WTM Africa celebrates a busy first day

One of Africa’s most highly-anticipated travel trade shows opened its floors to inbound and outbound travel professionals today, hosting a varied mix of international buyers, local outbound specialists, tourism product and destination marketing organizations.

Prestigious WTM Africa Buyers were treated to a taste of Africa at the Hosted Buyer Welcome Party on Tuesday night, sponsored by GOLD Restaurant, setting the scene for a productive and stimulating three days ahead.

The first day of WTM Africa 2017 proved to be very exciting, with travel professionals buzzing around the Cape Town International Convention Centre between meetings and events. Highlights include the WTM Africa 2017 official opening by the host City of Cape Town, cutting edge discussions in the Travel Tech Theatre, a dedicated program for local outbound specialists, and key travel trends presented by Euromonitor for the years ahead in the WTM Africa Conference Theatre.

Chardonnay Marchesi, General Manager of Africa Travel Week, says: “There was a great buzz on the floor on the first day of WTM Africa, with buyers, attendees and media meeting throughout the day. The WTM Africa team has worked hard at creating a stimulating and innovative environment that not only encourages connections, but facilitates lucrative business meetings for attendees.”

Outbound destinations including Italy, Russia, Seychelles, Mauritius, France, Reunion, Turkey, Thailand and India were present to meet and encourage outbound travel specialists to package their countries. Presentations in the Outbound Conference Theatre offered insight into global travel trends pertinent to outbound travel.

Closing on a high, with two days still to go, Marchesi believes that 2017 will undoubtedly be best year yet for WTM Africa: “We’re looking forward to the next two days spent at the Cape Town International Conference Centre. Trade members that would still like to attend are able to register on-site at WTM Africa to ensure they don’t miss out on what promises to be an incredible show!”

The second day of WTM Africa 2017 promises just as many not-to-be-missed events including the African Responsible Tourism Awards, ibtm africa and a focus on the potential of sports tourism in Africa.

The Media Speed Networking will offer an exclusive opportunity to exhibitors at WTM Africa 2017 the chance to network with prominent media partners in attendance.

For highlights from WTM Africa 2017, visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts. Join in the conversation online using the hashtag #WTMA17.

eTN is a media partner for WTM.

PHOTO: WTM Africa 2017 opens its floor to attendees with James Vos, Shadow Minister of Tourism; Alderman Ian Neilson, Executive Deputy Mayor of the City of Cape Town; and Carol Weaving, Managing Director of Reed Exhibitions.