The boutique travel event, held at the Norval Foundation in Cape Town, recorded a 37% increase in attendance compared to 2025, with 87% of buyers attending for the first time, drawn from 32 countries. Appointments increased by 29% year-on-year, reflecting a surge in commercial intent from luxury buyers actively seeking African experiences.

The results are striking given the broader context of global uncertainty. According to the newly released State of African Tourism 2026 report, the continent is successfully “selling certainty in an anxious world.” Because high-end safaris and luxury itineraries are typically booked 12 to 18 months in advance, and demand for established destinations remains resolute, the region’s tourism industry is not expected to be materially affected by ongoing disruptions in the Middle East. Instead, discerning luxury travellers are increasingly looking to Africa not as an alternative, but as a trusted destination of first choice.

Africa’s hotel development pipeline tells its own story: with 55% of the entire continental pipeline currently under construction, investor confidence in African luxury hospitality is at an historic high. The infrastructure is being built, and ILTM Africa’s record buyer numbers suggest the demand is ready to meet it.

The 87% new buyer figure is perhaps the most telling statistic of all. As the State of African Tourism report highlights, the post-pandemic “revenge travel” wave has crashed, replaced by a more informed, discerning traveller for whom trust is the new currency. This influx of new buyers suggests that ILTM Africa is actively converting these new markets, translating directly into fresh commercial pipelines and relationships for exhibitors that did not exist twelve months ago. Carol Weaving, Managing Director of RX Africa, the organiser behind ILTM Africa, noted: “The travel sector has always been a people industry selling high-value, high-stakes experiences. Africa Travel Week has evolved into a powerful in-person event where technology handles the heavy lifting, and humans focus on the relationship building that defines this industry.”

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Cape Town: The WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards 2026 were presented today at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, recognising 22 organisations across 13 countries who are delivering measurable impact for people, places and nature.

The ceremony was MC-ed by Rachel Nxele, board member of SANParks, with special guest speaker Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth at the City of Cape Town. The awards span five categories – Championing Cultural Diversity; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Local Economic Benefit; Nature Positive; and Regenerative Tourism – and are run in partnership with the International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT).

“These awards are both celebration and evidence – recognising those organisations that are building dignity, protecting nature and honouring heritage.” – Rachel Nxele, board member, SANParks; MC, WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards 2026

Nxele framed the awards around a single, challenging question: can you prove it? “The awards recognise real work, real commitment and real impact,” she said. “The work that happens when no-one is watching.”

Alderman James Vos echoed that emphasis on demonstrable outcomes. The awards, he said, are “about showing impact” – because if you cannot show impact, it means “nothing to no-one”.

Vos described the awards as an important showcase of “how it can be done and how it should be done” and called on the industry to build more “tourism-preneurs” – to create greater longevity and broader economic opportunity.

THE TROPHIES

This year’s winners received trophies that are, in themselves, a statement of intent.

Gold and silver winners received handmade protea trophies crafted by Cape Gypsea, each one unique. The delicate inner petals are formed from the pages of recycled books; the bold outer petals from vibrant Shweshwe fabric, locally sourced with a focus on eco-conscious biodegradability. Together, they bring past and present into a single object – forgotten stories and living African tradition, side by side.

Organisations recognised as “One-to-Watch” received a bottle of Painted Wolf Wines, which is this year celebrating 20 years of wines for conservation. The company takes its name from Lycaon pictus – the scientific name for the African wild dog – and has donated 4% of sales to conservation since it was founded. By supporting African wild dogs, that support flows throughout the ecosystems and communities that share wild spaces across the continent.

THE 2026 RESPONSIBLE TOURISM WINNERS

The 2026 WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Award Gold winners are:

Ele Collection Zimbabwe – Nature Positive
Plastic waste is transformed into construction grade aggregate, reducing extraction pressure on natural systems while providing income to community collectors and educating visitors through factory tours. The judges praised the circular model for turning a major environmental threat into longterm infrastructure value while strengthening community livelihoods.

RuralRevive Namibia – Regenerative Tourism
RuralRevive’s “Building a Desert Based Economy Initiative” is conceptualised and driven by the Wolwedans Foundation. It is transforming the tourism economy around Maltahöhe through climate appropriate horticulture, local enterprise development and systems that reconnect tourism with community livelihoods. The judges recognised Rural Revive for addressing deep-rooted structural challenges by rebuilding local food systems, restoring dignity through work and creating a resilient desert based economy.

