WTM Africa is shaking up the traditional conference model with a bold new format for its 2025 edition, introducing a series of theme-based mini-conferences designed to deliver deeper, more structured insights into the tourism industry’s most pressing issues.
A content refresh that puts learning first
Running from 9 to 11 April 2025 in Cape Town, WTM Africa 2025 will offer attendees curated learning journeys that explore challenges and solutions across core themes such as investment, aviation, responsible tourism, diversity and destination marketing. The aim is to replace fragmented panel discussions with sessions that build context, continuity and actionable insights.
“This restructured approach gives tourism professionals the clarity they need to truly understand complex challenges,” said Megan De Jager, Portfolio Director at RX Africa. “By clustering related sessions, we’re creating spaces where solutions can emerge.”
Key themes shaping the future of African tourism
Highlights of the refreshed format include:
- Africa Tourism Investment Conference (10 April): A full-day summit connecting investors and developers with projects. Moderated by JLL Africa’s Wayne Godwin, it features speakers from Nedbank, the IDC and leading safari operators.
- Aviation Focus (10 April): Tackling the continent’s connectivity barriers with insights from AASA CEO Aaron Munetsi and FlySafair’s Kirby Gordon on pricing, route development and visa restrictions.
- Media & Narrative (9 April): Exploring how perception shapes destination success, this stream includes a panel titled “Can African Destinations Thrive When Headlines = Headwinds?” and concludes with the Africa Travel Week Media Awards.
- Responsible Tourism (9–10 April): Curated by Dr Harold Goodwin, this stream looks at greenwashing, climate adaptation and nature-positive travel models, and concludes with the WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards.
- Inclusivity & Diversity: Includes a keynote by TEDx speaker Ruth Rathblott and practical sessions on building inclusive experiences and tapping into diversity-driven markets.
- State of the Industry (11 April): Led by Skift’s Michelle Gounden with data insights from Euromonitor International, this session will provide a macro view of African tourism’s current standing and future opportunities.
- Wine Tourism (11 April): A new dedicated track exploring the business potential of wine travel, featuring tastings and discussions with industry leaders from Creation Wines and Weltevrede.
Immersive platforms and networking
WTM Africa 2025 will span three main stages, the interactive Brain Box for workshops, and the immersive Super Reality Dome for select sessions. Southern Sun Hotels returns as the official hospitality partner, supporting the Hosted Buyer Programme and welcome events.
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis praised the event’s updated format: “Tourism is about job creation, infrastructure and economic transformation. Cape Town is proud to provide the stage for discussions that will shape Africa’s future in global travel.”
