In addition to leading the tourism industry, Mrs. Bernstein’s portfolio will also include Culture.

Mrs. Bernstein, a resident of Baie Lazare, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Journalism from Kingston University, London, and a Master’s degree in Diplomacy and International Studies from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London.

Her career began in the United Kingdom with the International HIV and AIDS Alliance, where she also served as Liaison Officer for the Commonwealth HIV and AIDS Action Group. These early roles honed her expertise in communication, advocacy, and awareness-raising on global health issues.

Upon returning to Seychelles, Mrs. Bernstein joined the Department of Foreign Affairs as Press Attaché, a role she held for three years. During this time, she collaborated closely with the Minister’s Office and national stakeholders to enhance public understanding of the department’s work and strengthen Seychelles’ presence on the international stage.

She later served as Principal Counsellor at the Seychelles Embassy in Addis Ababa, where she was instrumental in establishing the new diplomatic mission and advancing Seychelles’ engagement with the African Union. Upon completion of her mission, she returned to Seychelles to continue her service as Principal Counsellor in the Consular Division, coordinating with consuls worldwide and assisting Seychellois citizens abroad.

In her remarks to the National Assembly, Mrs. Bernstein described her years in the Foreign Affairs service as “deeply fulfilling and formative,” highlighting how the experience contributed to her professional and personal growth.

Beyond her diplomatic career, Mrs. Bernstein brings a wealth of experience from Seychelles’ private sector, having held senior positions at Barclays Bank (now ABSA) and within the wider commercial and financial services industry. During her tenure at Barclays, she contributed to the bank’s major rebranding initiative to ABSA—one of the most significant projects undertaken at the time. She has been involved in various technical, strategic, and financial projects, with her work consistently emphasising community engagement, stakeholder relations, and corporate social responsibility.

“My journey and experience in both the private sector and diplomacy, coupled with my drive and perseverance, have shaped my commitment to share the knowledge I have gained across the various fields I’ve worked in. I am ready to keep learning, to challenge the status quo, to make a difference, and to leave things better than I found them. Most importantly, I am ready to work hand in hand with every stakeholder,” she said during her presentation to the National Assembly.

Mrs. Bernstein’s background in communications, marketing, diplomacy, and partnership development aligns strongly with the Department’s strategic priorities, particularly in strengthening destination branding, advancing sustainability, and fostering innovation within the tourism, culture, and heritage sectors.

About Tourism Seychelles

Tourism Seychelles is the official destination marketing organisation for the Seychelles Islands. Committed to showcasing the islands’ unique natural beauty, cultural heritage, and luxurious experiences, Tourism Seychelles plays a pivotal role in promoting Seychelles as a premier travel destination worldwide.

Issued by

Celine Patterson | Big Ambitions 

Tel: +27 71 899 3780| Email: celine@bigambitions.co.za

Table of Contents

Cape Town – The Africa Tourism Investment Conference (ATIC), one of the continent’s leading gatherings for tourism investment, returns to Cape Town on 14 April 2026 as an integral part of World Travel Market (WTM) Africa. Held on the Global Stage at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), the conference is produced in partnership with global real estate and investment leader JLL Africa and will once again be spearheaded by respected industry strategist and Conference Director, Gillian Saunders.

ATIC 2026 offers a dynamic, full-day programme full of actionable insight designed to catalyse sustainable tourism investment and cross-sector collaboration across Africa. With a strong emphasis on meaningful engagement and real-world opportunities, ATIC delivers essential knowledge sharing, impactful networking, and direct access to finance and investment leaders shaping the future of tourism.

“Investment is the lifeblood of transformational tourism,” said Saunders. “ATIC goes beyond traditional conferencing – we’re connecting key role players, including governments, banks, DFIs, developers, and private capital, across the tourism value chain – all aligned around one goal: unlocking the power of Africa’s tourism sector.”

Presented in Partnership with JLL

With Africa’s tourism environment becoming increasingly attractive to global investors, JLL’s alignment with the conference underscores ATIC’s strategic importance. JLL will bring its hospitality and tourism advisory expertise to the fore with two of its leading experts headlining the conference agenda:

• Wayne Godwin, CEO: JLL Africa
• Bernadine Galliver, Head of Tourism Advisory MEA

“This partnership with JLL strengthens the bridge between opportunity and capital,” says Megan De Jager, Portfolio Director – Travel, Tourism & RX Africa Marketing. “Their experience across mixed-use tourism investments, real estate, and destination building will provide attendees with a much-needed edge when developing or scaling projects.”

