Cape Town: Africa Travel Week, built by RX Africa, has released its annual State of the Industry Report. The comprehensive, data-driven report examines the forces transforming travel and tourism across the continent, from aviation access and AI-driven distribution to sustainability compliance, inclusion and the next generation workforce.

The report arrives at a pivotal moment. Africa welcomed 81 million international visitors in 2025 – 8% growth, the fastest of any region globally – and aviation capacity surged 13.7% to 182.4 million departure seats. Yet the headline numbers mask a more fractured reality: Central and Western Africa recorded 0% aviation growth while Eastern Africa surged 24.3%; fewer than 5% of African hospitality properties hold third-party sustainability certification, despite the EU’s greenwashing ban activating in September 2026; and 72% of Gen Z now use AI to plan travel, meaning operators without machine-readable inventory are invisible before the conversation even begins.

“This report explores current themes and trends,” said Olivia Gradidge, Marketing Manager, WTM Africa & ILTM Africa. “Including trust, AI and travel tech, traveller psychology, sustainability and authenticity.”

Commissioned to Big Ambitions, RX Africa’s content, communications and marketing agency, the report draws on contributions from more than 25 industry leaders, academics, and practitioners across the continent, including environmental expert Dr Louise de Waal, director of the Blood Lions campaign to end commercial captive lion breeding and canned hunting, Judy Kepher Gona, founder and executive director at Sustainable Travel and Tourism Agenda (STTA), and Luckson Zambuko, Founder of the African Youth in Tourism and Hospitality Association. 

“What struck us most when compiling this report was not the scale of the opportunity – that has always been evident – but the specificity of what is now required to capture it,” said Dorine Reinstein, Content Director, Big Ambitions. “The operators and destinations that are winning in 2026 are not the ones with the best product, but the ones with the best proof. Proof of access, proof of trust, proof of sustainability, proof of welcome. That shift– from aspiration to verification – is the defining commercial reality this report addresses.”

The full report, including a ten-point manifesto for African tourism stakeholders, is available at https://soi2026.yop.co.za/ – required reading for every operator, investor, policymaker, and destination marketer with a stake in the future of African tourism.

It was introduced by Carol Weaving, Managing Director of RX Africa, with a video at the opening ceremony of WTM Africa on Monday, 13 April, and supported by a panel discussion on the Future Stage on Wednesday, 15 April. 

The panel, sponsored by LIFT and moderated by Dorine Reinstein, included David Frost, CEO of SATSA; Judy Kepher Gona, Director of Sustainable Travel & Tourism Africa; Kwakye Donkor, CEO of Africa Tourism Partners; Liesel van Zyl, Head of Positive Impact and Product Development at Go2Africa; and Rashid Toefy, Deputy Director-General for Economic Operations at the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism.

The full video can be found here: WTM Africa 2026: ATW State of the Industry Report Launch

Johannesburg – Cybercrime shows no sign of slowing in 2026, with attacks not only increasing in volume, but also in sophistication as criminals use AI to make their attacks harder to detect – and easier to fall for.

It’s a reality for everyone, but business travel creates a perfect storm of vulnerability: unfamiliar networks, distracted travellers and sensitive data in motion. Cybersecurity experts agree that the data carried by business travellers – names, addresses, credit card details, IDs and passport numbers – is like a goldmine for hackers.

And the stakes are high. Statista predicts that global cybercrime losses will reach 15.63 trillion U.S. dollars by 2029. As an example, South African telecoms operators were hit hard in 2025, with Comric reporting that the industry “absorbed R5.3bn in fraud and cyber losses” last year alone.

Herman Heunes, GM of Corporate Traveller South Africa, says every employee who boards a flight with a company laptop, logs into hotel Wi-Fi, or approves a transaction from an airport lounge is at risk.

The threats you’re most likely to encounter

Public Wi-Fi remains the most immediate risk on the road. Whether it’s the airport lounge, a hotel lobby or a conference centre network, these connections are a playground for cybercriminals looking to intercept sensitive data. Bluetooth connections are similarly exposed, a detail many travellers overlook while focused on getting online quickly. Modern Bluetooth can reach up to 100 metres, meaning attackers don’t need to be beside you or even visible to you. In public spaces like airports and co-working cafes, ‘bluejacking’ and ‘bluesnarfing’ are a very real threat.

Phishing is still the entry point of choice. Phishing defence specialist Cofense estimates 91% of successful cyberattacks start with a phishing email – and for a traveller receiving a flood of booking confirmations, itinerary updates and hotel offers, a convincing fake is easy to miss. In 2025 and 2026, these attacks have become significantly harder to spot, with criminals using deepfake technology and AI-generated content to deceive even the most vigilant among us.

But business email compromise (BEC) is where things get expensive. In these attacks, hackers impersonate executives or trusted partners to redirect funds or extract sensitive information. Travelling executives who are approving decisions remotely – often quickly, sometimes in noisy environments – are especially susceptible.

Then there are deepfakes, which represent the fastest-evolving threat on this list. Fraudsters are now using deepfake video and audio to impersonate senior executives on live calls, leading to unauthorised transfers of funds. Scarily, a traveller on a video call with what appears to be their CFO may not be talking to their CFO at all.

Don’t overlook airport charging stations either. Public USB ports can be compromised in a tactic known as “juice jacking,” where malware is silently installed on connected devices. And ransomware has evolved beyond data encryption into extortion campaigns that threaten to expose sensitive information publicly if ransoms aren’t paid.

AI tools themselves present a different risk. When travelling, it’s tempting to use common AI platforms to summarise documents, draft emails or plan meetings – but entering sensitive information into public AI platforms can expose confidential data. In South Africa, this has direct legal implications: the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) places strict obligations on how personal data is handled, stored and shared. This is your reminder to never upload traveller details, client information or financial data into AI tools, and always follow your organisation’s POPIA protocols when working with data of a personal nature.

