10 Reasons to Attend Word Travel Market Africa 2020
World Travel Market Africa 2020 is set to be the biggest edition of the African continent’s leading B2B Travel Trade Show yet, thanks to a host of exciting innovations, hyper-focussed events and opportunity-enabling partnerships. Here are our top ten reasons to visit #WTMA20.
The inaugural WTM Africa Travel & Tourism Awards
The WTM Africa Travel & Tourism Awards seek to reward individuals as well as small and large organisations, for powerful and compelling work in promoting tourism across Africa. Themed “Under African Skies”, WTM Africa seek to celebrate the success of national, regional and city tourist boards and recognize outstanding private sector companies and individuals. Entries for all 12 categories – from Most Compelling Tourism Story to Most Compelling Foodie Story – are currently open, with campaigns executed in the period 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2019, eligible for the 2020 WTM Africa Travel & Tourism Awards. For more details on each category, visit this link.
EQUAL in Africa
To better understand and successfully reach the LGBTQ+ traveller, EQUAL Africa debuts at #WTM20. This bolt-on conference, will bring together travel suppliers and buyers as well as lifestyle brands targeting the LGBTQ+ community.You’ll hear from influential people who can pass on some great lessons, enabling you to avoid the mistakes of brands who have ‘superficially’ tried to break into the LGBTQ+ market. Engaging in several educational sessions brings all of the debate about LGBTQ+ travel to the table. Open your mind to the realities of LGBTQ+ tourism with our in-depth programme, exploring everything from attracting the LGBTQ+ customer to safety and security concerns.
EQUAL Africa is proud to partner with the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA) who will lead the latest content in the Inspire Theatre on 6 April for WTM attendees.
Attendance isfree, but space is limited so book today!
ASATA Travel Agents’ Academy in Partnership with WTM Africa
2020 sees the introduction of the ‘ASATA Travel Agents’ Academy in partnership with WTM Africa, which will take place on 8 April, in the Destination Theatre. The event forms part of the ASATA Professionals’ Program (APP) and will comprise four 45-minute content sessions which will cover topics not currently part of the Program. Attendance (which is free of charge, with pre-registration) will also guarantee participants 20 of the 30 points required for APP graduation.
APP is an online system that recognises travel agents’ expertise, qualifications and practical skills to achieve professional recognition by ASATA and ultimately, a professional designation of Travel Practitioner or Travel Advisor. ASATA is the only local travel industry body to be accredited by the South African Qualifications Authority as a professional body. As such, it is the only association that can award a travel consultant a designation.
Hosted Buyers
World Travel Market Africa’s Hosted Buyer programme is a facilitated networking package which maximises business opportunities for qualified buyers, helping grow a network of reliable, high-quality suppliers at the African continent’s premiere B2B travel trade market.
With more than 700 exhibiting companies at WTM Africa covering the full spectrum of the travel industry – and just three days to make important contacts – the Hosted Buyer programme is a focussed package that offers exclusive access to a host of events that deliver quality connections. The Hosted Buyer programme allows participants to enjoy exclusive networking events; save time by meeting and doing business in one place with a range of high quality regional and international suppliers of their choosing; keep up to date with the latest market trends and innovations via presentations from industry leaders and top experts on the Events Programme; share knowledge and thoughts with like-minded travel professionals around the world, gain new insights and develop ideas and gain access to numerous networking platforms which will help cultivate new business contacts.
Participation in the Hosted Buyer programme is by invitation only, via an online ‘Registration of Interest’ process and subject to strict qualifying criteria.
IBTM Africa
IBTM Africa is set to grow at WTM Africa 2020, having evolved from a table-top event to a series of high-quality content-driven educational sessions, in the space of just two years. The event is aimed at Corporate Buyers, Corporate Travellers and MICE & Event Professionals and focusses on the challenges facing the meetings & events industry. The expanded format of IBTM Africa will see the event run in a dedicated venue.
Register to attend via www.ibtmafrica.com, with participation, free of charge, for registered attendees at WTM Africa 2020.
Travel Forward
The 7th edition of WTM Africa is marked by exciting growth, with expanded areas for Travel Forward (formerly the Travel Technology Show). Launched as a platform to inspire the travel and hospitality industry with next generation of technology, Travel Forward focusses on future-proofing travel businesses for the digital age, helping ensure relevance, improve revenue-generating opportunities and provide the opportunity to do one-on-one business with innovative tech providers.
Travel Forward will take place in a dedicated space on the show floor at WTM Africa at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, giving participants the opportunity to join sessions focusing on topics pertinent to technology and its influence on the industry, get involved in the interactive exhibition and get their hands on the industry’s latest tech.
Take a SETE
The exciting Sports & Events Tourism Exchange (SETE) at WTM Africa also grows in 2020, hosting a full-day conference in the Inspire Theatre. The annual Sports and Events Tourism Exchange, is the only event of its kind in Southern Africa and provides a platform that brings together businesses from the sports, events and tourism industries, SETE encourages collaboration between these sectors. SETE attempts to bridge the gap in the continental market to provide local event organizers and sports industry stakeholders with a platform to showcase their services and network amongst their peers – as well as maximising tourism potential around these international sporting events.
Seeza Pavilion
Networking Galore
Experience a Continent of Cultures in one venue
The popular WTM Africa Festivals give attendees the opportunity to indulge all five senses in immersive, destination-oriented experiences on the event floor after traditional working hours. Expect unique cuisine, dazzling drinks and a slice of local culture to get a different sense of more than 780 participating exhibitors’ offerings.
The 2020 edition of WTM Africa takes place in Cape Town from 6-8 April. Find out more about #WTMA20 at the web.
For more information or any media related questions relating to WTM Africa, please contact RedLip PR:
Robyn Elford | robyn@redlip.co.za | +27 83 460 5751
WTM Africa 2020 invitation to Skål International Members