Headline Speakers Announced

This year’s speaker lineup features high-level African and international voices across the tourism investment spectrum, including:

• Tim Harris, Economic Development Advisor and former CEO of Wesgro
• Kelvin Watt, Chairman of Nielsen Sports SA
• Paul Jordaan, Executive Director and Co-Founder, ENVI Lodges
• Daniel Silke, Director, Political Futures Consulting
• Paul Gardiner, Director, Mantis Group and Founder, Terra Nova Create
• John Gibson, CEO, Chobe Holdings Limited

Each speaker brings a diverse and pragmatic perspective, from media monetisation in sports tourism, eco-lodge development to public-private delivery models and regional investment case studies.

What to Expect at ATIC 2026

This premium, paid-entry conference is designed for tourism professionals serious about turning vision into viable ventures. Key features of ATIC 2026 include:

• Deep-dive panel discussions with private and public sector leaders
• Exclusive access to WTM Africa’s main exhibition floor
• Industry insights underpinned by global and local market data

“The African tourism investment conversation is no longer peripheral – it’s central to the continent’s economic development,” says De Jager. “ATIC provides the platform where deals are sparked, feasibility is debated, and impact-driven investment takes root.”

Secure Your Spot Today

Tickets are now available! Early bird pricing is available at R1,250 per person (excluding VAT) until the end of the year – an unmissable opportunity for those serious about access to Africa’s fast-growing tourism and hospitality investment space.

Click here to register or visit the website to find out more.

-ENDS-

Issued by: Big Ambitions 

Contact: Sonnette Fourie

Tel: +27 81 072 2869 

Email: sonnette@bigambitions.co.za 

Notes to editors:

About CBISN
CBISN is a leader in market intelligence and capacity-building services for those engaging with the Chinese outbound tourism market. Their partnership with WTM Africa aims to provide African stakeholders with actionable insights and tools to welcome and serve Chinese visitors more effectively.

Now in its 33nd year, Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is the leading international travel and tourism event in the Middle East for inbound and outbound tourism professionals. Held annually at the Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM 2024 spanned 12 halls, making it the largest edition to date. The event attracted over 47,000 attendees and more than 35,000 visitors (including 6,000+ high-value buyers) and over 2,550 exhibitors and representatives from over 161 countries. In 2025, ATM will expand to 13 halls, growing across all sectors, and will continue to be a crucial gathering for the global travel and tourism industry. Arabian Travel Market is part of Arabian Travel Week. #ATMDubai

ATM takes place from 4 – 7 May 2026, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai.
https://www.wtm.com/atm/en-gb.html

Arabian Travel Week is a week-long festival of events alongside Arabian Travel Market 2025. Providing a renewed focus for the Middle East’s travel and tourism sector, it includes Start-Up Competition, Influencers’ Event, GBTA Business Travel Forums, and ATM Travel Tech. The event also features ATM Buyer Networking and a series of country forums.

https://www.wtm.com/arabian-travel-week/en-gb.html

About RX

RX is a global leader in events and exhibitions, leveraging industry expertise, data, and technology to build businesses for individuals, communities, and organisations. With a presence in 25 countries across 42 industry sectors, RX hosts approximately 350 events annually. RX is committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people. RX empowers businesses to thrive by leveraging data-driven insights and digital solutions. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. For more information, visit www.rxglobal.com.

About RELX

RELX is a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. RELX serves customers in more than 180 countries and has offices in about 40 countries. It employs more than 36,000 people over 40% of whom are in North America. The shares of RELX PLC, the parent company, are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York stock exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX. *Note: Current market capitalisation can be found at http://www.relx.com/investors

World Travel Market (WTM) Portfolio comprises leading travel events and online portals across four continents. The events are Arabian Travel Market, WTM London, WTM Latin America and WTM Africa.

WTM London is the world’s most influential travel & tourism event for the global travel community. The show is the ultimate destination for those seeking a macro view of the travel industry and a deeper understanding of the forces shaping it. WTM London is where influential travel leaders, buyers and high-profile travel companies gather to exchange ideas, drive innovation, and accelerate business outcomes.

