(Posted 21st November 2025)
The countdown to World Travel Market (WTM) Africa 2026
has officially begun with the opening of trade visitor registration.
Taking place in the host city of Cape Town at the Cape Town International Convention Centre
(CTICC) from 14–16 April 2026, WTM Africa remains the premier B2B exhibition for inbound
and outbound African travel and tourism markets. The three-day event connects travel
professionals with new suppliers, experiences, insights and opportunities.
While registration is free until 13 March 2026, entry will cost R900 per person from 14 March
until 12 April 2026, rising to R1 265 per person from 13 April 2026.
Register now to secure your FREE place: https://www.wtm.com/africa/en-gb/enquire.html
“WTM Africa is more than an exhibition – it’s three days of connection, writing business, lead
generation, learning, and celebration,” says Megan De Jager, Portfolio Director at RX Africa.
“2026 is set to be our boldest programme yet, with new content tracks, power partnerships and
premium networking opportunities.”
What’s New and Not-to-Miss at WTM Africa 2026:
WTM Africa is proud to present its first-ever China Ready® Workshop in partnership with
China Business Intelligence Service Network (CBISN), taking place on 15 April at the WTM
Africa Global Stage. Designed for tourism businesses looking to attract Chinese visitors, this
expert-led session will provide powerful insights and CPD accreditation. Tickets for this session
are US$99 until 13 March (US$110 thereafter), and include a copy of the "China Outbound
Travel Market – Africa Report 2025" valued at US$149. Please note only 50 seats are available,
so early registration is essential.
The Africa Tourism Investment Conference (ATIC) will take place on 14 April at the CTICC’s
Global Stage. Presented in partnership with global investment leader JLL Africa and led by
respected strategist Gillian Saunders, ATIC is a premium full-day forum designed to drive
sustainable tourism development across the continent.
Back by popular demand, the Stellenbosch Experience (partnered with Visit Stellenbosch)
returns on 14 April, transforming the CTICC’s main gallery into a lively tasting and networking
experience inspired by the region’s signature street soirées. This forms part of the broader Wine
Tourism Conference, which includes the Blaauwklippen documentary premiere on 13 April.
“Stellenbosch and the Wine Routes are just minutes from Cape Town and offer an unmatched
blend of wine, food, art, culture, and adventure,” says Elmarie Rabe, General Manager of
Stellenbosch Wine Routes. “WTM is the perfect platform to share a taste of Stellenbosch.”
A strategic partnership between Women in Tourism (WIT) and Women in MICE (WIM) will see
the launch of the 2026 Women in MICE Awards and a high-profile breakfast event on 15 April.
This will be followed by a powerful WIT masterclass focused on leadership, personal branding,
and visibility for women in tourism. In addition, WIT will join forces with WTM Africa’s NextGen
Ready programme to present a co-created workshop targeting youth mentorship and gender
equality in tourism leadership.
The 2026 edition of WTM Africa also features the return of its highly successful content tracks,
developed to offer deep dives into the travel industry’s most relevant trends and themes.
Delegates can look forward to sessions on artificial intelligence, wine tourism, and LGBTQ+
travel, as well new topics such as authenticity in travel and traveller psychology.
A dedicated media programme will once again spotlight storytelling and responsible journalism
in the tourism industry and feature the third edition of the Africa Travel Week Media Awards.
Across the expo floor, immersive formats such as the Sound Garden and Brain Box will offer creative and accessible learning environments, panel discussions, and practical workshops led by some of the most sought-after voices in the travel space.
“Whether you're a tourism board looking to attract new markets, a travel startup breaking into
the global space, or a seasoned operator ready to scale, WTM Africa 2026 offers the platform –
and the people – to make it happen,” concluded Megan De Jager.
WTM Africa 2026 is proudly supported by partners who help elevate the event experience. Our
official local airline, Lift, makes travel seamless for attendees flying into Cape Town, while
Southern Sun and the President Hotel provide premium accommodation for delegates and
exhibitors. We’re also proud to partner with the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association
(IGLTA) as the official host of EQUAL Africa Pride – a vital conference platform promoting
diversity, inclusion, and LGBTQ+ travel across the continent.