Saruni Basecamp Kenya – Regenerative Tourism
A community conservancy model has generated more than 1.5 million dollars for 6,605 landowners, conserved more than 414,000 hectares and embedded regenerative food systems and women’s economic empowerment across 13 camps. The judges commended Saruni Basecamp for demonstrating how long-term lease agreements and bed night fees can secure large and connected landscapes for wildlife, while strengthening local livelihoods.

Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company South Africa – Local Economic Benefit
Local procurement has increased from 29 percent in 2017 to 89 percent today, supporting more than 150 small businesses and providing mentorship and certification support to 67 SMMEs. The judges highlighted TMACC’s commitment to developing suppliers beyond the Cableway itself, helping entrepreneurs strengthen operations and access wider tourism markets.

Traditional African Homestays Southern Africa – Championing Cultural Diversity
A fast-growing network of heritage homestays enables visitors to become part of village life while ensuring most fee income stays within communities, with expansion now reaching Eswatini and Botswana. The judges noted the remarkable year-on-year growth, with more than R6 million generated and 70–80 percent of income remaining in host communities, demonstrating a scalable model of cultural preservation and community empowerment.

V&A Waterfront Academy Cape Town – Local Economic Benefit
Since 2023, 315 young people have been placed into employment, with 90 percent securing fulltime jobs for the first time and 15 small businesses supported through the Watershed craft market. The Academy’s model addresses a critical gap by supporting both young workers and the businesses that hire them during the fragile first six months of employment.

The 2026 WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Award silver winners are:

Elephant Human Relations Aid Namibia – Regenerative Tourism
Human elephant conflict incidents have fallen from 92 in 2023 to just 12 so far in 2026, with no elephants shot as problem animals in 2025, across more than 2 million hectares.

Graskop Gorge Lift Company South Africa – Nature Positive
A zero impact access system protects critically endangered species such as the Graskop cliff aloe while sourcing most procurement within 100 kilometres.

Green Planet & TUI Care Foundation Egypt– Championing Cultural Diversity
The Colourful Cultures programme supports artists, artisans and community hosts through training in hospitality, storytelling and entrepreneurship, connecting them to tourism markets through hotel, tour operator and online partnerships.

Imvelo Safari Lodges – Regenerative Tourism
Longterm coexistence work includes water management, antipoaching deterrence and the successful reintroduction of white rhinos.

LUX Marijani Zanzibar – Local Economic Benefit
Local suppliers are embedded into the resort’s value chain, generating consistent income for fishers, farmers, transport providers and women’s cooperatives.

Saruni Wild Kenya – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
A structured internship programme has shifted staff representation from an allmale team in 2015 to nearly one third women today, including a female Assistant Manager and equal gender representation among interns.

TUI Futureshapers North Africa – Local Economic Benefit
The programme supports more than 180 young entrepreneurs across Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia, strengthens local value chains and creates jobs through locally led tourism businesses.

Unexplored Cape Town – Championing Cultural Diversity
Inclusive, community rooted food tours take guests into neighbourhood kitchens and markets, supporting small vendors and welcoming travellers with disabilities while showcasing diverse African and diaspora food cultures.

The 2026 WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Award one-to-watch winners are:

AgroTourism Park by Eco Terra Vista Tours Rwanda – Local Economic Benefit
A grassroots model integrating smallholder farming, cultural heritage and tourism ensures revenue stays in rural communities historically excluded from tourism value chains.

Cape Tourist Guides Association South Africa – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Recognised for strengthening representation by ensuring guides reflect South Africa’s cultural, linguistic and socioeconomic diversity.

Desert & Delta Safaris Botswana – Championing Cultural Diversity
The Okavango Marathon Project offers an immersive cultural journey through remote communities along the Okavango Panhandle, meeting fishermen, travelling by mokoro with community guides and engaging with the San community at Tsodilo.

Green Safaris Zambia and Malawi – Regenerative Tourism
Mukuni Organic Farm and hydrological restoration using cascading check dams demonstrate a regenerative approach to restoring degraded land.

