WTM Africa introduces theme-based mini-conferences in 2025

WTM Africa is excited to announce a dynamic new content format for its upcoming event in just over a week. The reimagined programme introduces a series of theme-based mini-conferences designed to tackle the tourism industry’s most pressing challenges when leaders gather in Cape Town from April 9-11, 2025.

This approach is unique because most tourism conferences still rely on disconnected panel discussions, making it difficult for attendees to piece together a full picture of key industry challenges and solutions.

By structuring content into cohesive learning journeys, WTM Africa 2025 ensures that delegates can explore a topic in depth, follow a clear narrative, and gain actionable insights rather than just hearing fragmented viewpoints. This model mirrors the way professionals actually learn – through context, continuity, and engagement, rather than isolated soundbites.

“African tourism faces complex challenges that can’t be addressed in isolated conversations,” said Megan De Jager, Portfolio Director at RX Africa. “By clustering related sessions, we’re creating spaces where solutions can emerge.”

Mayor Hill-Lewis said, “This restructured approach will give tourism professionals the context they need to truly understand complex challenges. Tourism has the power to drive economic transformation, and these focused discussions will certainly help inform the future of the industry.” He highlighted the Host City of Cape Town’s role: “Tourism is about job creation, infrastructure, and economic transformation. Cape Town is proud to provide the stage for discussions that will shape Africa’s future in global travel.”

WTM Africa 2025 will feature more than 100 experts participating in the content programme. The event spans three stages plus an interactive Brain Box for hands-on workshops and the innovative Super Reality Dome for selected sessions.

The flagship Africa Tourism Investment Conference on April 10 anchors the event’s economic development focus, bringing financial institutions, developers and government officials together for a full day of structured dialogue. JLL Africa CEO Wayne Godwin will moderate discussions examining what investors seek from African tourism projects, with participation from Nedbank’s Warrick Haskell, the IDC’s Ken Ogwang, and safari industry leaders.

“Growing African tourism requires targeted capital – this summit directly connects projects with potential funders,” said De Jager. “We expect real business conversations to happen here.”

A dedicated Aviation Focus on April 10 confronts the continent’s persistent connectivity challenges, with AASA CEO Aaron Munetsi and FlySafair’s Kirby Gordon tackling pricing barriers and visa restrictions.

The Media & Narrative mini conference on April 9 examines how perception shapes destination success, featuring a frank panel discussion titled, Can African Destinations Thrive When Headlines = Headwinds?, with Wesgro’s Monika Iuel and international journalist Omololu Olumuyiwa, followed by the Africa Travel Week Media Awards where the best African journalists will be recognised.

Responsible Tourism programming spans over two half days under the guidance of global expert Dr. Harold Goodwin, culminating in the WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards on April 10. Sessions address climate adaptation, greenwashing prevention, and nature-positive tourism models with Grootbos founder Michael Lutzeyer.

The Inclusivity & Diversity theme features TEDx speaker Ruth Rathblott’s keynote on Unhide & Seek: Building Inclusion and Belonging in Travel, alongside practical workshops on creating sensory-friendly African experiences and capitalising on diversity markets.

The highly anticipated State of the Industry panel on April 11 will be moderated by global travel intelligence leader Skift, whose Director of Insights, Michelle Gounden, will lead a data-driven discussion on African tourism’s current position and future trajectory. The session will leverage comprehensive research from Euromonitor International, whose analyst Christy Tawii will present key findings on market trends, consumer behaviour and growth projections that will shape destination strategies in the coming years.

Wine Tourism emerges as a dedicated track on April 11, examining the sector’s evolution and business potential with experts including Creation Wines’ Carolyn Martin and Weltevrede’s Steyn Fullard, complemented by tastings in a special Wine Activation area.

Southern Sun Hotels returns as the official hospitality partner for WTM Africa’s Hosted Buyer Programme, sponsoring the exclusive welcome evening and networking events designed to connect international buyers with key industry stakeholders.

Full programme details available at https://www.wtm.com/africa/en-gb/conference-programme/programme.html#/sessions