WTM Africa 2026 Unveils Its Most Ambitious Programme Yet

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Cape Town, South Africa, 31 March 2026 – With just two weeks to go before the start of the event, WTM Africa 2026 is calling on travel and tourism professionals across the continent and beyond to secure their place at this year’s show. Three days, 70+ sessions, and the full breadth of African tourism’s most pressing conversations, live at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) from 13–15 April 2026.

“This year’s content agenda reflects the most pressing trends and opportunities influencing Africa’s tourism sector,” said Olivia Gradidge, Marketing Manager at RX Africa. “Each session is designed as a resource for attendees to learn, share knowledge, and better understand where their next big opportunities or pitfalls lie.”

Among the headline additions to this year’s programme is the Wine Tourism Track, developed in partnership with the Wine Tourism Conference, with dedicated sessions exploring how destinations can position themselves in this high-value and fast-growing segment. The track culminates in the premiere launch of a Blaauwklippen documentary, complete with a curated Visit Stellenbosch wine tasting experience on 14 April at 17:00. 

“We are proud to showcase not just our wines, but the full experience of Blaauwklippen, where heritage meets modern hospitality, and every guest becomes part of our story,” said Craig Bester, Chief Brand Executive at Blaauwklippen Wine Estate.

IBTM Africa returns with a focused examination of the MICE sector, while the relaunch of SETE (Sports & Events Tourism Exchange), in partnership with Nielsen Sports, reinforces Africa’s growing role in global sports tourism. NextGen Ready sessions, developed in partnership with the African Youth in Tourism & Hospitality Association, address tourism's emerging skills gap and the hybrid roles combining technology with human talent. WiT Africa and Innovation City Cape Town will host the WiT Next Generation Leaders Roundtable on 13 April, powered by Booking.com. Confirming this year’s theme of ‘Leadership Qualities in the Age of AI’, WiT Founder Yeoh Siew Hoon said: “We’ll welcome industry coaches and mentors with under-35 rising stars in Africa to brainstorm the skills and traits they need to thrive as travel enters a new, tech-enabled and human-led phase.”

Sustainability remains central to the programme through the Responsible Tourism Conference and Awards, while Speed Networking, sponsored by SimplyBiz Nedbank, also returns by popular demand.

As Host City, Cape Town is ready to welcome the travel and tourism professionals, buyers, and industry leaders converging on the CTICC from across the globe. “This is where the real work happens – on the floor, through conversations, and in the partnerships that drive our visitor economy,” said James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth. “Travel professionals from every corner of the world come to Cape Town for WTM Africa, and that global gathering is what makes this event so powerful. Tourism is a team sport, and we grow it together.”

Gradidge confirmed that the three-day programme is built for connection and commercial impact. “WTM Africa 2026 is where the conversations that matter most to this industry will happen, and where the connections made will translate into real business. Three days, one room, and an agenda built to move the industry forward. If you’re not yet registered, now is the time."

Register now

View the full programme