- World Travel Market Virtual commits support for SMEs with reduced rates to exhibit
- Multiple opportunities for stakeholders to engage and learn from each other with a compelling programme of panel discussions, presentations and events
Tourism SMEs across Africa will have a platform to connect with buyers globally at next month’s World Travel Market Africa (WTM Africa) Virtual, part of Africa Travel Week (ATW), with a special exhibitor package on offer to make it affordable and easy for SMEs to attend.
Tourism SMEs participating in World Travel Market Africa, held over three days from 7 to 9 April 2021, will have access to the virtual meeting platform and the opportunity to schedule 15 meetings, be included in the Product Showcase and also have a listing on ATW Connect’s Armchair Travel. WTM Africa will also host speed networking sessions on all three days at different times to connect buyers with exhibitors in short, five-minute meeting bursts.
Further, SMEs will have access to the exciting Content Programme which will feature two tracks tackling important topics like the Gen Z traveller, the changing landscape of the outbound market, rethinking tourism planning to deal with uncertainty and leveraging domestic tourism, among many other captivating industry-relevant topics.
“Our mantra of ‘Making Travel Happen Again’ does not lie solely in the hands of large tourism companies,” says Megan Oberholzer, Portfolio Director: Travel, Tourism & Sports Portfolio for Reed Exhibitions South Africa. “The fair majority of tourism businesses across Africa are what we would regard as SMEs and these play a crucial role in job creation and growing the economy. We want to give as many stakeholders as possible from all walks of tourism the opportunity to use our virtual platform to connect with their counterparts globally so that we can Unlock Africa for the world.”
The virtual format of WTM Africa will also apply to its suite of sister shows including International Luxury Market Africa (ILTMA), International Business Tourism Market Africa (IBTMA), The Sports & Tourism Exchange (SETE), Africa Tourism Investment Summit (ATIS), Travel Forward and EQUAL Africa.
“Our goal really is to provide a pivotal platform for the continent’s travel and tourism industry, inspiring, educating and rebuilding the travel and tourism industry over the course of the three days and beyond, whether you’re connecting with new buyers and exhibitors virtually, or attending the exciting panel discussions and presentations run by industry experts. ATW will put a firm spotlight on Africa’s tourism sector,” says Oberholzer.
To ensure a significant ROI, Oberholzer further confirms WTM Africa Virtual will be exclusive to buyers, exhibitors, trade professionals and media only, allowing them to connect with the highest level of travel trade industry professionals with direct purchasing power.
“Registered delegates will still have plenty of opportunities to generate leads, draw up new contracts, and keep the conversation going around bringing travel to Africa, and Africa to the world,” she adds.
“Of course, we would have loved to host our event live, and after a challenging year, are incredibly grateful that we can offer our industry a platform to connect, albeit virtually. Our Buyers are equally excited at the opportunity to connect.
“And, as our source markets roll out their vaccination programmes in earnest and our colleagues focus on ensuring that travel is safe, normal and enjoyable for our guests, we believe there’s no better time for us to foster this connection through a platform like Africa Travel Week. We can’t wait to see you!” concludes Oberholzer.
For more information on WTM Africa Virtual, visit: www.wtm.com/africa
