With just two weeks remaining before doors open, WTM Africa 2026 is urging travel professionals to secure their place at what organisers describe as its most ambitious programme to date, signalling strong momentum for one of the continent’s key trade events.
The event will take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 13–15 April 2026, bringing together buyers, suppliers and industry leaders for three days of business-focused networking and more than 70 conference sessions.
Expanded content reflects shifting industry priorities
This year’s programme has been designed to address evolving trends across African tourism, with a strong focus on commercial opportunity and future-facing sectors.
New additions include a dedicated Wine Tourism Track, developed in partnership with the Wine Tourism Conference, highlighting the growing value of experiential and destination-led travel. The programme will also feature a documentary launch and curated tasting experience tied to Stellenbosch’s wine offering.
The event will also see the return of IBTM Africa, with a focus on the MICE sector, alongside the relaunch of the Sports & Events Tourism Exchange (SETE) in partnership with Nielsen Sports, reinforcing Africa’s positioning in global sports tourism.
Skills, sustainability and technology in focus
A strong emphasis has been placed on workforce development and future skills, with NextGen Ready sessions addressing the sector’s talent pipeline and the rise of hybrid roles blending technology and human expertise.
Technology and leadership will also take centre stage at the WiT Next Generation Leaders Roundtable, where under-35 industry professionals will explore leadership in an AI-driven landscape.
Sustainability remains a core pillar, with the Responsible Tourism Conference and Awards returning, alongside popular trade engagement formats such as speed networking.
Trade platform drives business and partnerships
For the Australian travel trade, WTM Africa continues to serve as a key gateway into the continent, offering direct access to African suppliers and product development insights across leisure, luxury and MICE sectors.
Cape Town, as host city, is expected to welcome a global mix of buyers and exhibitors, with organisers emphasising the event’s role in facilitating real business outcomes through pre-scheduled meetings and on-floor connections.
With the programme designed to maximise both knowledge-sharing and commercial return, the final registration push highlights the event’s positioning as a must-attend for those selling or packaging Africa.