Next event: 4 to 6 November 2025 at ExCel London

http://london.wtm.com/

WTM Latin America is held annually in São Paulo and attracts more than 29,000 tourism professionals during the three-day event. The event offers a qualified content combined with networking and business opportunities. In its most recent edition, in 2024, WTM Latin America maintained its focus on the effective generation of business and managed to secure the early scheduling of more than six thousand meetings that were held between buyers, travel agents, and exhibitors.  WTM Latin America contents are available in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Next event: 14 to 16 April 2026, Expo Center Norte, São Paulo, Brasil
latinamerica.wtm.com

WTM Africa launched in 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. In 2024, WTM Africa facilitated more than 10 thousand unique pre-scheduled appointments, an increase of more than 8% compared to 2023 and welcomed more than 10 thousand visitors (unaudited), 25% more than 2023.

Next event: 13 to 15 April 2026 – Cape Town International Convention Centre, Cape Town http://africa.wtm.com/

About ATW Connect:  Africa Travel Week’s digital arm, is a virtual hub packed to the seams with interesting content, industry news and insights, and the opportunity to hear from experts on a variety of topics in our new monthly webinar series. All with the aim to keep all of us in the travel and tourism industry connected. ATW Connect focuses on inbound and outbound markets for general leisure tourism, luxury travel and the MICE/business travel sector as well as travel technology.

https://atwconnect.com/

WTM Global Hub, is the WTM Portfolio online portal created to connect and support travel industry professionals around the world. The resource hub offers the latest guidance and knowledge to help exhibitors, buyers and others in the travel industry face the challenges of the global coronavirus pandemic. WTM Portfolio is tapping into its global network of experts to create content for the hub. https://hub.wtm.com/

Table of Contents

Cape Town – The newly released ‘2025 State of the African Industry Report: Ignite Africa!’ reveals billion-dollar blind spots holding back African tourism – and provides an actionable roadmap for reversing stagnation as global arrivals rebound unevenly across the continent.

“The response since the report was released at WTM Africa has been overwhelming,” said Megan De Jager, Portfolio Director at Africa Travel Week. “This isn’t just another trend wrap-up. We’re asking uncomfortable but necessary questions: Who are we building tourism for? Are we innovating fast enough? And most importantly – are we telling our own story or someone else’s?”

Key Findings Driving Industry Conversation

Since its release, several critical insights have sparked particularly strong industry response:

• Market Misalignment: While Africa continues focusing on slow-recovering Western markets, high-growth opportunities in Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America remain largely untapped. Middle Eastern travellers spend up to US$15,000 per trip, yet most African destinations lack tailored offerings for these valuable segments.
  
  According to Michelle Gounden, Director: Insights, Skift Advisory “Too many African destinations are fighting for the same shrinking pie (primarily Western long-haul travellers) when the real opportunity lies in diversification. Skift’s data shows that outbound travel from the Middle East and India is growing at double the global average, yet tailored experiences for these markets remain limited. It’s time for a bold pivot in both marketing strategy and product design.”

• The “Africa Premium” Explained: The report demystifies why African safaris cost 35-50% more than comparable global experiences like Galápagos expeditions. Rather than excessive profits, structural challenges including infrastructure deficits (flights costing 45% more than in Europe/Asia), currency volatility (30-50% depreciation), and operating risks force tourism businesses to maintain higher margins simply to remain viable.

• Overlooked Billion-Dollar Markets: Neurodivergent travellers represent a US$60 billion global market, with 93% of parents with autistic children saying they would travel more if appropriate options were available. Despite Africa’s natural advantages for low-stimulation experiences, the continent lags behind global destinations in serving this segment.

• Infrastructure Reality Check: While 97.8% of travel executives believe AI will transform tourism within five years, the report documents how basic infrastructure failures—including fuel shortages at major airports and the withdrawal of 326 flight procedures—threaten to undermine digital ambitions.

The report has sparked frank conversations among industry leaders about what needs fixing, and what’s possible, with bold strategy shifts.

“We’re still sitting at only 81% of our pre-pandemic arrivals while Kenya is already at 134%. Put simply: we’re underperforming our potential,” says David Frost, CEO of SATSA. “We need smarter aviation policies and targeted marketing efforts if we want real recovery, not just incremental gains.”

Tourism professionals who missed the WTM Africa launch can now download the full report here.

Catch the Beat at WTM Africa 2026!

Early Bird registrations are now open! Don’t miss this opportunity to secure your space at Africa’s leading B2B travel and tourism event at a discounted rate. Get in touch with our team to register your interest and be part of next year’s show, taking place from 13–15 April 2026 at the CTICC in Cape Town.

