The first World Travel Market (WTM) Africa which ended on 3rd May at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), providing a remarkable economic effect on the tourism industry of the continent, with Five hundred certified buyers participating with 5,386 earlier scheduled prearranged visits between certified buyers as well as exhibitors recorded at the mercy of an unbiased ABC Audit.
Within the 2 days of this event, about 4,500 travel plus tourism experts utilized authentic business possibilities and involved in worthwhile business conversations, attained new contacts, shared ideas, discussed best practice as well as learned plus networked in a brand new surroundings.
Suppliers plus buyers have lauded this event as a great chance for the business development of Africa, knowledge improvement plus distinctive networking within the region however with international importance.
Responses from buyers plus exhibitors likewise has been extremely positive, stating that Polly Magraw the Director of WTM Africa Exhibition. Polly added that they are overjoyed by the positive reactions they had heard from the suppliers as well as buyers. The Exhibitors have also reported how amazed they were with the high quality buyers.
Henk Graaff said that Local exhibitor, SW-Africa was subjected to several prospective clients they had not met before, and that their diary has been relatively full and they have noticed many new faces.
Mike Richardson of Big Game Parks Swaziland concurs and says that The quality of buyers was outstanding. WTM Africa was a very productive event. The quality of people they have seen appears to have been the decision-maker who in fact asked properly researched questions. it is really inspiring for Swaziland as well as African safari tours.
Marianne Strydom a member of the Buyers Club from XL Boland lauded the first event for its amazing organization. She added that Reed together with Thebe Reed were extremely helpful and incredibly organized. Their product displayed totally exceeded what they had expected and they made a number of helpful contacts. She particularly loved the technology convention sessions.
WTM Africa was elegant and professional, added Ian Harris of Coffeebeans Routes. He went on to say that The show was very rejuvenating from a picture point of view. He had enjoyed that it’s concentration and not mind-boggling, however understand that it’s likely to develop.
Polly also added that The Speed Networking program held on the two days was profoundly successful and this conference program is extremely popular, and in the majority of the sessions there was simply standing room, while the digital technology periods were specifically nicely attended.
Travel technology showcased remarkably on the show’s schedule throughout the two days, with a number of conference sessions focused on checking out the digital trends plus challenges, such as the mobile revolution within tourism plus the increasing purpose of travel bloggers as well as travelers in promoting tourism destinations plus products.
An additional area that was focused on was Environmental Responsibility plus Responsible Tourism, top on the agenda of WTM Africa that culminated in the very first Responsible Tourism Speed Marketing occasion held in South Africa. Heidi Keyser the Advisor of International Sustainable Tourism who coordinated this groundbreaking event said that WTM Africa has durability as its foundation so this was an ideal event for Responsible Tourism product to show off itself.
Polly adds that this first event wouldn’t have been achievable without the commitment and support of Wesgro, Cape Town as well as the CTICC. We are actually grateful for their assistance and would like to extend our appreciation to them for their outstanding hospitality and for providing such a stunning background for the first WTM Africa; without a doubt we will return.
