Get up to date with the latest MICE – Meeting, Incentive, Conference and Events news out of Africa with this weekly news wrap-up.
ILTM Africa 2026 opens doors to inbound and outbound luxury travel
ILTM Africa announced a major expansion for its 2026 event, becoming the first luxury travel marketplace on the continent to serve both inbound and dedicated outbound opportunities focused on the Middle East. The move responds to rapid growth in Africa’s outbound luxury travel spending, which industry data shows is reaching US$1.6 bn by 2026.
ILTM Africa will return to Cape Town’s Norval Foundation in 2026 as an expanded marketplace bringing together African suppliers, Middle Eastern suppliers, African buyers,and international buyers.
The event will maintain its successful format of pre-matched one-to-one meetings, focused networking, and practical sessions on market trends, now with expanded scope to serve both markets. The Norval Foundation, known for its art collections and architecture, provides a fitting backdrop for this business-focused event.
For more information visit the ILTM Africa website or to express your interest to exhibit, please register here.
South Africa to introduce visas for film and MICE
South Africa has announced two new visa categories aimed at faster turnaround times for events and meetings as well as the film industry. The Screen Talent and Global Entertainment Scheme (STAGES) visa for the film sector is aimed at simplifying visa access for film production companies. STAGES will allow companies to apply for visas online, receive decisions “within hours” and applicants will not be required to visit missions in-person.
City Lodge Hotels partners with Sigma International and the SATSA Tourism Business Incubator to back small businesses
In collaboration with City Lodge Hotels (CLH) and Sigma International, SATSA is proud to support the fourth consecutive year of a successful Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) programme, designed to uplift and integrate small tourism businesses into the formal economy.
The initiative has already benefited 47 SMMEs since its inception, with entrepreneurs receiving tailored support in areas such as finance, marketing, AI tools, and operations. A standout feature of the programme is the on-the-ground mentorship provided by CLH general managers at 55 properties across the country.
The partnership not only contributes to real economic transformation in tourism, but also offers a scalable blueprint for inclusive, industry-led development.
