Luxury travel buyers from across the globe are preparing to do business at the fourth ILTM Africa event, which will take place in Cape Town from April 4 to 6, in the midst of an exciting period of growth for the African hotel industry.
The 2015 African Tourism Monitor Report, an extensive report into Africa’s travel and tourism industry produced by the African Development Bank Group, states 'tourism continues to be one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic sectors of Africa’s economy.'An analysis of deal signing activity reports that over 35,000 new rooms in 210 hotels are already planned to open in Africa by 2018, with further deals expected. Alison Gilmore, Director of the ILTM Portfolio, says: 'Africa is proving to be the growth story of the 21st century – the variety of beautiful locations available to the luxury traveller throughout the continent is huge. As more hotels are developed, this story of success for African tourism is only going to continue. Now is the time for the African luxury travel industry to connect with the world’s best international Africa specialist agents during this time of growth and we are delighted to welcome the very best at this year’s ILTM Africa.'ILTM Africa is a unique, invitation only, Africa focused luxury travel business event, offering one-to-one meetings between African exhibitors and buyers from across the world. All buyers and exhibitors are required to follow a strict accreditation process in order to participate.Arvind Amersey, Safari Africa, a buyer travelling to ILTM Africa 2016, says: 'ILTM Africa is the premier international event where the best properties and companies in Africa are represented. Safari Africa is one of the leaders in luxury Africa travel out of India and ILTM Africa gives us the perfect platform to connect with the leading luxury companies in this continent.''A new market that I would like to explore and start selling is Namibia. Namibia is the ultimate wilderness frontier and is for the connoisseur of African travel,' adds Cathy Holler, Mason Hovarth Travel, Canada.'I am only at the tip of what is possible in selling Africa. I look forward to meeting with the true experts, whose passion for Africa is contagious and will open the doors to so many more possibilities,' says Jodi Fox, Vision Travel Solutions, Canada, a new buyer at ILTM Africa 2016.Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Uganda, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Tanzania and the Seychelles were all cited as specific regions where ILTM 2016 buyers are looking to place business. High-end suppliers from all destinations are represented at ILTM Africa with exhibitors including The H Resort at Beau Vallon Beach (Seychelles), Naturally Namibia (Namibia), Alex Walker Safaris (Tanzania) and Etali Safari Lodge (South Africa).