(Posted 06th March 2024)
Africa Travel Week 2024 scheduled from 07 – 12 April 2024 in the City of Cape Town
Landmark 10-year anniversary WTM Africa programme includes new partnerships,
value-add business-building opportunities, & interactive networking
Registration includes access to several bolt-on events, awards ceremonies, content
workshops, social events, product launches, exhibitor activations & live performances
WTM Africa, Africa’s leading B2B tourism trade event, is proud
to announce its commitment to sustainability at this year’s show, running from 03 – 05 April
2024 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).
“The expansion of our sector must go hand in hand with responsible choices to ensure its
longevity and lasting impact on the world,” says Megan De Jager, Portfolio Director – Travel,
Tourism at RX Africa before adding: “This year, we’re bringing it to the forefront, with heightened efforts in reducing our carbon footprint, minimising waste, and promoting accessible eco-friendly practices businesses at all levels can implement.”
Celebrating sustainable tourism has remained a green thread throughout the show’s ten-year
history. Their 2024 partnership with the City of Cape Town, one of Africa’s leading responsible
tourism destinations, reinforces this commitment.
“So much of what we do in the City of Cape Town relies on maximising our economic potential as a tourism destination, but this can’t come at an unaffordable cost to our environment,” adds Geordin Hill-Lewis, Executive Mayor of Cape Town.
“It is wonderful to see that sustainable tourism will be front and centre of the WTM Africa agenda this year. I applaud all efforts to promote impactful changes and to ensure that we can grow this sector without leaving a harmful footprint.”
Notable eco-initiatives at WTM Africa 2024 include:
Continued collaboration with host venue, the CTICC, which operates with a stringent
environmental policy and an environmental action plan
Introduction of a WTM Africa app to reduce paper waste throughout the show
Recyclable badges manufactured from 100% biodegradable Kraft paper, reusable show
bags – 100% cotton, and the implementation of digital and fabric signage.
Recycled PET plastic lanyards, courtesy of local eco-friendly product manufacturer,
E’Yako Green.
Introduction of the Sustainability Village. A walk-through hub bringing together artisans,
and thought leaders to highlight responsible tourism in action, including Uthanda and
Wild Survivors.
On-site Crafters Nexus showcasing local crafters as potential business partners for
delegates.
Collaboration with All About Africa Founder, Melissa Foley to establish resources for
attendees outlining actionable sustainable changes in their businesses.
Along with the Responsible Tourism Awards, spotlighting travel suppliers and their sustainability
successes, WTM Africa 2024 is partnering with several impactful initiatives. This includes
Recycled Flip Flop Sculptures Studio (RFFSS), a Cape Town-based studio founded by Davis
Ndungu that upcycles discarded flip flops into art.
To further emphasise sustainable choices in business decision-making, Dunia Designs was
selected to dress the show’s principal stage venue: the Inspire Theatre, powered by FNB
PayPal.
“Based in Tanzania, Dunia Designs is an eco-conscious company dedicated to transforming waste into wonder by crafting unique, high-quality from recycled materials,” says Alexis Cronin, Dunia Designs Founder.
“By merging local craftsmanship with a commitment to green practices, we not only address deforestation, plastic waste management, and job creation but provide a cost-effective supply chain solution to the hospitality industry.”
As an extension of RX Africa, Megan De Jager highlights WTM Africa’s responsibility to use their
platform to demonstrate how small yet thoughtful changes lead to a significant and measurable
impact in the long run.
“It’s time to challenge ourselves to think outside the box and explore new ways of inspiring greater accountability and local impact. We’re thrilled to announce that WTM Africa 2024 is set to be the most sustainable edition yet,” she concludes.
To attend WTM Africa 2024 and bolt-on events visit: https://www.wtm.com/africa/en-gb.html
