(Posted 14th October 2026)
Essence of Africa, Africa’s international buyer forum, has announced its content programme for the 2026 edition, taking place in Zanzibar from 20th to 22nd of October. The programme brings together African tourism businesses and international travel buyers to discuss changing market demand, opportunities for tourism growth and the experiences attracting travellers to the continent.
Highlights include Market Buzz, where travel specialists will share insights from key international markets, sessions introducing buyers to Zanzibar’s tourism offering, and discussions on the environmental and community impact of tourism. Sports tourism will also feature, with an initiative involving Uganda’s Rwenzori Marathon.
The forum will officially open on 19th of October at Diamonds Bijoux, with Zanzibar’s newly appointed Minister for Tourism and Heritage, Dr Nasra Nassor Omar, and her predecessor, Mudrik Ramadhan Soraga, expected as special guests.
“Zanzibar’s tourism growth has been impressive, and we’re pleased to bring Essence of Africa here at a time when there’s so much interest in the destination,” says Amanda Margison, Co-Founder of Essence of Africa. “We’re honoured to welcome representatives of Zanzibar’s tourism sector and introduce our international travel partners to the people and businesses behind that success.”