Jacada Travel Zimbabwe – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
A Female Guides of the Future initiative supports women to access high-level guiding roles through training, mentorship and career pathways in partnership with the Wilderness Trust.

Spekboom Southern Africa – Nature Positive
A tour company offering an automated split payment model channels 2.5 per cent of every booking directly to conservation or community causes at no extra cost to guests.

TUI Care Foundation Field to Fork Tanzania – Regenerative Tourism
Strengthens regenerative food systems, supports local farmers and links sustainable agriculture with tourism markets. One of nine projects worldwide.

TUI Turtle Aid and Project Diversity, Cape Verde – Nature Positive

More than 1.2 million endangered turtle hatchlings have been protected  since 2017 by TUI with local partner Project Biodiversity.

THE JUDGES

The judges of the WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards were chaired by Emeritus Professor Harold Goodwin, managing director of the Responsible Tourism Partnership and founder ICRT global and included Glynn O’ Leary Transfrontier Parks Destinations and ICRT Southern Africa, Ruth Crichton regional head Southern Africa the Long Run and ICRT Southern Africa, Adama Bah, Institute of Travel and Tourism of The Gambia (ITTOG) and ICRT West Africa, Martin Brackenbury formerly IFTO and UN Advisor, Kerry Carmichael founder of Echo and Tiomóid Foley, net zero tourism manager, business development and intermediary marketing at Visit Scotland

Debbie Hindle, chair of the International Centre for Responsible Tourism Global, closed the proceedings by congratulating all the winners –and in particular the gold winners, who now have the opportunity to compete in the Global Responsible Tourism Awards and take their stories to the international stage.

Olivia Gradidge, marketing manager WTM Africa and ILTM Africa said: “At WTM Africa, we’re proud to shine a light on these inspiring organisations. It’s truly an honour to recognise the outstanding work of the winners and witness the innovative strides our industry is making every year. This highlight on our events calendar reflects our commitment to championing responsible tourism that benefits people, places, and nature.”  

Full citations for all winners are available at www.icrt.global.

Exhibitor numbers have grown to 780 – a double-digit increase on 2025 – drawn from 40 countries and supported by 43 tourism boards and 65 event partners. A total of 13,500 appointments have been confirmed, a 35% increase on last year.

Perhaps the most significant story within the numbers is the breadth of new participation. Fifteen countries are represented by buyers for the first time, including Jamaica, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Pakistan, Denmark, and Portugal. This geographical spread reflects Africa’s growing appeal across entirely new source markets. On the exhibitor side, Angola, Cyprus, Djibouti, Jordan, Norway, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Germany, and the UAE are all participating for the first time.

Crucially, 81% of hosted buyers and Buyers’ Club members are entirely new to WTM Africa, a remarkable statistic that points to an event rapidly expanding its global footprint.

The timing of this year’s event carries particular significance. As the travel industry continues to navigate the ripple effects of conflict in the Middle East, which is disrupting established travel corridors, shifting source markets, and forcing a global reassessment of destination strategy, face-to-face trade events have become vital. 

Carol Weaving, Managing Director of RX Africa, said in the opening event: “Africa Travel Week has evolved into a powerful in-person event where technology handles the heavy lifting, and humans focus on the relationship building that defines this industry. Our people are our superpower.”

The industry’s own research reinforces this human-centred approach. This year’s State of the Industry Report, commissioned for Africa Travel Week, highlights that the path forward for African tourism is rooted in empathy and genuine human connection: “It’s how you interact with the traveller as a human being and understand where their specific needs are.”

The tangible economic value of these connections was highlighted by Alderman James Vos, who noted that Cape Town’s international flights have surged to over 230 per week, with tourism now supporting over 106,000 jobs in the city. 

“As a City government, we made a deliberate decision to host WTM Africa,” Vos said during his opening address. “It is an investment that delivers real economic returns. With over 100 countries represented here and 8,000 trade professionals doing deals on this floor, the impact goes far beyond these few days. It translates into future bookings, sustained demand, and long-term growth. Tourism is a team sport. When travellers choose South Africa, they are choosing an experience that no single destination can deliver alone.”

Beyond the exhibition floor, WTM Africa 2026 features a comprehensive content programme of 101 speakers across 82 curated sessions, spanning travel tech, responsible tourism, adventure tourism, medical tourism, golf tourism, and sports and events tourism. The Africa Tourism Investment Conference (ATIC), taking place on Tuesday 14 April, brought together investors, policymakers, and tourism leaders to interrogate the continent’s infrastructure ambitions and investment pipeline.

