Cape Town: World Travel Market (WTM) Africa 2025 has officially commenced in the city Cape Town. The registration commenced amidst a vibrant atmosphere at the Cape Town International Conventional Centre (CTICC).
The opening ceremony for WTM Africa 2025 was led by the host Ondela Mlandu, that featured an official welcome from Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Growth – Alderman James Vos which was then followed by the official ribbon cutting and VIP floor walkabout.
With the theme ‘Ignite Africa’ WTM Africa 2025 aims to inspire all and shape the future of African tourism.
Considering this, James Vos expressed that he is delighted to welcome the WTM Africa 2025 participants. The World Travel Market Africa brings together more than 5700 industry professionals from 99 countries with over 10,500 pre-scheduled meetings and 126 conference sessions lined up over the next three days.
Vos added that Cape Town is ready to break all the records once again. He said, “I tried to arrange perfect weather too, but rain or shine, let’s weather the storm and make meaningful connections.”
Day-1 of the WTM Africa 2025 was packed with impact. They celebrated the launch of the 4th edition of ‘This is Cape Town Magazine’ with official media partner @CapeTownMagazine.
On first day the industry giants then tackled the bold question ‘Is Africa Sabotaging Itself?’. It was held at the iconic Southern Sun Cullinan Hotel, where leaders dove deep into the roadblocks holding African tourism back and how to move forward.
The jam-packed day threw spotlight shone on the voices behind the stories at the Africa Travel Week Media Awards. The awards honour the journalists, photographers and creatives shaping the global view of Africa’s travel landscape.
Defining more about the event, James Vos said that it is an honour to welcome the delegates to WTM Africa 2025. There is truly nothing like the warm Cape Town welcome. With over 99 countries represented, the energy on the floor is electric. They are proud to be the hosts of Africa’s largest tourism exhibition and they are growing year after year.
Vos shared the glimpses from the event with Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and expressed, “What an epic start to the WTM Africa show! What a treat to have Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis pop in and visit our incredible stand, a vibrant showcase of Cape Town, its people, and its energy.”
He further mentioned that they also bid farewell to last year’s content partners and are thrilled to welcome an exciting new line-up of participants. He explained that he is looking forward to see the final numbers as they wrap up over the next two days, but word on the street is that, incredible connections were made and lots of deals too.
From buzzing floors to poolside festivities, Day-1 at WTM Africa 2025 ended on a high. The exhibition floor came alive with electric energy as delegates explored a world of possibilities with the incredible line-up of exhibitors from across the continent and beyond. From innovative travel solutions to unforgettable experiences, the excitement raged non-stop.
As the sun sets, the Hosted Buyers wrapped up their day in true Cape Town style at the Hosted Buyer Welcome Function at the iconic Southern Syn Cullinan. Poolside elegance. Local wines, curated food stations and the hotel’s signature Cape Malay fusion dishes set the scene for meaningful networking and authentic connections. He raised a toast in favour of relationships that moved tourism forward.
James Vos further described that those were incredible few days at World Travel Market Africa. With 99 countries they represented over 5700 industry professionals working on the floor. “This is where we make magic happen,” he expressed.
For Vos, it was an honour to speak at the official opening ceremony, where the launch of Cape Town’s bold Tourism Programme of Action and unveil the new destination marketing collateral focused on arts and culture, cuisine and adventure.
From meetings with airlines to push for more flights, to connect with tourism ministers and operators. They are driving the demand, opening new markets and growing opportunities. Tourism means jobs and the team is putting Cape Town firmly on the global stage.