WTM Africa 2026 programme spotlights AI, wine tourism and skills gaps
The event takes place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) from 13 to 15 April 2026, bringing together industry stakeholders for more than 70 sessions over three days.
New focus on wine tourism
A new addition to this year’s programme is a dedicated Wine Tourism Track, developed in partnership with the Wine Tourism Conference. The sessions will explore how destinations can position themselves within the growing global wine tourism market.
The track will conclude with the premiere of a Blaauwklippen documentary, alongside a curated Visit Stellenbosch wine tasting experience.
“We are proud to showcase not just our wines, but the full experience of Blaauwklippen, where heritage meets modern hospitality, and every guest becomes part of our story,” said Craig Bester, chief brand executive at Blaauwklippen Wine Estate.
Spotlight on MICE, sports tourism and youth skills
The programme also includes the return of IBTM Africa, focusing on the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) sector, and the relaunch of the Sports & Events Tourism Exchange (SETE) in partnership with Nielsen Sports.
Skills development is another key theme, with sessions addressing the sector’s evolving workforce needs. These include discussions on hybrid roles that combine digital capabilities with traditional tourism expertise.
As part of this focus, WiT Africa and Innovation City Cape Town will host a roundtable on leadership in the age of artificial intelligence.
“We’ll welcome industry coaches and mentors with under-35 rising stars in Africa to brainstorm the skills and traits they need to thrive as travel enters a new, tech-enabled and human-led phase,” said Yeoh Siew Hoon, founder of WiT.
Sustainability and industry engagement
Sustainability remains a central theme through the Responsible Tourism Conference and Awards, while networking initiatives such as Speed Networking will return.
Organisers say the programme is designed to support both knowledge-sharing and commercial outcomes for attendees.
“This year’s content agenda reflects the most pressing trends and opportunities influencing Africa’s tourism sector,” said Olivia Gradidge, marketing manager at RX Africa. “Each session is designed as a resource for attendees to learn, share knowledge, and better understand where their next big opportunities or pitfalls lie.”
Cape Town prepares to host global industry
As host city, Cape Town is expected to welcome tourism professionals, buyers and industry leaders from across the world.
“This is where the real work happens – on the floor, through conversations, and in the partnerships that drive our visitor economy,” said James Vos, mayoral committee member for economic growth. “Travel professionals from every corner of the world come to Cape Town for WTM Africa, and that global gathering is what makes this event so powerful. Tourism is a team sport, and we grow it together.”
Gradidge said the event is structured to facilitate both engagement and business outcomes.
“WTM Africa 2026 is where the conversations that matter most to this industry will happen, and where the connections made will translate into real business. Three days, one room, and an agenda built to move the industry forward. If you’re not yet registered, now is the time,” she said.