“Africa, the time is now, and the growth is palpable,” said Weaving, extending special thanks to the host city of Cape Town and Alderman James Vos for the city’s continued commitment to positioning the Mother City as Africa’s premier events destination.

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Third annual Media Awards celebrate excellence in African travel journalism across five categories.

Cape Town: Africa Travel Week (ATW) has announced the winners of its 2026 Media Awards, honouring the journalists, photographers and content creators bringing Africa’s travel and tourism stories to global audiences.

Now in its third year, the ATW Media Awards received a record number of entries – over 170 across five categories: Sustainability Feature Award, Visual Tourism Award, Tourism News Award, Destination Feature Award and the Young Talent Award. All were evaluated by a world-class judging panel comprising wildlife photographer and Canon ambassador Ellie Rothnie, Kojo Bentum-Williams of VoyagesAfriq, Barry Nield of CNN Travel, Divia Thani of Condé Nast Traveller and Tom Hall of Lonely Planet.

“These awards exist to shine a light on the storytellers who shape how the world sees Africa,”says Olivia Gradidge, Marketing Manager (WTM Africa & ILTM Africa) at RX Africa, the host and architect of Africa Travel Week. “The quality of entries this year reflects the depth of talent working in African travel media, and we congratulate every finalist and winner.”

2026 ATW Media Awards Winners

Sustainability Feature Award

Gold: Bella Falk, BBC Wildlife Magazine – Dog Stars: On the Trail of African Wild DogsSilver: Savanna Strauss, Rewilding Southern Africa – Rewilding Giants

Bronze: Tafadzwa Mwanengureni, Minority Africa – They Escaped Their Husbands. Then They Took on Poachers.

Visual Tourism Award

Gold: Wiktoria West, Rewilding Southern Africa – Eastern Chimpanzee

Silver: Bella Falk, Passports & Pixels – Ugandan Group of Dancers

Bronze: Aaron Fishbein – The Basotho Herdsman

Tourism News Award

Gold: Jane Gatwiri, NTV Kenya – Twigas on Transit

Silver: Morgan Barnard, Social Safari Africa – Marriott International was preparing to open its new Ritz-Carlton Safari Camp in Kenya’s Maasai Mara

Bronze: Dale Hes, Tourism Update – AI’s Gatekeeper Role: A Threat to African Tourism

Destination Feature Award

Gold: Sam Kemp, National Geographic Traveller UK – Sierra Leone: After the Storm

Joint Silver: Charlotte Wigram-Evans, National Geographic Traveller – Uganda:We are One

Joint Silver: Lorna Parkes, National Geographic Traveller UK – Kenya: Natural OrderBronze: Victor Ayeni, Punch Newspapers – Nigeria: Sango’s Festival Where Ancient Rites Ignite Fire, Thunder

Young Talent Award

Gold: Shereefdeen Ahmad, The Liberalist – How Schengen Visa Denials Are Shutting Africans Out of the Global Stage

Silver: Savanna Strauss, Rewilding Southern Africa – Is Silence Going Extinct?

Bronze: William Muthama, K24 Digital – List of KWS Parks and Reserves You Can Visit for Free on Saturday

“In a media environment flooded with AI-generated content and deepfakes, what we saw in these entries was a reminder of why real journalism still matters,” says Dorine Reinstein from Big Ambitions, ATW’s PR partner. “”The 2026 winners represent the very best of that community: writers, photographers and journalists producing pieces that were grounded, well-researched and honestly told.”

The 2026 ATW Media Awards were presented at the end of Day 1 of WTM Africa during Africa Travel Week.

For media enquiries, contact Sonnette Fourie on +27 81 072 2869 or sonnette@bigambitions.co.za

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Cape Town, South Africa – IBTM Africa, which takes place alongside WTM Africa, is fast positioning itself as a critical platform for Africa’s MICE sector, bringing together international buyers, leading suppliers, and a dedicated business events programme at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) from April 13-15, 2026.

Reante Naidoo, Buyers & Digital Director for WTM Africa says IBTM Africa is now a core pillar of the show.