-ENDS-

Issued by: Big Ambitions 

Contact: Sonnette Fourie

Tel: +27 81 072 2869 

Email: sonnette@bigambitions.co.za 

Notes to editors:

Now in its 32nd year, Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is the leading international travel and tourism event in the Middle East for inbound and outbound tourism professionals. Held annually at the Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM 2024 spanned 12 halls, making it the largest edition to date. The event attracted over 47,000 attendees and more than 35,000 visitors (including 6,000+ high-value buyers) and over 2,550 exhibitors and representatives from over 161 countries. In 2025, ATM will expand to 13 halls, growing across all sectors, and will continue to be a crucial gathering for the global travel and tourism industry. Arabian Travel Market is part of Arabian Travel Week. #ATMDubai

ATM takes place from 28 April to 1 May 2025, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai.
https://www.wtm.com/atm/en-gb.html

Arabian Travel Week is a week-long festival of events from 28 April to 4 May, alongside Arabian Travel Market 2025. Providing a renewed focus for the Middle East’s travel and tourism sector, it includes Start-Up Competition, Influencers’ Event, GBTA Business Travel Forums, and ATM Travel Tech. The event also features ATM Buyer Networking and a series of country forums.

https://www.wtm.com/arabian-travel-week/en-gb.html

About RX

RX is a global leader in events and exhibitions, leveraging industry expertise, data, and technology to build businesses for individuals, communities, and organisations. With a presence in 25 countries across 42 industry sectors, RX hosts approximately 350 events annually. RX is committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people. RX empowers businesses to thrive by leveraging data-driven insights and digital solutions. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. For more information, visit www.rxglobal.com.

About RELX

RELX is a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. RELX serves customers in more than 180 countries and has offices in about 40 countries. It employs more than 36,000 people over 40% of whom are in North America. The shares of RELX PLC, the parent company, are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York stock exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX. *Note: Current market capitalisation can be found at http://www.relx.com/investors

World Travel Market (WTM) Portfolio comprises leading travel events and online portals across four continents. The events are Arabian Travel Market, WTM London, WTM Latin America and WTM Africa.

WTM London is the world’s most influential travel & tourism event for the global travel community. The show is the ultimate destination for those seeking a macro view of the travel industry and a deeper understanding of the forces shaping it. WTM London is where influential travel leaders, buyers and high-profile travel companies gather to exchange ideas, drive innovation, and accelerate business outcomes.

Next event: 4 to 6 November 2025 at ExCel London

http://london.wtm.com/

WTM Latin America is held annually in São Paulo and attracts more than 29,000 tourism professionals during the three-day event. The event offers a qualified content combined with networking and business opportunities. In its most recent edition, in 2024, WTM Latin America maintained its focus on the effective generation of business and managed to secure the early scheduling of more than six thousand meetings that were held between buyers, travel agents, and exhibitors.  WTM Latin America contents are available in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Next event: 14 – 16 April 2025, Expo Center Norte, São Paulo, Brasil
latinamerica.wtm.com

WTM Africa launched in 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. In 2024, WTM Africa facilitated more than 10 thousand unique pre-scheduled appointments, an increase of more than 8% compared to 2023 and welcomed more than 10 thousand visitors (unaudited), 25% more than 2023.

Next event: 9 to 11 April 2025 – Cape Town International Convention Centre, Cape Town http://africa.wtm.com/

About ATW Connect:  Africa Travel Week’s digital arm, is a virtual hub packed to the seams with interesting content, industry news and insights, and the opportunity to hear from experts on a variety of topics in our new monthly webinar series. All with the aim to keep all of us in the travel and tourism industry connected. ATW Connect focuses on inbound and outbound markets for general leisure tourism, luxury travel and the MICE/business travel sector as well as travel technology.

https://atwconnect.com/WTM Global Hub, is the WTM Portfolio online portal created to connect and support travel industry professionals around the world. The resource hub offers the latest guidance and knowledge to help exhibitors, buyers and others in the travel industry face the challenges of the global coronavirus pandemic. WTM Portfolio is tapping into its global network of experts to create content for the hub. https://hub.wtm.com/

The inaugural event, which will take place from 2 – 4 December in Nairobi, Kenya, gives pre-qualified international buyers access to multi-destination FAM trips spanning six key countries: Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, Madagascar, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. This innovative approach is a cornerstone of Essence of Africa’s strategy, marking a new era in buyer engagement within the African tourism sector.

