Africa Travel Connect concludes latest networking event

The second Africa Travel Connect media networking event concluded, which brought together leading media professionals and African travel experts.

The event was supported by headline partner Jules Verne (VJV) and key sponsor Ethiopian Airlines.

Whilst it wasn’t a specific agent event, Africa Travel Connect were joined by Trevor Carter and Maureen Simon from the Online Africa Network, Solomon Travel and Travel Gateway.

In addition to the media networking event, Africa Travel Connect has been concentrating on several initiatives as part of its long-term growth strategy.

These include Investment Forums for Zimbabwe, Road Shows in Manchester and Birmingham (BHX), the Inter-Africa Online Discussion Series, and webinars with international tour operators.

These efforts aim to foster collaboration, investment, and sustainable growth within the African tourism sector.

Africa Travel Connect has also successfully formed a new subsidiary, Africa Travel Shows, to further its mission of promoting African tourism.

This subsidiary will focus on organising and managing travel shows.

News updates from partners were shared at the event:

Tour operator Jules Verne launched its inaugural dedicated long-haul brochure for the 2025–26 season.

This marks a strategic expansion into global destinations beyond Europe, In addition to the long-haul brochure, Jules Verne has introduced a new Solo Collection for 2025–26, featuring tours in Africa and the Middle East.

Ethiopia is making significant strides in enhancing its tourism sector, aiming to position itself as a premier destination in Africa. The Ministry of Tourism is updating its 13-year-old framework to incorporate digital innovations and sustainable practices. Ethiopia has experienced a 40% increase in international arrivals over the past five years, making it Africa’s fastest-growing destination.

Ethiopian Airlines highlighted its domestic $7.8 billion mega airport project. The expansion will raise capacity from 17 million to 60 million passengers annually by 2040, reinforcing its lead role in African aviation. Furthermore, Ethiopian Airlines and Etihad Airways have announced a joint venture to enhance connectivity between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

Zambia will host the Zambia Travel Expo (ZATEX) from June 3–5, 2025, in Lusaka. The expo will feature full B2B participation opportunities and a media Fam trip is also confirmed for August/September 2025. Zambia’s visa-free entry is now available to 167 countries.

Zimbabwe’s premier tourism exhibition, the Sanganai/Hlanganani Expo, will take place from September 10–12, 2025, in Mutare, Manicaland Province. This marks the first time the event will be held outside Harare or Bulawayo. The expo aims to enhance the profiling and rebranding of all provinces for tourism, trade, and investment promotion. Scheduled to partially open in July 2026, The Hills Luxury Golf Estate in Zimbabwe will offer a 18-hole championship golf course designed by Peter Matkovich. The estate will also include villas, apartments, a country club, hotel, tennis and swimming facilities, and a shopping centre.

The Gambia is undergoing a strategic shift away from just beach holidays to focus on wildlife tourism. With over 550 bird species, it is becoming a niche wildlife destination for eco-tourists and ornithologists. A $5 million grant program is providing up to $50,000 to 200 tourism-related businesses, supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the sector.

Burkina Faso is known for its strong artisan traditions, music festivals, and spiritual heritage. The country is focusing on being a regional leader in film and fashion, hosting FESPACO—the largest African cinema festival—every two years in Ouagadougou. A new luxury hotel, the Zind-Naaba Appart Hôtel, opened in Ouagadougou on April 30, 2025. Additionally, a new international airport, Ouagadougou-Donsin, is set to open in 2025.

Namibia has introduced a new visa policy for UK citizens, who can now apply for a visa on arrival or online in advance.  This quick and convenient process aims to enhance tourism and facilitate easier access for travellers. Namibia has recently strengthened its tourism appeal with the opening of the country’s first Hilton Garden Inn in Windhoek, expanded regional connectivity through FlyNamibia’s new routes to Victoria Falls, Maun and Luanda, and the launch of the Namibia Maritime Museum in Lüderitz.

Africa Travel Connect’s next media networking event is scheduled for Friday, 12 September 2025 at 245 Hammersmith and will involve a roof top speed dating style event.

This time, the format will facilitate direct, open dialogues between journalists and tourism leaders.

Yared Bizuneh, Director General of Africa Travel Connect, said: “The success of each Africa Travel Connect event builds upon the last, providing invaluable insights that drive continuous improvement. These events are not just networking opportunities; they are catalysts for progress.”

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