360+ Tourism Professionals, 4,200 Meetings, And A Vision To Showcase Africa’s Untapped Potential
The inaugural Essence of Africa International Buyer Forum wrapped up on 4th December 2024, leaving a lasting impact on the African tourism landscape. Over the course of three action-packed days, more than 360 tourism professionals from 37 countries gathered in Nairobi for dynamic networking, insightful discussions, and invaluable business opportunities. The event successfully connected 130 pre-qualified international buyers with 125 African exhibitors, resulting in over 4,200 scheduled meetings that fostered meaningful partnerships and business growth.
Held at the vibrant Sarit Expo Centre, Essence of Africa kicked off with a dynamic opening at Nairobi Street Kitchen, featuring a keynote address that set the stage for the event’s ambitious goals. Market Buzz sessions followed, offering deep dives into Africa’s key source markets, where tourism experts from across the globe engaged in candid conversations about evolving travel trends, consumer behaviour, and new opportunities in the African tourism sector.
The event’s informal, conversation-style discussions allowed for an exchange of valuable market intelligence, enabling African suppliers to better understand and serve their target markets. The diverse range of topics explored included “Building Sustainable Tourism Businesses for Africa and with Africa,” a session that emphasized regional collaboration and community involvement. Leaders like Mohanjeet Brar of Gamewatchers Safaris and Mohammed Hersi of Pollmans Tours & Safaris shared innovative approaches to sustainable tourism, highlighting how businesses can amplify local community benefits while preserving Africa’s natural beauty.
The “Global Tourism Marketing Strategies” panel, which focused on how to effectively market Africa globally in an age of technological disruption, was another highlight. Industry experts discussed AI’s role in tourism and the power of authentic storytelling, all while stressing the importance of maintaining a human touch in African tourism marketing.
As the forum concluded with a celebration at Kwetu Nairobi, Curio Collection by Hilton, delegates reflected on the success of the event and the formation of partnerships that will redefine how Africa is showcased to the world. The positive feedback was unanimous, with participants praising the efficiency of the event, the quality of meetings, and the opportunity to experience Kenya’s rich culture firsthand.
With its strategic approach and focus on genuine African experiences, Essence of Africa is poised to become a key fixture in the African tourism calendar, ensuring that the continent’s immense potential continues to attract international attention and investment.
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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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