“Over one-third of WTM Africa’s hosted buyer programme has direct MICE influence,” explains Naidoo. “Significantly, of those MICE buyers, 99% are senior decision makers who directly influence or control purchasing decisions. They’re coming to Cape Town, from both traditional and emerging source markets, to explore new products, establish new relationships and experience what South Africa, and Africa, has to offer.”

Of the confirmed MICE buyers who will be in attendance, there is strong representation from the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Kenya, United Arab Emirates, Italy, Tanzania, Egypt, India, Spain, Australia, Uganda, Turkey, Netherlands and South Africa.

“IBTM Africa provides MICE suppliers with access to the buyers who matter,” says Naidoo. “And with an extended programme of events, including a ‘Women in MICE’ breakfast, a leadership workshop, and dedicated speaker sessions, there is plenty of opportunity to network and engage.”

Women in MICE Breakfast

The Women in MICE breakfast takes place on 15 April from 08:00 to 10:00 at the CTICC. The session brings together industry professionals to discuss leadership, inclusivity, and collaboration in the business events sector. Interested parties can register by emailing Antois-Leigh Nepgen on antois-leigh@4mal.co.za.

Space is limited and early registration is recommended.

Women in MICE Workshop, in partnership with Women in Tourism

Open to all exhibitors and taking place on the event floor on 15 April from 10:30, this workshop looks at tourism leadership, and specifically practical tools, proven strategies and real-world insights to empower organisations, women leaders, and entrepreneurs across the tourism value chain.

China Ready® Workshop

With China’s outbound travel market projected to soar to 200 million trips by 2028 (according to digital marketing and research firm, China Trading Desk) and South Africa’s Trusted Tour Operator Scheme coming in to play,  there is no better time for South Africa’s inbound tourism sector – including MICE – to familiarise themselves with the needs of the Chinese market. WTM Africa’s China Ready® Workshop gives interested exhibitors the chance to equip themselves with the knowledge and tools to cater to Chinese travellers.

For more information visit: https://www.wtm.com/africa/en-gb/whats-on/china-ready-workshop.html

Again, space is limited and booking a seat in advance is essential.

Sports Events & Tourism Exchange in partnership with Nielsen Sports

The Sports and Events Tourism Exchange (SETE) brings together businesses from across the spectrum of sports, events and industries – with a full programme running on Wednesday, 15 April 2026.

“The global sports events sector is growing quickly,” says Olivia Gradidge, Marketing Manager, WTM Africa. “It presents a massive opportunity for South Africa. We encourage anyone up and down the supply chain to attend – and help position South Africa as a major player when it comes to hosting world-class, international events.”

Africa Tourism Investment Conference

The Africa Tourism Investment Conference (14 April, CTICC) is a crucial event for the MICE industry. It provides businesses with essential investment insights, networking opportunities, and access to key decision-makers.

This conference is the ideal platform for MICE professionals to drive growth and capitalise on emerging trends in tourism investment. To view the full programme, please visit https://www.wtm.com/africa/en-gb/whats-on/tourism-investment-forum-africa.html.

Pre-registration is essential.

Invitation to Join Diverse Exhibitor Base

Currently, 40% of exhibitors attending WTM Africa in April have a strong MICE element to their business, with representation from established hotel groups including Southern Sun Hotel Interests, Tsogo Sun Casinos Management Company, Minor Hotels, City Lodge Hotels, and specialist venues like Kievits Kroon Gauteng Wine Estate.

The exhibitor base spans 17 countries across Africa and beyond, including South Africa, Tanzania, Kingdom of Eswatini, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Uganda, Seychelles, Namibia, Botswana, and international destinations such as Singapore, Switzerland, Jordan, and Saint Helena.

National tourism authorities, airlines, venues and ground transport providers will showcase Africa’s business events infrastructure and capabilities, demonstrating the continent’s readiness to host international meetings, incentives, conferences, and events.

“IBTM Africa connects global demand with Africa’s growing business events sector,” says Carol Weaving, MD of RX Africa, which hosts Africa Travel Week, including WTM Africa and IBTM Africa, each year. “This is a warm invitation to Africa’s MICE sector to join us in Cape Town for three focused, valuable days. The buyers are confirmed, the programme is set, and the opportunity is real. We look forward to welcoming exhibitors who are ready to do business.” Learn more & register your interest: IBTM Africa

“These coat-hanger cards, soon to be hanging in accommodation establishments across the metro, are more than a creative idea,” said Alderman Vos. “They are smart, targeted tools that will put Cape Town’s destination and investment features just a click away.”

