Cape Town Delivered Another Successful WTM Africa In 2016

Thandisizwe Mgudlwa

Thousands made their way to Cape Town gets ready for the 2016 version of World Travel Market (WTM) Africa this week.

South Africa needs to watch, listen and learn from yet another opportunity that consists of the best in the tourism industry, in order for the country to develop it's economy.

Last year the Cape Town successfully hosted this premier travel event in Africa with thousands ascending to the 'Mother City' and created new and unforgettable memories.

For this years event though, exhibition leader, Thebe Reed Exhibitions for the third year running, brought Africa’s leading travel and tourism gurus to the southern most tip of Africa, Cape Town.

Cape Town, a multiple international award winning city, is known for its creativity, nature conservation and numerous historical, heritage and cultural pluralism.

Carol Weaving, Managing Director of Thebe Reed Exhibitions notes she had been keen to see as many local travel professionals as possible come through the doors during the 3 days of engaging travel and tourism business activities.  

The WTM Africa 2016, which kicked off on Wednesday and ended on Friday at the Cape Town Convention Centre (CTICC), is an event which organisers have confirmed that "the spotlight is on the continent as international exhibitors, buyers and visitors descend on Cape Town to create valuable partnerships and negotiate successful business deals which will contribute to the impact the industry has on the African economy."

WTM Africa also brings to the table, a diverse array of premium exhibitors, associations and tourism authorities.

"As Africa’s leading B2B exhibition for both inbound and outbound travel and tourism markets, presenting a diverse range of destinations and industry sectors to South African, African and International travel professionals. Through its industry networks, global reach and regional focus, WTM Africa creates exclusive business opportunities, providing industry professionals with quality contacts, content and communities," according to organisers.

And WTM Africa 2015 saw over 500 exhibitors showcase their products and services to 4127 trade professionals over 3 days, with 7600 prescheduled appointments and 2 days of very successful speed networking. 

This prestigious gathering has been blessed before with key tourism authorities exhibited here with then likes Abu Dhabi Tourism, Culture Authority. The Authority conserves and promotes the heritage and culture of such places as Abu Dhabi emirate. They manage the emirate’s tourism sector and markets the destination internationally through a wide range of activities aimed at attracting visitors and investment.

Tracey Krog, Country Manager, South Africa – Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority who commented that  WTM Africa 2015 was the first time destination Abu Dhabi and its key partners showcased prominently to the South African and African travel industry with exhibitors such as Etihad Airways and Oryx Tourism participating on the TCA Abu Dhabi stand.

Included in last years WTM Africa’s diverse array of exhibitors was Namibia Tourism. Area Manager for the destination, Cristina Cicognani, who has the distinction of showcasing the country along with 20 Namibian Tourism suppliers.

Cicognani noted, “WTM Africa has created a wonderful international platform for our Namibia Tourism Suppliers to showcase their tourist related products. Last year marked the year in which Namibia celebrated its Silver Jubilee, 25 years of successful and fruitful years of a peaceful independence. 

She said, Namibia Tourism Board is always proud to support their businesses in South Africa and to the International Tourist Trade.

A true highlight of WTM Africa 2015’s was the official charity, The Tourism Child Protection Code of Conduct (The Code), which together with leading South African tourism industry stakeholders signalled their game-changing approach to protecting children from the worst forms of exploitation. 

"The Code is an industry-driven, multi-stakeholder initiative with the mission to provide awareness, tools and support to the tourism industry in order to combat the sexual exploitation of children in contexts related to travel and tourism."