The inaugural World Travel Market (WTM) Africa, taking place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) from 2nd – 3rd May 2014 will be the leading B2B exhibition for Africa’s travel industry, bringing the world to Africa and promoting Africa to the world’s leading source markets.

WTM Africa is attracting exhibitors from all corners of the globe including Africa, America, Asia, the Middle East, Europe and the Mediterranean with product categories ranging from the accommodation sector, airline industry, destination management companies and many more.

Marine Dynamics, Ocean Blue Adventures and Waterfront Adventures all of which are crafters of tours and inspiring encounters with iconic creatures in their natural environment in Southern Africa are just some of the well-known South African companies already signed up for the first WTM Africa.

Pan-African hotel and lodge brands also gracing the CTICC and standing proud among them include, Lion Roars, the Flamboyant Beachfront House, Inverdoorn Game Reserve and Iziba Safari Lodge and The Three Cities Group. 

Lion Roars Hotels & Lodges are excited to have the opportunity to showcase their portfolio at WTM Africa. “We applaud the decision to stage WTM Africa in Cape Town and we are sure the event will be a resounding success,” comments Kevin Bailey, Chief Lion.

“WTM Africa is a great platform to encourage our mission of re-introducing free-roaming species to the Western Cape and raising awareness for cheetahs in a unique environment,” comments Claudia Hauter, Marketing Manager, Inverdoorn Game Reserve & Iziba Safari lodge.

“We are delighted to participate in the first WTM Africa and to present Flamboyant Hotel. We are here to help create memorable holidays,” says Florence Bouchou Marketing Manager Flamboyant and Ali Barbour’s Group.

The Three Cities Group, deemed to have one of the finest collections of hospitality destinations in South and East Africa, have also chosen WTM Africa to conduct business. Erica Gardner said, “It made sense for us to exhibit at WTM Africa this year as it bolsters the emerging and growing Africa markets as well as showcasing Africa, it makes perfect sense to profile and boost the Three Cities Group brand and offerings to the global tourism industry.”

With a proud history of 35 years all embracing, hands-on experience in the travel business, Thompsons Africa, awarded South African Tourism Best International Tour Operator for 5 consecutive years will also be exhibiting at the inaugural event.

“Having built a reputation for reliability and unparalleled service delivery, Thompsons Africa will be attending the inaugural ‘WTM Africa Trade Show’ this year to showcase services offered and network with potentials,” comments Craig Drysdale, CMP General Manager – Global Sales.

WTM Africa will also give international brands a great opportunity to connect with growing African markets. “We hope to explain the value that TripAdvisor can bring to hospitality businesses in Africa that want to connect with our 260 million unique users globally,’ said Doros Theodorou, Commercial Director, EMEA, TripAdvisor for Business.

“With its comprehensive portfolio of international rail products, aimed at meeting the needs of the growing number of African travellers, “World Travel / Rail Europe are looking forward to participating for the first time at WTM Africa in Cape Town in May 2014,” comments Terri-Ann Wright, Manager World Travel.

Dubai, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and the Turkish Tourism Board have also come on board to promote the development and marketing of their destinations at WTM Africa while interacting and networking in a fresh new environment.

Bailey Gorst, Account Manager, Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing DTCM Southern Africa said, “Africa and Southern Africa in particular, are an important source market for DTCM, we are delighted that the inaugural WTM Africa provides a platform for us to bring our key suppliers to exhibit alongside us and we are excited about reaching key selected buyers from all over Africa and beyond.”

“We are delighted with the diverse range of companies exhibiting at the first World Travel Market Africa. The breadth and variety of tourism product on show truly encapsulates the vision of this inaugural event to promote Africa to the world and the world to Africa and to deliver the right business contacts in a fresh new environment. Visitors will find a superb assortment of products and services on the show floor as well as a number of exciting events, topical education sessions, industry insights and networking opportunities,” says WTM Africa Exhibition Manager Polly Magraw.

Catering for both inbound and outbound markets, WTM Africa is open to all those involved in the travel industry to attend on 2 and 3 May 2014 at the Cape Town International convention Centre.