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Connect, Collaborate, And Close Deals At Africa’s Premier Tourism Trade Forum, 20–22 October 2026
The countdown to one of Africa’s most influential tourism trade gatherings is getting closer. From 20–22 October 2026, the global travel trade will turn its attention to Zanzibar as Essence of Africa 2026 brings together leading African tourism suppliers and carefully selected international buyers for three days of business, networking and destination discovery.
Hosted at the spectacular Diamonds Bijoux in Zanzibar, the third edition of Essence of Africa is set to create the right environment for tourism businesses looking beyond ordinary networking. This is where meaningful conversations can become new partnerships, new itineraries can take shape and Africa’s tourism experiences can reach new international markets.
For tourism boards, hotels, lodges, camps, destination management companies, tour operators and travel designers, the opportunity is clear. Essence of Africa is built around pre-scheduled one-on-one meetings with pre-qualified buyers, giving exhibitors valuable face-to-face access to decision-makers who are actively looking to sell and grow African travel experiences.
And the numbers from the previous edition tell an impressive story. In 2025, the forum attracted 158 international buyers from 39 countries, alongside 150 African exhibiting companies, resulting in more than 5,600 buyer-seller meetings. That track record gives the Zanzibar edition a strong platform to build on.
Why Zanzibar Makes The Perfect Host
There could hardly be a more fitting destination for this year’s gathering.
Zanzibar brings together spectacular beaches, rich Swahili culture, history, marine experiences and easy access to Tanzania’s renowned safari destinations. For international buyers, this creates an opportunity to experience how a Zanzibar escape can be combined with mainland safari and other African experiences to create compelling multi-destination journeys.
Beyond the meetings, participants can expect a programme designed to encourage genuine engagement. Pre-scheduled appointments, networking opportunities, educational sessions and destination experiences will give participants multiple ways to connect, learn and discover new possibilities.
More Than Meetings. Real Business Opportunities.
In today’s competitive tourism marketplace, being visible is no longer enough. Tourism businesses need the right connections, the right buyers and the right conversations.
That is where Essence of Africa stands out.
The forum creates a focused environment where African suppliers can showcase their products directly to international travel professionals while buyers gain access to diverse experiences and destinations across the continent.
It is an opportunity to:
- Meet pre-qualified international buyers.
- Build valuable B2B partnerships.
- Showcase African destinations and tourism products.
- Discover new markets and distribution opportunities.
- Strengthen existing industry relationships.
- Explore familiarisation opportunities and destination experiences.
- Gain insights into emerging trends shaping African tourism.
Zanzibar Is Calling. Is Your Business Ready?
As October approaches, the spotlight is firmly on Zanzibar and the opportunities waiting at Essence of Africa 2026.
For businesses serious about expanding their international reach, strengthening their buyer networks and positioning their products within Africa’s increasingly dynamic tourism marketplace, this is an event worth having on the calendar.
20–22 October 2026. Diamonds Bijoux, Zanzibar.
Three days. One powerful meeting place. Countless possibilities for Africa’s tourism future.
Essence of Africa 2026 is coming to Zanzibar. Make sure your business is part of the conversation.
For participation and event information, visit Essence of Africa 2026 or contact the organisers at hello@eoa.travel, exhibitor@eoa.travel or buyer@eoa.travel.
About Essence of Africa:
Essence of Africa is a private sector-led initiative designed to connect international buyers with African tourism suppliers. The event features pre-scheduled meetings, networking events, educational seminars, and familiarisation trips, providing a comprehensive platform for business development and collaboration.
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