Get up to date with the latest MICE – Meeting, Incentive, Conference and Events news out of Africa with this weekly news wrap-up.
Africa Tourism Investment Conference unveils powerhouse speaker line-up
The Africa Tourism Investment Conference (ATIC) at WTM Africa 2025 is bringing together the biggest names in tourism investment. With JLL Africa as the lead sponsor and a powerhouse speaker line-up, this event is where key information will be shared on the future of hospitality, resorts, and infrastructure across Africa.
Heavyweights such as Hamza Farooqui (Millat Global Holdings), Anthony Leeming (Sun International), and Wayne Godwin (JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group) will share insider insights on financing, risk assessment, and investment trends shaping African tourism. Club Med’s Tinley Manor will also be in the spotlight, offering an exclusive look into one of South Africa’s most anticipated developments.
“We’re not just talking about investment. We’re equipping industry leaders with the knowledge to overcome challenges, secure financing, and make successful, high-impact investments in hotels, resorts, and infrastructure.” says Megan De Jager, RX Africa Portfolio Director.
We Are Africa adds day for local trade
As part of its 10th edition, We Are Africa is expanding its format with the launch of We Are Africa Local – a dedicated day for Southern Africa-based travel professionals to engage with the continent’s top high-end travel suppliers. We Are Africa Local will extend the event to a full five days on May 9 at DHL Stadium in Cape Town.
The initiative provides an exclusive platform for up to 200 local trade professionals to connect with exhibitors from across Africa and the Indian Ocean. Attendees will have access to 15 pre-scheduled appointments as well as networking opportunities designed to strengthen relationships and enhance product knowledge.
Tourism youth summit for Nairobi
The Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit organizers, Africa Tourism Partners, in collaboration with their partners, have announced new dates for the highly anticipated Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit and Challenge 2025. Originally set for the second week of June, the summit will now take place from Tuesday, June 24 to Friday, June 27, 2025.
The Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit, being a marketplace for meaningful networking, participants will benefit from match-making and exploring new business opportunities in Kenya and the rest of East Africa, youth employability and career development clinic, intra-Africa market access for youth in tourism and entrepreneurship and youth entrepreneurship, investment sourcing and project financing, among several other activities lined up for the four (4) days of the Summit. All key stakeholders therefore encouraged to register now to attend and leverage this platform for business growth, learning and knowledge sharing.
Johannesburg ready for G20 Summit
The Gauteng Tourism Authority (GTA) has defended Johannesburg’s ability to host the upcoming G20 Leaders’ Summit, pointing to its extensive experience in managing major global events. This follows President Cyril Ramaphosa’s March 7 announcement of a Presidential Johannesburg Working Group to address infrastructure challenges in the city.
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis subsequently said Cape Town is ready to host the event if Johannesburg’s problems proved “insurmountable”.
Meetings Africa economic impact
The impact of Meetings Africa over the past 18 years has been “profound” and the 19th annual event is expected to pay even higher dividends, according to Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille in her keynote address during the official launch of Meetings Africa 2025 at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange yesterday.
Meetings Africa 2025 is scheduled for February 24-26 at the Sandton Convention Centre. According to an economic impact assessment commissioned by South African Tourism, total direct expenditure in South Africa generated by last year’s Meetings Africa is an estimated R145 million – 13 per cent up from R128 million in 2023. Patricia de Lille pointed out that the objective of shows like Meetings Africa is to ensure Africa gets its fair share of the business events market.
“In the same spirit, Meetings Africa 2025 will highlight the economic benefits of the MICE industry – positioning the event as a driver of investment, innovation and job creation throughout Africa, ” Patricia de Lille added.
SA’s George records a strong festive season with events
The Garden Route town of George celebrated a busy festive season with vibrant events, increased visitor engagement and significant revenue growth across its tourism sector. From December 11 to January 12, the city recorded R51.7 million (€2 652 210) in revenue, reflecting 28 per cent year-on-year growth, according to aggregated data from leading online travel agent platforms.
The George, Wilderness and Uniondale visitor information centres extended their hours and assisted over 272 visitors with activity bookings, accommodation queries and brochures. Tourism activations were held every Saturday at the Outeniqua Family Market and at key events, including the WeBuyCars George Tens and Redberry Farm, offering promotional materials and interactive activities.
Convention bureaus leveraged to grow MICE in East Africa
According to International Meetings Statistics Report 2023, an average of over 10 000 association meetings were held across various countries and continents last year. Africa currently hosts only 2 per cent of global association meetings with South Africa hosting the largest number (93), followed by Rwanda (around 32).
Kenya hosted 29 meetings, ranking it 60th globally. This highlights Africa’s need to tap into this sector, which surpassed pre-pandemic levels last year, faster than previously predicted, to reach a record US$1.5 trillion, according to the latest report from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). Countries in East Africa are working towards establishing strong national convention bureaus to tap into this revenue and diversify their tourism products.
Tshwane Tourism Showcase set for January
The Tshwane Tourism Association (TTA) has announced the Tshwane Tourism Showcase is scheduled to begin at 11h00 on Thursday, January 23 at the CSIR International Convention Centre. The event will gather tourism stakeholders, including industry professionals and the public, to highlight the region’s diverse tourism offerings.
The showcase will feature a variety of exhibitor displays representing Tshwane’s tourism and hospitality businesses, interactive sessions with industry leaders on tourism trends and strategies and opportunities for networking and collaboration.
Wild Coast Sun introduces new entertainment centre
The Wild Coast Sun resort has launched the Molo Lounge – a new 90-seater entertainment venue blending traditional and modern design elements. Open on Friday and Saturday evenings, and during holiday periods, the lounge offers a mix of live music and vibrant nightlife aiming to attract locals and tourists.
Named after the Xhosa greeting “Molo” meaning “Hello” or “Welcome”, the venue reflects the cultural heritage of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal regions. Corrugated roof sheeting, symbolising the resilience of the local community, is paired with contemporary LED lighting, creating an atmosphere suitable for various music genres including amapiano, jazz and dance music.
The Africa Rally Returns to Malawi in 2025
Sub-Saharan Africa’s Biggest Road Trip Event, in which anyone and any vehicle can enter, is returning to Malawi in 2025! The 5,000km three week epic starts in Hartbeespoort, South Africa on 5th July before travelling through Botswana, past the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, through Chobe National Park, and to Victoria Falls in Zambia. It then heads east, through the Luangwa Valley, before crossing into Malawi in time for the Half Way Party at Wheelhouse Marina, Senga Bay, on Tuesday 15th July. Here teams from around the world will be able to recuperate for 24hours on the Lake, while enjoying some outstanding Malawian cuisine, and of course sampling the famous Malawi-made Linga Wine. For more visit www.africarally.com.
