[WTM Africa] Day 3 - the show comes to an end, but business continues

The third and final day [Friday, 17 April 2015] of WTM Africa 2015 got off to a phenomenal start when Executive Mayor for the City of Cape Town, Patricia de Lille, began her morning with a visit around WTM Africa's show floor to engage with local, regional and international exhibitors.

The Kenyan Association of Tour Operators were fortunate enough to engage with the Executive Mayor. "WTM Africa has been the most wonderful experience for all of us at KATO. It is our first show and I think we've had a really lovely experience and will definitely come back. We also got the chance to meet the Mayor of Cape Town. I was one of the few honoured to meet her. We will definitely be back next year!"

Another highlight for the last day of WTM Africa was the renowned Speed Networking Session. These sessions have become a key part of WTM Africa, bringing together both exhibitors and senior buyers. "The Speed Networking session was mad but it was fantastic," commented Hosted Buyer, Sandra Weinacht - CEO of Incantato Performance Tours.

"What a fantastic experience. The two minute mini-meetings allowed me to engage with a variety of African exhibitors, it was well organised. WTM Africa this year has been perfectly arranged and all my prescheduled appointments covered everything I needed in order to make many potential leads," says Hosted Buyer, S.Kumar - Tariff Officer of Dnata World Travel.

The CODE - protecting our children

Apart from the exceptionally successful Hosted Buyer Speed Networking Session, was day three's programme of events. Key industry stakeholders signalled their support of The Tourism Child Protection Code of Conduct, (The CODE), signing their name to signify the game-changing approach to protecting children from the worst forms of exploitation.

"The Code represents one of the first initiatives to define the role and obligations of tourism companies with regard to the issue. The goal of The Code is to work with travel and tourism companies to combat this crime. WTM Africa, Thebe Reed Exhibitions and Reed Travel Exhibitions are proud to be associated with Fair Trade Tourism and The Code by supplying the stand and the opportunity to host this event for two years in a row," commented WTM Africa's General Manager, Chardonnay Marchesi.

Forming part of WTM Responsible Tourism was a panel discussion on how in many source markets, there is an increasing premium being placed by consumers on EFM, experience for money. It was discussed that the quality of the tourism experience is central to maintaining the perceived value of a tour, attraction, destination, restaurant or accommodation. The viability of resource efficiency was also on the agenda, focusing on how it is good for the environment and the bottom line, reducing the carbon and water intensity of business.

Professor Kamilla Swart, Associate Professor in Tourism and Event Management also presented a panel discussion on how fostering research collaboration and knowledge sharing can enhance the performance of the tourism industry in Africa. Finally, facilitating on behalf the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA), CEO David Frost opened a panel discussion on how to leverage both the direct buying market as well as working more effectively with the trade.

Business continues

WTM Africa 2015 may be finished for the year but the feedback received from exhibitors, visitors and buyers was nothing short of exceptional. "My experience of WTM Africa has been very productive, there has been some fantastic networking opportunities. I'd say overall very good for business, and a lot of the contacts that have been made and the discussions that have been had I think are now going to lead to some promising business going forward," said Justin Glanville of Fastjet.

West Coast Way, celebrating the Biodiversity Corridor of the West Coast, found the exhibition to be extremely fruitful for them in terms of the quality of industry professionals and buyers and connections made. "West Coast Way was able to connect with a substantial amount of affluent connections and we look forward to all the business to be done as a result," commented CEO of West Coast Way, Carmen Lerm.

Jennifer Seif, Executive Director of Fairtrade Tourism really enjoyed her experience at WTM Africa. "This is my first WTM-Africa" experience and now I know what all the buzz is about: fantastic product, engaged buyers and such a strong focus on responsible tourism. Fair Trade Tourism is proud to be part of the event and looks forward to following up on all the amazing contacts we've made."

WTM Africa 2016 is expected to take place from 6-8 April 2015.

See highlights from Day 1 and Day 2

For more, go to www.wtmafrica.com