The double-sided cards feature QR codes that link to This is Cape Town, the city’s six-pillar place marketing platform, and to Invest Cape Town, which showcases the city’s business and investment opportunities.

“This is a simple, tangible way to reach visitors and investors exactly where they are, inviting them to explore more, invest more, and experience more of Cape Town,” Alderman Vos explained.

Alderman Vos also thanked the Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa (FEDHASA) for its support in distributing the cards through its network of hospitality providers. “This kind of partnership is what allows campaigns like these to land where they matter most,” he said.

“This campaign proves that clever doesn’t have to be complicated. By meeting visitors where they are – literally – we’re turning simple hangers into powerful hooks for travel, trade and tourism. FEDHASA plays a critical role in connecting public and private partners, and it’s through this kind of collaboration with the City of Cape Town that we unlock the real economic impact of the hospitality industry, create jobs and keep Cape Town thriving, said Lee-Anne Singer, the chairperson of FEDHASA Cape.

The campaign capitalises on the strength of Cape Town’s hospitality sector, as demonstrated by a hotel occupancy rate of 64.6% in April, outstripping the national average of 56.3%.

Additionally, Cape Town has increasingly become a hub for meetings, conferences and events. In the 2024/25 financial year, the Cape Town & Western Cape Convention Bureau, powered by Wesgro and supported by the City, secured 36 new bids.

‘These alone are projected to have an economic impact of R745 million and are expected to bring around 27,230 delegates to Cape Town for events through to 2028. These are thousands of professionals from all over the world and with this campaign, we will be able to reveal to them the incredible variety of experiences that our city has to offer,’ said Alderman Vos.

The initiative forms part of Alderman Vos’s broader five-point programme of action to boost Cape Town’s tourism sector, which includes:

1. Landing more flights

2. Docking more cruise liners

3. Hosting more events and conferences

4. Diversifying tourism products across the city

5. Launching clever campaigns backed by strong conversion strategies

“Tourism isn’t just about travel, it’s a major economic driver,” Alderman Vos stated. “For every 100 air arrivals, two jobs are created. That’s why we’re investing in marketing that turns interest into impact, helping local businesses, creating employment, and strengthening our visitor economy.”

He also highlighted other recent campaigns promoting Cape Town’s cycling routes, golf courses, and ocean-based adventures, all available via the This is Cape Town platform and the City’s official website.

“We’re constantly looking for new ways to tell Cape Town’s story, and today’s launch is another smart step forward,” Alderman Vos concluded.

To find out more about this campaign or to participate, contact: MMC Economic Growth MMC.EconomicGrowth@capetown.gov.za  

At Pullman Cape Town City Centre, Table Mountain views and world-class hospitality now come with an added layer of assurance – certification as one of the safest hotels in the world. The hotel has achieved Safehotels Premium Certification, placing it among the world’s most secure and well-prepared properties, where exceptional safety protocols meet uncompromising attention to guest wellbeing.

Safehotels conducts independent audits to certify hotels that meet the highest security standards, work with leading international hotel chains and are recognised by corporate travellers and hotel buyers worldwide. Through partnerships with International SOS, a global leader in Health & Security Risk Management, and endorsements from organisations such as the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) and the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), the certification is widely trusted as a benchmark for safety and preparedness.

Safehotels operates in 71 countries across 203 cities and is trusted by some of the world’s biggest hotel brands. Their Global Hotel Security Standard evaluates over 230 criteria on-site – including water quality testing, food hygiene protocols, fire prevention systems, emergency response plans, and staff training – to ensure internationally recognised safety standards.

“What sets Safehotels certification apart is its holistic approach. From the moment guests step into Pullman Cape Town, they’re wrapped in an invisible blanket of care that extends far beyond the usual hospitality touchpoints. While they might not see the measures that make their stay safer, they’ll feel the difference – whether they’re here for an adventure-packed holiday, a cruise stopover, or a business trip that needs to run like clockwork,” says Jaco Bekker, Security Manager at Pullman Cape Town City Centre.

