WTM Africa has announced early details of its Women in Tourism (WiT) programme for its 2027 edition, running 7 to 9 April 2027 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. The programme will centre on strategic skills development, giving women working across the tourism sector structured opportunities to build career capability ahead of the show.
The announcement was timed to Women’s Month and highlights a gap in senior representation within the industry: while the global share of tourism and hospitality board seats held by women doubled from 16 per cent in 2013 to 33 per cent in 2025, a World Travel & Tourism Council study found women hold just 42 per cent of mid-management positions and only 7 per cent of CEO or chair roles.
Workshop and MICE breakfast confirmed for 2027 programme
A confirmed highlight is “Empowering Female Leadership in Tourism,” an interactive workshop covering strategic decision-making, adaptive leadership, personal and corporate branding, mentorship and networking. The session follows the Women in MICE Breakfast, which is open to women working in the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions sector and will be used to launch new categories for the Women in MICE Awards 2027. Further programme details are expected closer to the show.
“As demand accelerates globally for inclusive leadership in travel and hospitality, we’re working to ensure that the effective upliftment of women in tourism remains a priority,” said Megan De Jager, Portfolio Director for Travel, Tourism and Sports at RX Africa, who was named Mentor of the Year at the 2026 Women in MICE Awards.
What advisors should know
WTM Africa 2027 runs from 7 to 9 April 2027 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. The 2024 edition of the show facilitated more than 10,000 pre-scheduled appointments and attracted over 10,000 visitors, both up on 2023 figures. Travel advisors, particularly those working with female-led agencies or interested in industry professional development, may find the WiT sessions relevant when planning attendance at the show.
