The inaugural World Travel Market Africa is attracting interest from senior buyers from around the globe, with a number of travel businesses confirming that they will attend and are looking to sign deals with African and international exhibitors.
World Travel Market Africa will take place in Cape Town from 2-3 May 2014.
The event is on track to sign up its target of 700 exhibitors, which is prompting many buyers to attend the event. Senior Contract Manager, Thomas Cook Northern Europe (Sweden) Goran Cosic was typical of many buyers, saying, “We are looking for new contacts and knowledge about opportunities for incoming tourism. Africa is a large continent and WTM Africa provides an accessible platform to meet with the right people.”
Elsewhere Senior Director of Market Management, Eastern Med, Africa, Middle East and Indian Ocean, Expedia Travel (Spain) Diego Lofeudo, noted that “Reed Exhibitions has mastered the art of putting buyers and sellers together.”
He added, “WTM Africa gives us the opportunity to meet everyone at the same time under the same roof. It is extremely cost effective and scalable.”
Acacia Adventure Holidays is a UK-based Africa specialist with seventeen years experience in the region. Director Vivian McCarthy said, “Being based in Cape Town, WTM Africa has an advantage over other more traditional exhibitions because the city has such strong visitor appeal. It gives it a big head start over anywhere I can think of.”
WTM’s global reach means that buyers from further afield are also planning to attend. Canadian specialist UNIKTOUR offers bespoke upmarket holidays around the globe, with Africa already part of its product. Director Steve Corriveau said, “The opportunity to meet in person existing and potential suppliers is a must for us in order to help us provide our clients the very best service but also the most competitive prices. Having the opportunity to talk in person allows us better chance to tie down long term business relationships.”
WTM Africa will be one of three co-located travel industry events at the Cape Town International Conference Centre (CTICC) that form Africa Travel Week 2014.
The others will include IBTM Africa (Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings) and ILTM Africa (International Luxury Travel Market) which will take place from 28 – 30 April.
Africa Travel Week events are:
• ILTM Africa 28 – 30 April 2014
• IBTM Africa 28 – 30 April 2014
• WTM Africa: 02 – 03 May 2014
Africa Travel Week will be run by the newly formed Thebe Reed Exhibitions, the new joint venture between Reed Exhibitions and leading South African exhibitions organiser Thebe Tourism Group.
Hosted Buyer places are limited so register your interest today at www.wtmafrica.com/Hosted-Buyer-Programme
If you would like more information about WTM Africa or would like to exhibit please visit www.wtmafrica.co.uk or contact us at [email protected]
