(Posted 10th October 2025)
The Africa Tourism Investment Conference (ATIC), one of the
continent’s leading gatherings for tourism investment, returns to Cape Town on 14th of April 2026 as
an integral part of World Travel Market (WTM) Africa. Held on the Global Stage at the Cape
Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), the conference is produced in partnership with
global real estate and investment leader JLL Africa and will once again be spearheaded by
respected industry strategist and Conference Director, Gillian Saunders.
ATIC 2026 offers a dynamic, full-day programme full of actionable insight designed to catalyse
sustainable tourism investment and cross-sector collaboration across Africa. With a strong
emphasis on meaningful engagement and real-world opportunities, ATIC delivers essential
knowledge sharing, impactful networking, and direct access to finance and investment leaders
shaping the future of tourism.
“Investment is the lifeblood of transformational tourism,” said Saunders. “ATIC goes beyond
traditional conferencing – we’re connecting key role players, including governments, banks,
DFIs, developers, and private capital, across the tourism value chain – all aligned around one
goal: unlocking the power of Africa’s tourism sector.”
Presented in Partnership with JLL\
With Africa’s tourism environment becoming increasingly attractive to global investors, JLL’s
alignment with the conference underscores ATIC’s strategic importance. JLL will bring its
hospitality and tourism advisory expertise to the fore with two of its leading experts headlining
the conference agenda:
Wayne Godwin, CEO: JLL Africa
Bernadine Galliver, Head of Tourism Advisory MEA
“This partnership with JLL strengthens the bridge between opportunity and capital,” says Megan
De Jager, Portfolio Director – Travel, Tourism & RX Africa Marketing. “Their experience across
mixed-use tourism investments, real estate, and destination building will provide attendees with
a much-needed edge when developing or scaling projects.”
Headline Speakers Announced
This year’s speaker lineup features high-level African and international voices across the
tourism investment spectrum, including:
Tim Harris, Economic Development Advisor and former CEO of Wesgro
Kelvin Watt, Chairman of Nielsen Sports SA
Paul Jordaan, Executive Director and Co-Founder, ENVI Lodges
Daniel Silke, Director, Political Futures Consulting
Paul Gardiner, Director, Mantis Group and Founder, Terra Nova Create
John Gibson, CEO, Chobe Holdings Limited
Each speaker brings a diverse and pragmatic perspective, from media monetisation in sports
tourism, eco-lodge development to public-private delivery models and regional investment case
studies.
What to Expect at ATIC 2026
This premium, paid-entry conference is designed for tourism professionals serious about turning
vision into viable ventures. Key features of ATIC 2026 include:
Deep-dive panel discussions with private and public sector leaders
Exclusive access to WTM Africa’s main exhibition floor
Industry insights underpinned by global and local market data
“The African tourism investment conversation is no longer peripheral – it’s central to the
continent’s economic development,” added De Jager. “ATIC provides the platform where deals
are sparked, feasibility is debated, and impact-driven investment takes root.”
Secure Your Spot Today
Tickets are now available! Early bird pricing is available at R1,250 per person (excluding VAT)
until the end of the year – an unmissable opportunity for those serious about access to Africa’s
fast-growing tourism and hospitality investment space.
Click here to register or visit the website to find out more.
