WTM Africa is a vibrant, culturally diverse, must attend business-to-business travel and tourism event. A great platform to increase your business opportunities in the African continent. From April 6 to 8 we will have a new chance to join the World Travel Market, and as we can't wait anymore, we have been talking with the organizers to get some details about the show and discover what makes it different from other trade shows of its kind. Chardonnay Marchesi, General Manager of Africa Travel Week has answered all the questions for nEventum.
What makes WTM different from other events of its kind?
Our differentiating points are that we cater to both the inbound and outbound sectors of travel and tourism. Located right at the southern tip of Africa, in the beautiful city of Cape Town, WTM Africa is the only show on the continent offering an African focused travel trade show. As we form part of the global WTM Portfolio, it gives us an advantage in terms of access we have to an extremely large bank of buyers from across the globe which enables us to bring new, qualified buyers to our exhibitors. We have no self-serving agenda or political affiliation. WTM Africa means business.
What are the highlights for WTM 2016?
- 2016, our third edition of WTM Africa, has already exceeded our expectations in terms of growth. All travel professionals involved can expect more exhibitors and more visitors.
- This year sees the introduction of the Travel Tech Show at WTM Africa where travel professionals can engage and learn about the very latest in travel technology products and trends.
- The Responsible Tourism Awards will also be taking place at WTM Africa for the third year.
- Our events and conferencing programme is jam-packed and has so much to offer with topical sessions presented by knowledgeable, global and local speakers. All involved in the business of travel and tourism, we strongly encourage you to make it your business to be in Cape Town at the CTICC on 6th, 7th and 8th of April.
Why in Cape Town, and what benefits brings the Show to the city?
We are extremely proud to enjoy a sound relationship with our Host City, the City of Cape Town and the CTICC, our chosen venue. The infrastructure is a perfect fit and our goals and aspirations for growth are aligned. As one of the major cities in Africa for business and leisure travel, and a strong example of Africa’s ability to provide world-class venues and experiences, Cape Town is definitely the host city of choice.
An Exhibition like WTM attracts many national and international companies and professionals that exhibit in Cape Town for the first time. Can you give them some tips?
Cape Town is known as the ‘Mother City’ because it was the first city to emerge in South Africa. South Africans are generally polite, friendly and accommodating to tourists. Public behaviour is very similar to what you might find in Europe. Here are a few tips from our host city, the City of Cape Town:
- Getting around is easy. Rent a car (you’ll need a valid driver’s licence) or use metered taxi services, catch the convenient My Citi Bus Service or get on a Metrorail train. For a guided experience call one of the 400 assessed tour operators that are accredited by Cape Town Tourism, or book a seat on the open-top City Sightseeing bus. The mobile app, Uber is also operational in Cape Town.
- The Host City of Cape Town is famous for their wide variety of quality restaurants and renowned local wine farms. Join the locals, while at WTM Africa and explore the flavours of Cape Town.
- Whilst in Cape Town, you will never be out of touch with the people you love back at home. South Africa has an excellent telecommunications network. Hire a cell phone at the airport or buy yourself a South African sim card.
- Cape Town is never out of season. From hot summer days to cooler, cosy winters there are many ways to connect with Cape Town.
- There is so much to do in the host city of Cape Town. During WTM Africa, the City of Cape Town will host a ‘First Thursday’, an initiative by the City of Cape Town whereby on the first Thursday of every month, people explore art galleries and cultural attractions in Cape Town until late by foot whilst enjoying a glass of local wine along the way.
- During the show, it will be autumn in Cape Town. The average temperature for the first week of April is a high of 25°C and a low of 14°C.
Who can attend the Show?
WTM Africa is the only B2B travel trade show where the continent of Africa meets. Travel trade professionals from across the globe attend WTM Africa, for the annual three-day event. We encourage all professionals from across the industry to attend; from travel agents and tour operators to travel media and bloggers, all are welcome.
Alongside WTM Africa takes place a comprehensive programme of seminars and conferences, as well as The Travel Tech Show. Can you highlight for us a session in particular?
Technology is the overarching themes of the 2016 show. The digital landscape is transforming the way people travel and it’s vital that the tourism and travel industries are kept abreast of the latest technology and trends regarding travel. There will be some very interesting and informative discussions at WTM Africa 2016 about technology in travel, as well as key industry technology leaders exhibiting at the show, such as Leigh Ingle, Managing Director of Tourplan Africa and Rory Kenny, Director of Mobile Partnerships & Affiliate EMEA at TripAdvisor.
We invite all those in the industry looking to transform their business digitally, to attend WTM Africa 2016 and gain better insight into the latest travel technologies available in Africa. The seminars will focus on: how travel technology has evolved over the years and our vision for the future; digital debate looking at the trends and challenges of digital marketing for the tourism industry; and the mobile revolution in the tourism space.
Finally, can you give us some participation details from the last edition?
In 2015, WTM Africa was attended by:
- 2,847 travel trade visitors
- 418 Buyers’ Club members
- 142 members of the press
- 197 hosted buyers
- 4,127 industry professionals.
Audited results showed an 18% increase in visitors and a 39% increase in trade professionals between 2014 and 2015. The 2015 edition of WTM Africa saw an impressive $333 million of new business being generated.