A recent survey conducted by Essence of Africa identified significant challenges within the tourism industry, notably the difficulty in finding qualified buyers. Essence of Africa addresses this challenge by meticulously curating its audience, ensuring that exhibitors connect with the right buyers. This targeted engagement maximises exhibitors’ return on investment and mitigates the difficulties associated with independently identifying and reaching qualified buyers.

How FAM trips address Africa’s tourism growth challenges 

Despite the African travel and tourism sector being poised for significant growth – 6.5% per year over the next decade, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council in collaboration with VFS Global – there are challenges hindering accelerated development.

For instance, feedback from major source markets indicates that the global travel trade often lacks sufficient knowledge about Africa, impeding their ability to effectively sell the continent’s diverse offerings. FAM trips play an instrumental role in bridging this knowledge gap, exposing buyers to Africa’s landscapes, cultures, and one-of-a-kind experiences firsthand so they can confidently share them with their clients.

“Ultimately, FAM trips are more than perks; they’re essential investments in growing tourism and understanding a destination’s true potential,” says Amanda Margison, Co-Founder of Essence of Africa and On Show Solutions. “Essence of Africa facilitates far-reaching connections between buyers and suppliers, ensuring long-term mutual benefits.”

Buyers often report organising effective FAM trips a complex and resource intensive exercise. Essence of Africa simplifies this process by offering a turnkey solution, allowing buyers to build relationships with suppliers and explore business opportunities without the stress of managing logistics. 

“Essence of Africa is committed to creating a platform that encourages meaningful connections and drives sustainable growth within the African tourism industry. We hope that through our FAM trips, we empower buyers to become true ambassadors for African travel, positioning the continent as a premier travel destination on the global stage,” Margison concludes.

As the organisation’s first African female CEO, Kgomotso Ramothea, takes the reins with a vision to further expand the continent’s largest tourism network.

Kgomotso brings over 20 years’ experience in marketing and communications across various industries. Her most recent experience was working as Acting Hub Head for South African Tourism in the United Kingdom where she directed the tourism board’s UK and Irish marketing strategy.

Says Kgomotso: “I am honoured to take on this pivotal role at ATTA® and committed to driving inclusive growth in tourism to Africa.  The team will be focussed on reinforcing the existing trust the organisation enjoys amongst stakeholders and ensure ATTA® remains relevant and indispensable to members’ businesses, through events and other tangible benefits.“

Kgomotso will working alongside Chris Mears, who is the CEO of ATTA® Events. She will be based at ATTA®’s new office (Matrix Studios, 91 Peterborough Road, SW6 3BU) and can be contacted via email – kgomotso@atta.travel.

Kgomotso’s appointment comes as James Haigh steps in as ATTA®’s new Chair from October 2024, taking over from outgoing Chair Nick Aslin.

James has extensive tourism experience built from 25 years of working across several African countries including, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Africa, as well as consultancy work in Gabon, and São Tomé and Príncipe.

The dual appointment of Kgomotso and James complements ATTA®’s senior and executive leadership and strengthens the organisation’s role as the leading authority and trusted voice of African tourism, says Nigel Vere Nicoll, President and Group Managing Director.

“We are pleased to have both leading the direction of ATTA® and we know that their extensive experience across Africa’s travel and tourism industry will directly benefit members,” Nigel concludes.

“We’re not just hosting events, we’re building platforms for lasting change,” says Carol Weaving, MD of RX Africa. ” When global icons like Steve Harvey and Dan Fogler commit to our events, it sends a powerful message about Africa’s potential. It elevates the entire experience, attracts global attention, and creates a ripple effect that benefits everyone involved.”

Harvey’s presence at FAME Week Africa 2024, taking place in Cape Town from September 1st to 7th, is especially significant. He’ll be championing the “Botswana Ignite!” initiative, a programme designed to propel the nation’s creative economy. Attendees can expect insightful keynote addresses, revealing fireside chats, and unparalleled access to one of the biggest names in global entertainment as he shines a spotlight on Africa’s rising stars.

This year’s Comic Con Africa also continues the tradition of welcoming internationally-renowned guests. Actor Dan Fogler, best known for his roles in the “Fantastic Beasts” series and “The Walking Dead,” joins the event from September 27-29th, 2024. Comic Con Africa has previously hosted heavy hitters like Anthony Daniels (Star Wars) and William Shatner (Star Trek), with more exciting guest announcements to come.

