World Travel Market (WTM) Africa is an annual highlight for the travel industry; it’s where relationships are reignited and new connections are made, trends are unpacked, and the spirit of African travel is proudly on display.
From the moment we checked into The Rockefeller, just steps from the Cape Town International Convention Centre, we could feel the buzz. With nearly 100 countries represented and 742 exhibitors, the energy was electric, and our SAFARI.COM team was right in the thick of it.
Over three jam-packed days, we reconnected with old friends and built new relationships across the continent. Each of our many meetings had one aim: growing our expertise and improving our offering for our clients—like our journey through Southern Tanzania with Foxes Safari Camps that starts at Dar es Salaam and visits Mikumi and Ruaha national parks.
The theme of WTM this year was “Ignite Africa”, underlining the strong recovery and growth in African tourism. “We have 96 countries represented this year, which is the biggest World Travel Market Africa in 11 years,” said Carol Weaving, the managing director of RX Africa, which owns WTM Africa.
“We have a 27% increase in buyers this year and 82% of these are new to World Travel Market Africa, which is amazing for our exhibitors.”
At World Travel Market global travel industry professionals meet, share insights and develop new partnerships. Annual events are held around the world.
Our base at The Rockefeller Hotel and Residences meant easy access to the market, and kept things efficient, says Antoinette van Heerden, our commercial and product partnership lead.
“We had the chance to reconnect with some fantastic existing partners and meet plenty of new ones—from well-known names like Newmark Hotels and Reserves and Lion Roars Hotels and Lodges, to fresh conversations with suppliers with whom we’re excited to work more closely.”
Our Sabi Sabi to Mauritius trip is one such partnership. On this adventure, you get to see the Big 5 and relax on a paradise island.
SAFARI.COM collaborate with Poised Solutions & Le Jardis on Mauritius
A Golden Highlight
A standout moment for the SAFARI.COM team was the GOLD Restaurant experience—complete with djembe drumming, face painting and traditional hand-washing. “It was fun and immersive,” says Nikita Gallant, our product co-ordinator.
Plans were made over breakfast with Unlimited Destinations to collaborate on a “Follow the Whales” trip up South Africa’s East Coast, from Cape Town to KwaZulu-Natal, during whale season (June-November).
SAFARI.COM checked in with several existing partners, such as Lion Roars, Newmark, Southern Sun, FlyNamibia, Sun Destinations, RTG (Rainbow Tourism Group), The Capetonian, Gondwana Private Game Reserve, Saruni Basecamp, The Pack, Stars of Africa, Nyati Safari Lodge, Umkumbe Safari Lodge, African Sun, Forever African Safaris, and Village n Life at The Bay Hotel.
We explored wellness-style packages and joining Africa’s Eden Tourism, the Southern African travel organisation, and Skål International, the global tourism organisation.
In all, it was a busy few days, and we came away excited to leverage our networks and knowledge to create more seamless journeys for you.
Immersive experience for Nikita & Antoinette at GOLD Restaurant
Start Planning Your Safari with Confidence
Whether it’s your first safari or your fifteenth, WTM reminded us that there’s always more magic to be found in Africa—and at SAFARI.COM, we’re here to help you find it.
Let our expert team craft something extraordinary. We’ll guide you with heart, insight, and insider knowledge every step of the way—before, during, and long after your journey.
Ready to explore? Email us at [email protected], hit the WhatsApp button above, or call us toll-free on 1-888-SAFARIS (US & Canada).
Trends We’re Watching
Deeper travel: Guests want real, raw Africa—think people, culture, purpose.
Neurodivergent-friendly travel: Sensory-adapted safaris are an untapped $60-billion opportunity.
AI is changing travel planning: Tech is redefining how guests dream, plan, and book.
The rise of niche safari: Wine trails, sports tourism, and wellness are shaking up the Big 5 model.
