WTM Africa 2026 Unveils Biggest-Ever Programme as Registration Deadline Nears

With just two weeks remaining, WTM Africa 2026 is calling on tourism professionals from across.

The continent and beyond to secure their participation ahead of this year’s event, scheduled from April 13–15 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

The three-day programme will feature over 70 sessions focused on the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping Africa’s tourism sector. According to Olivia Gradidge, this year’s agenda is designed to equip attendees with practical insights to navigate a rapidly evolving industry and unlock new avenues for growth.

A key highlight for 2026 is the introduction of a dedicated Wine Tourism Track, developed in partnership with the Wine Tourism Conference. The track will explore strategies to capitalise on the segment’s rapid growth and will culminate in the premiere of a Blaauwklippen documentary, alongside a curated wine tasting experience hosted by Visit Stellenbosch. Craig Bester noted that the showcase reflects the estate’s fusion of heritage and contemporary hospitality.

The event will also see the return of IBTM Africa, spotlighting the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) sector, along with the revival of the Sports & Events Tourism Exchange (SETE) in collaboration with Nielsen Sports. Meanwhile, NextGen Ready sessions—developed with the African Youth in Tourism & Hospitality Association—will address skills gaps and the rise of hybrid roles in the industry.

Leadership in a tech-driven era will take centre stage at the WiT Next Generation Leaders Roundtable, hosted with Innovation City Cape Town and powered by Booking.com. The session will bring together emerging and established leaders to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of travel and leadership, as highlighted by Yeoh Siew Hoon.

Sustainability continues to be a core focus, with the Responsible Tourism Conference and Awards returning to spotlight best practices across the sector. Attendees can also expect the comeback of popular networking formats such as Speed Networking, supported by SimplyBiz Nedbank.

As the host city, Cape Town is gearing up to welcome global tourism stakeholders. James Vos underscored the importance of collaboration, describing tourism as a “team sport” built on strong partnerships and shared vision.

Organisers emphasise that WTM Africa 2026 is not just an industry gathering, but a platform aimed at fostering meaningful connections, driving business outcomes, and shaping the future of tourism across Africa.