Celebrating the 11th Year of Africa Travel Week: A Staple in Cape Town's International Calendar - Cape Town Today
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Celebrating the 11th Year of Africa Travel Week: A Staple in Cape Town’s International Calendar

4 mins read
africa travel week cape town

Africa Travel Week is an exciting annual event in Cape Town, South Africa that showcases the best of the international travel industry. This year marks the 11th year of the event, which includes exhibitions, symposiums, and award galas for both luxury and general market tourism. With over 100 countries represented, the event is a prime opportunity for networking and deals worth around $450 million. The event has significantly contributed to Cape Town’s tourism industry, creating jobs and injecting an estimated R200 million into the local economy.

What is Africa Travel Week?

Africa Travel Week is an international event that takes place annually in Cape Town, South Africa. It marks its 11th year in 2024 and showcases a diverse range of exhibitions, symposiums, and award galas, extending from the high-end luxury tourism sector to more general market trends. The event includes the International Luxury Tourism Market Africa (ILTMA) and World Travel Market (WTM) Africa, bringing together industry veterans, exhibitors, hosted buyers, media personnel, and delegates from over 100 countries. The event stimulates economic activity through deals amounting to approximately $450 million that are signed at the World Travel Market Africa.

The Africa Travel Week, Cape Town’s international calendar’s sparkling event, is in the limelight, marking its 11th year of expansion and global tourism industry dominance. The yearly gathering of travel expertise commemorates a decade of notable progress in the ‘Mother City.’ It showcases a diverse range of exhibitions, symposiums, and award galas, extending from the high-end luxury tourism sector to more general market trends.

The Inaugural Ceremony of Africa Travel Week

The festivities kicked off with an introductory function for the International Luxury Tourism Market Africa (ILTMA), scheduled to accommodate more than 140 industry veterans. The participants range from exhibitors to hosted buyers and media personnel. The much-anticipated event is set to grace the lush Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens from the 7th to the 9th of April, 2024. The event promises curated interactions between the travel industry’s cream of the crop and the leading travel advisors and agents worldwide. These encounters will occur amidst Cape Town’s most luxurious assets, including nostalgic side car experiences and tastings in the wine-laden Constantia Valley.

The Advent of World Travel Market Africa

Following the ILTMA, the World Travel Market (WTM) Africa, a premier B2B exhibition for both inbound and outbound travel and tourism, will commence on 10 April at the CTICC. The event aims to bring together more than 7,000 delegates from over 100 countries. WTM Africa will expedite 9,500 pre-arranged meetings, establishing an unparalleled platform for trade, networking, and business opportunities.

Since its launch in 2014, Cape Town has been the proud host of the Africa Travel Week. Alderman JP Smith, the city’s Safety and Security Mayoral Committee Member, expressed his enthusiasm for the event’s consistent growth and economic impact. He further emphasized the city’s pledge to support the Africa Travel Week until 2025.

The Impact and Future Aspirations of Africa Travel Week

Since its inception, the World Travel Market Africa has accommodated more than 18,000 exhibitors and significantly contributed to the creation of 17,000 jobs. The event’s economic impact is immense, with an estimated R200 million injected directly into the local Cape Town economy. Annually, the event stimulates economic activity through deals amounting to approximately $450 million that are signed at the World Travel Market Africa.

Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, commends WTM Africa for its potential as a catalyst for business and job opportunities. He also emphasized Cape Town’s strategies to boost tourist numbers in the upcoming months, reflecting the city’s aim to create a tourism-related job in every household.

World Travel Market Africa will continue until Friday, 12 April 2024, providing both visitors and locals a thrilling insight into Cape Town’s dynamic tourism sector. This significant event in the city’s calendar not only highlights Cape Town’s appeal but also fuels substantial economic growth, contributing to the city’s robust tourism industry.

Africa Travel Week: A Keystone for Tourism Growth

In an increasingly travel-connected world, Africa Travel Week has earned its spot as the cornerstone for tourism expansion, not just in Cape Town, but across the continent. As Cape Town continues to evolve as a leading destination, the annual Africa Travel Week will indubitably play a pivotal role in shaping the city’s vibrant tourism landscape.

The wait has come to an end, and registration for this event is now open. The city of Cape Town is eagerly awaiting your presence and is all set to share its unparalleled offerings.

What is Africa Travel Week?

Africa Travel Week is an international event that takes place annually in Cape Town, South Africa. It marks its 11th year in 2024 and showcases a diverse range of exhibitions, symposiums, and award galas, extending from the high-end luxury tourism sector to more general market trends.

How many countries are represented in Africa Travel Week?

Over 100 countries are represented in Africa Travel Week, making it a prime opportunity for networking and deals worth around $450 million.

What is the economic impact of Africa Travel Week?

Africa Travel Week has significantly contributed to Cape Town’s tourism industry, creating jobs and injecting an estimated R200 million into the local economy. Annually, the event stimulates economic activity through deals amounting to approximately $450 million that are signed at the World Travel Market Africa.

What are the events included in Africa Travel Week?

Africa Travel Week includes the International Luxury Tourism Market Africa (ILTMA) and World Travel Market (WTM) Africa, bringing together industry veterans, exhibitors, hosted buyers, media personnel, and delegates.

When is the World Travel Market (WTM) Africa scheduled to take place?

The World Travel Market (WTM) Africa, a premier B2B exhibition for both inbound and outbound travel and tourism, will commence on 10 April at the CTICC.

What is the future of Africa Travel Week?

As Cape Town continues to evolve as a leading destination, the annual Africa Travel Week will indubitably play a pivotal role in shaping the city’s vibrant tourism landscape. Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, commends WTM Africa for its potential as a catalyst for business and job opportunities.

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