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Travel market looks at responsible tourism in Africa

Brand South Africa
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March 1st, 2015

2 March 2015

Responsible tourism will be a key focus of the World Travel Market Africa (WTM Africa), which runs from 15 to 17 April at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

The conference and seminar sessions, featuring key industry figures, “will offer all visitors the best insight into the industry and focus on the exciting future prospects for this emerging region’, say the organisers, Thebe Reed Exhibitions.

On the programme are:

WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Programme, led by Professor Harold Goodwin with a panel of local and International speakers, offering visitors the chance to discuss and learn about the latest sustainable tourism initiatives and thinking affecting the African continent;
iambassador and Traveldudes will host two sessions – the first outlining how international travel bloggers are changing the media landscape and the second a panel discussion about collaborating with bloggers, including perspectives from the blogger and industry sides, and will focus on best practices;
WTM Vision – Cape Town will examine the latest research on regional-specific trends and insights into what the future for those sectors might be, and Ronald Tinashe Mapiye, research analyst at Euromonitor International will discuss the evolution of tourism, with particular focus on domestic tourism in Sub-Saharan Africa.

WTM Africa is expected to exceed all targets and expectations, say the organisers. “The response we have received from exhibitors for our second year has just been tremendous and we are still signing up new exhibitors as we speak,’ said Carol Weaving, managing director of Thebe Reed Exhibitions.

“WTM Africa was a great success last year. I think our industry was mainly watching from the sidelines on how it would perform, and this year companies who are serious about meeting the right people, conducting productive meetings and getting a return on their investment, do not want to miss out.

“In addition, we are attracting not only buyers looking for African product alone. We are providing a holistic travel and tourism show that benefits all travel professionals from a wide variation of focus and this is exciting.’

WTM Africa was held for the first time in 2014. This year, there will be more than 400 exhibiting companies from over 60 countries around the globe, including other parts of Africa. There will also be debates and seminars, as well as topical and beneficial talks covering to-the-point topics that have a direct impact on the business of travel.

Exhibitors and visitors from the travel industry can expect to meet with hosted buyers on pre-set compulsory appointments and have access to Buyers Club members and other visiting travel professionals. There will be speed networking sessions, social engagements and events.

Source: World Travel Market