RX Africa’s commitment to attracting global game-changers extends across its diverse portfolio. For WTM Africa, a leading travel trade show, RX Africa is securing the biggest names in global tourism to share insights and drive investment in the continent’s growing travel sector. Similarly, Decorex Africa, a renowned décor and design exhibition, recently hosted a stellar line-up of top international designers, showcasing the latest trends and innovations to inspire and elevate African talent.

This strategic approach delivers multiple benefits. Attracting major international players elevates the profile of RX Africa events, drawing more media attention, sponsorships, and investment opportunities that benefit the entire continent. By providing platforms for African creatives and businesses to connect with global leaders, RX Africa facilitates knowledge sharing, mentorship, and potential collaborations that accelerate growth and innovation.

Furthermore, these high-profile events challenge preconceived notions and showcase Africa as a hub of creativity, innovation, and economic opportunity. This positive shift in global perception is key to attracting further investment and fostering long-term growth across various sectors.

The presence of Steve Harvey at FAME Week Africa 2024, along with RX Africa’s ongoing efforts to secure top talent like Dan Fogler for its events, sends a clear message: Africa is open for business, brimming with talent, and ready to take center stage.

RX Africa’s strategy of bringing global icons to its events is redefining the landscape of African trade shows and exhibitions. By creating world-class platforms that attract international attention, the company is playing a pivotal role in positioning Africa as a major player in the global creative and economic arena. This approach not only benefits the immediate participants but also contributes to the broader goal of sustainable development and economic growth across the continent.

** ends **

For more information contact Olivia Gradidge – olivia.gradidge@rxglobal.com

About RX  

RX is a global leader in events and exhibitions, leveraging industry expertise, data, and technology to build businesses for individuals, communities, and organisations. With a presence in 25 countries across 42 industry sectors, RX hosts approximately 350 events annually. RX is committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people.  RX empowers businesses to thrive by leveraging data-driven insights and digital solutions. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. For more information, visit www.rxglobal.com. 

About RELX

RELX is a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. RELX serves customers in more than 180 countries and has offices in about 40 countries. It employs more than 36,000 people over 40% of whom are in North America. The shares of RELX PLC, the parent company, are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York stock exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX.

*Note: Current market capitalisation can be found at http://www.relx.com/investors

The show saw a notable surge in international buyers, signalling strong interest in the continent’s diverse tourism offerings. Among the top countries represented by buyers are the UK, Belgium, USA, Netherlands, China, and Italy, underscoring the global appeal of African travel experiences. The show floor is buzzing with over 7,480 pre-scheduled appointments, reflecting a high level of engagement and anticipation among buyers eager to connect with exhibitors. 

“We are the voice of Africa, and Experience Africa this week will be testament to that,” said Nigel Vere Nicoll, President of the African Travel and Tourism Association (ATTA®) during the opening address at Experience Africa on Monday morning. 

“The impressive turnout of international buyers at this year’s Experience Africa is a testament to the growing recognition of Africa as a must-visit destination,” says Chris Mears, CEO of Experience Africa Events. “We’ve got a fantastic programme of content sessions and destination training, but most important, it’s about the meetings that you’re going to have, and the connections between African tourism businesses and the global travel trade.” 

Experience Africa 2024 is set to be a hub for networking, knowledge-sharing and deal-making, featuring South Africa as the headline destination and the Botswana Tourism Organisation as a key sponsor. 

Key highlights of this year’s event include: 

• 266 buyers from 20 countries 

• 183 exhibiting organisations from 19 countries 

• 4 industry partners 

• A record-breaking 7,480 pre-scheduled appointments 

The inaugural ATTA® for Action Awards, sponsored by the Botswana Tourism Organisation, will also take place during Experience Africa 2024. The awards programme is designed to recognise and celebrate companies that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism practices in Africa. 

Experience Africa 2024 will continue over the next three days, providing a platform for networking, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration. Attendees can expect a rich programme of destination training sessions, panel discussions, and other engaging activities. 

This policy shift appears to contradict Namibia Airports Company’s recently launched air access strategy, “Air Connect Namibia”, aimed at increasing international flights and connectivity. The implementation of stricter visa requirements could have a detrimental impact on various sectors of Namibia’s economy, including tourism, hospitality, transportation, and retail, all of which rely heavily on international visitors.