“Achieving Safehotels Premium Certification demonstrates our commitment to going the extra mile regarding guest safety and wellbeing,” adds Bekker. “For corporate clients needing to demonstrate they are fulfilling duty-of-care obligations when sending employees abroad, as well as families simply seeking a relaxing holiday, this Safehotels certification provides a globally recognised standard of assurance regarding guest wellbeing.”

Safehotels certification aligns with Accor’s commitment to redefining hospitality across Africa. With ten more Accor properties set to achieve certification by 2025, Pullman Cape Town is helping set new global standards for guest wellbeing.

“As the first Pullman brand in South Africa by the Accor Group, we achieved Premium status within a year of opening. But Safehotels is about more than just compliance – it’s about our passion for hospitality and ensuring that every guest feels secure and comfortable from the moment they arrive,” explains Willie Williams, Area Director of Sales & Marketing at Accor – Pullman Cape Town.

“Our guests are here to enjoy Cape Town at its best. They should be able to focus on making memories rather than worrying about safety or health concerns. This certification reflects our dedication to providing peace of mind so guests can fully enjoy everything this incredible city offers,” he adds.

“When a guest stays with us, they can rest assured that everything – from water quality and hotel dining to the rooftop pool and food hygiene in our four restaurants and bars – meets the highest international standards of fire, life, and safety,” concludes Williams.

Flights between South Africa’s “Mother City” and the South Atlantic Island will operate every Saturday until 29 March 2025.  They augment the weekly Johannesburg-St Helena schedule which will operate on Tuesdays for the duration of the summer season.

Prior to 2017, when commercial flights to St Helena’s newly built airport began operating, the only way to reach the island was a five-day sea voyage from Cape Town. Today, Airlink, puts this bucket-list destination in easy reach of visitors.

“It’s about a six-hour flight between Cape Town and Jamestown, with a brief re-fuelling stop in Walvis Bay,” says Airlink CEO and Managing Director, Rodger Foster. “For travellers with a keen sense of adventure and history, St Helena remains one of the most unspoiled, fascinating and unforgettable places to visit. It is a privilege to be entrusted with this route.”

Matt Joshua, Head of Tourism for St Helena says the seasonal Cape Town-St Helena route is invaluable for local residents with ties to South Africa, South African tourists, and international visitors from the UK, Europe and beyond.

“Cape Town is a launchpad for tourism. By linking the Mother City directly with St Helena, Airlink is providing a convenient and reliable service to a destination that holds a unique mystique for many,” says Joshua. “It really is a destination like no other.”

Lying in middle of the South Atlantic and once a critical port of call between Europe and Asia, St Helena is now home to nearly 4,000 residents – all ready to introduce visitors to the island’s extraordinary history, traditions, landscape, wildlife and nature. From unmatched walking and hiking trails to birding, diving, snorkelling and photographic expeditions, the island awaits – now only a flight away from Cape Town.

Discover the best rates and promotional fares by visiting the Airlink website at www.flyairlink.com or contacting an IATA travel agent. Your extraordinary Atlantic adventure begins with just one click – explore and book today for the best deals available!

The full schedule of flights can be found on www.flyairlink.com.

The latest TSI data is in, with five African destinations proving to be crowd favourites. It is no surprise that the Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius and Zanzibar stood out as winners for beach holidays, while South Africa’s Stellenbosch, Cape Town and Hermanus were ranked highly for their food, restaurants and wildlife, respectively.

We asked travel industry and destination experts to weigh in on the accolades and share things you probably didn’t know about the African destinations currently feeling the love.

Cape Town – home to cuisine over 350 years old

Cape Town restaurants regularly feature in The World’s 50 Best Restaurant Awards – with Fyn Restaurant earning the plum spot of 37 in 2022.

Robert More, custodian and CEO of MORE Family Collection, who recently launched Upper Union Restaurant in Cape Town, notes that Malay Cape Cuisine has become synonymous with fine dining in the Mother City. “Chefs are drawn to the complex combination of strong, spicy and aromatic flavours. It’s no surprise that Malay cuisine is used and interpreted in many Cape Town restaurants, including Upper Union, which is a perfect addition to our globally inspired menu,” says More.   

