Nomazulu Moyo
CAPE TOWN, South Africa – The 10th edition of the WTM Africa kicked off Thursday with a remarkable 53% increase in attendees compared to the previous year.
The surge in participation, with unaudited numbers indicating representation from 88 countries from across the word, signaled a bright future for the African tourism industry, organisers said.
The event, known as Africa Travel Week (ATW), combines events like the Tourism Investment Forum Africa (TIFA), WTM Africa, and Equal Africa, among others. Taking place in the host city of Cape Town, ATW features seven networking events and the support of 53 partners, demonstrating the collaborative spirit that drives the week-long event.
Fresh Perspectives and Energy
First-time participants from various countries, including Greece, Iran, Switzerland, Lithuania, Tunisia, Benin, Philippines, Singapore, New Zealand, Japan, Colombia, and Peru, have added fresh energy and diverse perspectives to the event.
Minister Patricia De Lille’s Vision
Although unable to attend in person, South Africa’s Minister of Tourism, Patricia De Lille officially opened the conference via video call. She welcomed attendees and emphasised the need for collective efforts to continue the momentum of tourism in Africa.
“This year represents a time where we can take measures to break new ground and achieve exponential growth in our numbers,” Minister De Lille said.
She highlighted the importance of safety, sustainability, and expanding tourism beyond well-known destinations to include the hidden gems of lesser-known towns and villages across the continent.
She also noted, “Tourism is one of the most significant contributors to our economy, but we can do much more. One of the areas where the department is investing in supporting economic sustainability is through our various tourism incentive programmes.”
Ethical Debates and Responsible Tourism
The opening day featured lively content discussions, including topics related to responsible animal interactions that sparked crucial ethical debates. Cathrine S. Nyquist, Co-founder of Panthera Africa, made a powerful statement: “Just because it’s legal does not make it right”.
Additionally, a dynamic Responsible Tourism session hosted by Harold Goodwin, World Travel Market’s Responsible Tourism Advisor, showcased inspiring stories from three of the five African winners of the 2023 Responsible Tourism Awards. The stories demonstrated the continent’s commitment to sustainable travel practices.
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Celebrating Excellence in African Travel Journalism
The conference day concluded with the inaugural Media Awards, recognising excellence in African travel journalism. The winners included:
Sustainability Feature Award: Alexander Okere – Illegal Animal Trade
Visual Tourism Award: Kelly Hammond
Destination Feature Award: Phoebe Smith
Tourism News Award: Adele Mackenzie – Tourism Update
Carol Weaving’s Pride
Carol Weaving, Managing Director of RX Africa, expressed pride in celebrating the 10th anniversary of Africa Travel Week with such a phenomenal turnout. She emphasised that this growth was a testament to the resilience and rising global appeal of the African tourism industry. Weaving said she was looking forward to contributing to the continued success and positive transformation of travel on the continent.
Africa Travel Week 2024: A Testament to Vast Potential
Africa Travel Week 2024 has served as a testament to the continent’s vast potential in tourism. It has highlighted the collective commitment to fostering growth, innovation, and sustainability. As Minister De Lille declared, “We are open for business. We are open for tourists,” extending an invitation to the world to experience the rich diversity and beauty of Africa.