Evidence from across Africa, including success stories from Rwanda and Zambia, demonstrates that visa liberalisation significantly boosts tourism, foreign investment, and overall economic growth. A more open visa policy attracts a diverse range of visitors, including business travellers, investors, and tourists, who contribute to the economy through spending, job creation, and tax revenue. The Africa Visa Openness Index 2023 highlights that visa openness is crucial for Africa’s tourism industry, serving as a catalyst for economic growth.

“A restrictive visa regime can negatively impact the entire tourism value chain,” says Natalia Rosa, Project Lead for the SADC Business Council Tourism Alliance. “It hinders not only leisure travel but also business travel, conferences, events, education, and trade, thereby limiting overall economic growth and development.”

Several African countries, including those within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), are moving towards more liberal visa policies. Namibia risks falling behind its regional peers and losing its competitive edge as a tourist destination if it adopts a more restrictive approach.

“We urge the Namibian government to reconsider these restrictive measures and engage in dialogue with stakeholders to find solutions that balance security concerns with the need for economic growth and regional competitiveness,” adds Rosa. “Aligning visa policies with the air access strategy is essential to maximise the benefits of increased flight options and attract a larger influx of travellers. Namibia could look to successful examples like Rwanda, which has seen significant growth in its MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism sector due to visa liberalisation and investment in infrastructure.”

One of the first countries to introduce a remote working visa recognising the demand post-COVID, Namibia’s visa regime U-turn is puzzling, particularly as SADC prepares to pilot its Univisa.

Instead of tightening visa restrictions, Namibia could explore alternative solutions such as implementing more efficient visa processing systems (e.g., e-visas), targeted visa waivers for specific groups, or enhanced security measures at borders.

“All barriers to entry for international visitors must be critically examined and addressed to encourage longer stays, increase spending in the economy, and accelerate the recovery of the tourism sector,” Rosa concludes.

The SADC Business Council Tourism Alliance remains committed to supporting Namibia’s tourism industry and advocating for policies that promote sustainable growth and development.

The SADC skills audit reveals noticeable gaps in digital literacy, customer service, communication and management skills. In particular smaller businesses are struggling, with many lacking basic digital skills. This threatens the growth potential and sustainability of enterprises in the tourism and hospitality space.

The results also show that small to medium-sized enterprises, forming the backbone of the region’s tourism, are most in need of management and digital skills. Larger enterprises also face challenges in filling managerial roles, indicating a widespread issue across the sector.

“Tourism globally is undergoing a digital revolution, yet many of our SADC enterprises risk getting left behind,” says Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, interim chairperson for the Manager for the SADC Business Council. “We need concerted efforts, from both public and private sectors, to rapidly upskill employees if SADC hopes to remain competitive.”

Besides basic digital skills, the report calls for increasing work-integrated learning opportunities, developing niche skills credentials, subsidizing training access for SMEs, cultivating industry-academia partnerships, and investing in upskilling trainers. These actions aim to bridge the existing skills gap and prepare the workforce for the digital age.

The SADC Business Council is committed to driving these changes, working collaboratively with governments, training institutions, and industry leaders. This initiative is not just about enhancing skills but also about unlocking the full potential of tourism in the SADC region, contributing significantly to economic growth and job creation.

“We stand at a pivotal moment,” added Tshivhengwa. “By equipping our workforce with the right digital skills, we can transform challenges into opportunities, ensuring a prosperous future for tourism in the SADC region.”

The event is scheduled to take place from 2 – 4 October 2024, at the Sarit Centre in Nairobi, Kenya.

Launched by On Show Solutions and Experience Africa Events, the events division of the African Travel and Tourism Association (ATTA®), this private sector-led initiative is poised to become a pivotal platform for enhancing partnerships between Africa and global source markets.

Essence of Africa marries ATTA®’s influential voice with On Show Solutions’ expansive global network. Designed to connect pre-qualified international buyers with African sellers, it leverages the reach of Africa Showcase, offering exhibitors unparalleled access to committed business partners.

Buyers will benefit from up to 36 curated appointments with exhibitors from across the continent, as well as evening networking receptions, content sessions with industry leaders, and immersive familiarisation trips across Africa.

For exhibitors, attendance at Essence of Africa offers an unrivalled opportunity to showcase your products and services to a pre-qualified audience of committed international buyers keen on doing business in Africa.

Interested exhibitors can register now on the event’s website featuring information about the show as well as registration details.

Register today: essenceofafrica.travel