Sustainability takes centre stage at WTM Africa 2024 | The Planner

Africa Travel Week 2024 is set to take place from 7 – 12 April 2024, in the vibrant city of Cape Town. This landmark 10-year anniversary WTM Africa programme brings exciting new partnerships, valuable business-building opportunities as well as engaging networking events. Registration grants access to a variety of bolt-on events, awards ceremonies, content workshops, social gatherings, product launches, exhibitor activations, and live performances.Β  WTM Africa is proud to announce its dedicated focus on sustainability for this year’s show at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).

Megan De Jager, Portfolio Director for Travel and Tourism at RX Africa, emphasises the importance of responsible choices to ensure the longevity and positive impact of the tourism sector. The event is committed to reducing its carbon footprint, minimising waste, and promoting accessible eco-friendly practices for businesses of all sizes.

 

Sustainable tourism has been a consistent theme throughout WTM Africa’s ten-year history, and the 2024 partnership with the City of Cape Town further strengthens this commitment. Geordin Hill-Lewis, the Executive Mayor of Cape Town, stresses the importance of sustainable tourism in balancing economic growth with environmental preservation.

Key eco-initiatives at WTM Africa 2024 include continued collaboration with the CTICC, the introduction of a WTM Africa app to reduce paper waste, recyclable badges and show bags, recycled PET plastic lanyards as well as the establishment of a Sustainability Village showcasing responsible tourism initiatives.

In addition to the Responsible Tourism Awards, WTM Africa 2024 is partnering with impactful initiatives such as the Recycled Flip Flop Sculptures Studio and Dunia Designs, both exemplifying sustainable practices in their respective fields.

De Jager underlines WTM Africa’s commitment to promoting sustainable practices and inspiring accountability within the tourism industry. The event aims to demonstrate how small changes can lead to significant and measurable impacts in the long term, making WTM Africa 2024 the most sustainable edition yet.