic disruptions already costing millions, can airlines, governments, and tech leaders work together to create a seamless travel experience that boosts tourism and trade?
This high-stakes session brings together aviation experts to unpack the challenges—and opportunities—of Africa’s digital transformation in air travel.
Speakers:
Linden Birns (Moderator) – Founder, Plane Talking: linden@planetalking.co.za
Aaron Munetsi – CEO, AASA: aaron.munetsi@aasa.za.net
Title: SAF: Green Fuel, Untapped Potential?
Time: 15:00 – 15:30
Description: Beyond the environmental benefits, SAF presents a compelling business case for the travel industry.
This session explores the economic advantages of embracing sustainable aviation fuel, from enhancing brand reputation to attracting eco-conscious travelers and securing future competitiveness in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Speakers:
Josias W. Walubita (Moderator) – Director of Flight Operations, Proflight Zambia: josias.walubita@proflight-zambia.com
Aaron Munetsi – CEO, AASA: aaron.munetsi@aasa.za.net
Title: The “Africa Premium”: Why Are We So Expensive?
Time: 16:00 – 16:30
Description: Why are flights to and within Africa often perceived as more expensive than other regions?
This session dissects the “Africa Premium” in aviation, exploring the factors driving airfares, from fuel costs and taxes to route infrastructure and competition.
Join industry experts as we analyze the economic realities of African aviation and debate solutions for optimizing pricing strategies, increasing accessibility, and stimulating market growth.
Speakers:
Michelle Gounden (Moderator) – Director of Insights, Skift Advisory: mg@skift.com
Josias W. Walubita – Director of Flight Operations, Proflight Zambia: josias.walubita@proflight-zambia.com
Title: Promoting Cape Town: The Six Pillar Content Partnership
Time: 10:30 – 11:30
Description: Join the City of Cape Town Destination Marketing team in a session to explore how the City partners with industry through the Six Pillar Content Partnership.
Discover how user-generated content from various partners drives global engagement, fostering collaborations with content creators and attractions — all while promoting Cape Town and showcasing its unique offerings to the world.
TBA
Title: The Road to Inclusion and Innovation in Travel: What’s Holding Us Back?
Time: 13:30 – 14:30
Stage: Brain Box
Description: What if the key to a more inclusive and innovative travel industry is something we’ve been overlooking?
Too often, travelers, employees, and even leaders hide parts of themselves—whether it’s their identities, struggles, or bold ideas. Why? Fear of judgment, rejection, or simply not fitting in. But here’s the truth: hiding holds us back. It limits connection, stifles creativity, and prevents belonging.
This session isn’t just about talking—it’s about doing. It’s about creating an industry where no one feels the need to hide, and everyone feels they belong. Whether you’re a changemaker, leader, or passionate professional, you’ll leave with practical tools, fresh ideas, and new connections to help shape the future of inclusive travel. Let’s start the conversation and build meaningful connections!
Speakers:
Ruth Rathblott – Inclusion & Belonging Speaker: ruth@ruthrathblott.com
Title: Effective Allyship and LGBTQ+ Tourism in Africa
Time: 15:00 – 16:00
Stage: Brain Box
Description: This session will provide key steps to becoming a better ally and offer tools through an open discussion about effective allyship with the LGBTQ+ community.
It also will explore meaningful ways to collaborate with and support LGBTQ+ travelers.
By outlining actionable strategies for allyship, the session aims to empower participants to work and engage authentically within their spheres and networks.
By framing allyship as an ongoing commitment, the session aspires to build a more equitable and inclusive community within African tourism.
Speakers:
Aisha Shaibu-Lenoir – Founder, Moonlight Experiences: aisha@moonlightexperiences.com
Title: The Future of Travel Acquisition: Innovative Strategies for Explosive Growth
Time: 13:45 – 14:30
Stage: Super Reality Dome
Description: Exclusive to WTM Africa’s Travel Tech Exhibitors: The travel industry is constantly changing, with evolving behaviours and rapidly advancing technologies reshaping user acquisition.
This workshop offers a forward-looking perspective on how travel tech companies can effectively capture and convert new customers in this dynamic environment.
We’ll move beyond traditional methods and explore strategies designed to drive explosive growth.
Speakers:
Jamie Akinola – Founder, Africa Tourism Club: akinolajamie@gmail.com