“During colonial times, many Malaysian, Indonesian and East African slaves who were taken to the Cape in the 17th and 18th centuries had limited access to their traditional ingredients and therefore had to improvise. This has resulted in a cuisine which is solely unique to the Cape, and steeped in history and tradition,” says More.

Seychelles – only 1% of the country is solid land

With over 115 islands but only 459 square kilometres of land, an astounding 99% of this paradise is made up of water. And the island nation has taken impressive steps to protect it, designating 30% of its waters as Marine Protected Areas. “We’re not surprised that Seychelles ranked fourth in the world in the Tourism Sentiment Index. Seychelles’ water means everything to our people and the economy, and we are doing everything possible we protect it with our new Marine Spatial Plan,” says the Principal Secretary for Environment, Dennis Matatiken.

Matatiken continues: “Visitors to Seychelles are likely familiar with its gorgeous coral-filled reefs, but few know that these same waters act as a stopping point for whale sharks migrating from east to west each year. These majestic creatures make their way to Australia annually, taking advantage of this idyllic oasis before continuing their journey.”

Stellenbosch – the birthplace of a unique wine variety

Known for its incredible selection of wine farms, Stellenbosch is a mecca for oenophiles worldwide – hence it scooping the 34^th spot in the Tourism Sentiment Index 2023. It took top honours at the 2022 International Wine and Spirit Competition in 2022 with top trophies for both best red and white wine producers of the year. With more than 200 wine farms to choose from, visitors are spoilt for choice when seeking out their ideal winery experience And in the case of Pinotage, it’s one you can’t replicate anywhere else in the world. That’s because scientist Abraham Perold created Pinotage in 1925 in Stellenbosch. He crossed the Cinsaut and Pinot Noir varietals, explains Visit Stellenbosch CEO Jeanneret Momberg.

“Pinotage wine is becoming increasingly popular as wine drinkers worldwide discover its dark fruit and oak flavours. We’ve been excited to see that as it has increased in popularity, more visitors come to Stellenbosch on Pinotage Pilgrimages,” says Momberg. She notes Kanonkop Estate, Beyerskloof and Kaapzicht are prime examples of wine farms in Stellenbosch benefitting by the worldwide “passion for pinotage”.

Hermanus  – has a resident whale crier

While South Africa’s game lodges and reserves are world-renowned, Hermanus wins bragging rights as a wildlife destination of choice thanks to the majestic southern right whales that are drawn to its shallow, sandy covers to breed. “The unique geography of the shoreline of Hermanus means that these gentle giants can easily be observed from the land – or your hotel room, in the case of The Marine Hotel, which overlooks the whale sanctuary,” says Giltedge Group CEO Murray Gardiner.

It was 1991 when Hermanus first made history as the only town on Earth to have its very own Whale Crier. The tradition began informally, with a local alerting tourists of whale sightings, and soon became officially recognised, explains Gardiner. “Thanks to this remarkable innovation, everyone visiting Hermanus is now treated to a unique experience,” he says.

Mauritius – it has more than one island

The Republic of Mauritius is renowned for its idyllic tropical beaches on the coastline, approximately 330 km long. But the country of Mauritius includes the island of Mauritius, Rodrigues and the constituent outer islands of Agaléga and St. Brandon.

Antoinette Turner, GM of Flight Centre South Africa, offers her insights into Rodrigues, a gorgeous destination with just a short boat or plane trip away from Mauritius. She explains, “this is an area of incredible beauty that remains largely undisturbed and unspoilt and is a must-visit for those keen on water sports”.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel, marked its debut in South Africa today as Norwegian Jade became the first of its 18 ships to homeport in Cape Town, South Africa.

 Norwegian Jade will sail on a 12-day Extraordinary Journey around the coast of South Africa and Namibia with seven ports of call, including Richard’s Bay, Durban, Mossel Bay and Lüderitz.

South African guests aboard Norwegian Jade will be able to holiday without the worry of visas and flights and enjoy NCL’s unique ‘Freestyle Cruising’ concept, which allows the ultimate freedom and flexibility at sea. A smaller ship at 2,402 guest capacity (dual occupancy), Norwegian Jade is packed full of features that enable guests to make the most of their precious vacation time. She boasts a broad variety of staterooms including The Haven by Norwegian™, NCL’s exclusive ship-within-a-ship concept, 16 dining options, Broadway-style shows and the serene Mandara Spa.