As the doors opened to the 10th edition of World Travel Market (WTM) Africa 2024 in Cape Town, the palpable buzz was unlike any previous year.
With a stunning 53% increase in attendees, it was clear from the start that this year’s event was set to be monumental.
WTM Africa 2024 review: The travel buzz hits Cape Town
Walking through the bustling corridors of the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), the energy was electrifying.
Representatives from 88 countries brought a vibrant array of cultures and ideas to the event. Among the newcomers were nations like Greece, Japan, and Peru, each adding their unique flair to the melting pot.
Minister Patricia De Lille, though not present in person, set the tone with a welcoming video call that reverberated through the venue.
Her call to explore beyond the well-trodden paths and discover the hidden gems across Africa resonated deeply with the audience.
The exhibition was a hive of activity, with forums such as the Tourism Investment Forum Africa and Equal Africa drawing keen interest.
The dedication of 53 partners and the execution of seven major networking events illustrated the collective effort to push African tourism to new heights.
WTM Africa Responsible Tourism award winners
One of the most anticipated events was the Responsible Tourism session led by Harold Goodwin.
The atmosphere was one of inspiration and celebration as past winners shared their stories, setting a high bar for this year’s nominees.
The climax of the day was the WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards.
Announced by Bangu Masisi, the awards celebrated organisations that are not only thriving in their business endeavours but are also setting standards for sustainability.
The City of Cape Town’s James Vos, in his opening remarks, encouraged continued innovation in sustainable practices, echoing the event’s commitment to responsible growth.
The award winners, each receiving a trophy made from eco-friendly Ngwenya Glass, were a testament to the meaningful impact of their work in tourism.
Harold Goodwin’s commendation of the ‘ones to watch’ sparked conversations about the future potential of these emerging innovators.
The day concluded with the Media Awards, celebrating journalistic excellence that has significantly shaped the narrative of African travel.