“Any cyberattack is stressful,” says Heunes. “But for small businesses it’s devastating. One successful attack can drain millions from your company’s accounts, and smaller businesses might never recover from that kind of financial loss. Obviously, you need to do a full security audit on your software and systems to see where you’re vulnerable, but you also need to train your team to spot red flags and mitigate their risks – especially when on the road.”

It’s a view that puts travel managers squarely in the frame, not just as policy-setters, but as the first line of defence. Cybersecurity briefings, Heunes argues, should be as standard a part of pre-travel admin as visa checks and travel insurance.

What travellers should do

• Password-protect your laptop. It seems simple, but if your device is lost or stolen, it’s the difference between an inconvenience and a full company data breach.
• Always use a VPN. A virtual private network encrypts your internet activity, protecting passwords and payment details even on public Wi-Fi.
• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all corporate accounts before departure.
• Avoid public USB charging points. Carry your own cable and use a wall outlet or a personal power bank instead.
• Update all devices before you leave. Automated scanning tools can identify unpatched systems within hours of a vulnerability being disclosed – don’t give attackers that window.
• Verify before you act. If an instruction to transfer funds or share sensitive data arrives while you’re on the road, confirm it via a separate channel – not the same email thread.
• Treat hotel Wi-Fi like public Wi-Fi. Even password-protected hotel networks can be compromised.
• Be POPIA-aware when using AI tools on the road. Never upload personal, financial or client data into public AI platforms – this may constitute a data breach under South African law, regardless of where you’re travelling.

What travel managers should do

• Build cybersecurity briefings into pre-travel protocols. Travellers should know the risks before they reach the departure gate.
• Ensure all company devices are patched, encrypted and VPN-ready before any trip. Don’t leave this to the individual.
• Establish clear verification procedures for financial approvals that remain in force when the approver is travelling.
• Train travellers to recognise deepfake red flags and instruct them to confirm video call participants through a secondary channel when approvals or sensitive information are involved.
• Include AI tool usage in your data compliance policy. Employees should know which platforms are approved for business use and understand that uploading sensitive data into public AI tools may expose the company to legal liability under POPIA.
• Consider a clean device programme for high-risk destinations: loan devices with no stored company data, used only for the duration of the trip.

“The good news is that cyber resilience is achievable,” says Heunes. “It requires preparation and education – and a recognition that the moment an employee leaves the office, their cybersecurity habits impact the entire company.”

Notably only seven per cent of respondents in the region now anticipate reducing their travel budgets, a dramatic fall from 21% last year, signalling business travel is being prioritised as a strategic lever for growth.

The positive outlook comes as recent interest rate decreases signal improving macroeconomic conditions and renewed optimism among corporates across southern Africa.

Mummy Mafojane, General Manager at FCM Travel Southern Africa, said the positive sentiment reflected renewed confidence among South African corporates as economic conditions improve.

“These global results are particularly encouraging for the South African market where we’re seeing strong momentum. Companies are recognising that business travel is essential infrastructure for growth, not just an expense. Our recent launch of FCM Meetings & Events in South Africa has already captured significant interest from mining and financial services sectors who understand that face-to-face engagement drives real business outcomes.”

Herman Heunes, General Manager at Corporate Traveller South Africa, said the findings validated what his team was seeing on the ground with South African SMEs and mid-market companies.

“The survey results confirm that sentiment is shifting – companies are ready to back growth with increased travel budgets. We’re seeing dynamic South African businesses who view travel as a strategic investment rather than a cost centre. Our rebrand in the last financial year has really helped us connect with this new generation of businesses who appreciate our modern identity and approach.”

Globally, for flagship businesses FCM Travel and Corporate Traveller, nine per cent of customers surveyed intend to spend over 20% more on their travel, 36% plan to increase by up to 20% more, and 37%believe the amount spent will be similar to last year.

The findings follow the release of end-of-financial-year results to the Australian Securities Exchange. The results showed that FCTG achieved a record total transaction value (TTV) of AUD$24.5 billion, up three per cent year-on-year (YOY) in a challenging global trading cycle, and an AUD$289.1 million underlying profit before tax, at the midpoint of the recently revised range.

The corporate business again delivered a record total turnover (TTV) of AUD$12.3 billion, up two per cent YOY, with FCM Travel securing a large pipeline of new accounts, expanding addressable markets, and set to benefit from industry consolidation. Corporate Traveller is also set to become a AUD$5 billion-per-year TTV business.

FCTG Global Corporate CEO, Chris Galanty, said the survey findings illustrated that customers had a brighter outlook for the new financial year with some macro-economic challenges now starting to ease across the globe.

“There’s no question corporate travel is deemed to be a non-discretionary spend for businesses as a critical facet to surviving and thriving worldwide – this is now evidenced by a significant percentage of our customers planning to increase their travel spend in FY26,” said Galanty.

“These figures paint a positive picture for the world of business travel in the new financial year.

“Significant technology advancements in AI through our Centre of Excellence, combined with an uplift in the utilisation of FCM Platform and the Corporate Traveller Technology Suite, have enabled us to automate the ordinary, allowing us to provide our customers with the extraordinary.

“Companies, whether they be large multi-nationals, SMEs or start-up businesses, are vital to economies across the globe, and it’s with great pride that we get to deliver our unique blend of the expertise of our people and our innovative technology to service them in their aspirations.”

FCTG Managing Director EMEA, Steve Norris, said there were several highlights and milestones across the corporate businesses for FY25.

“Productivity has jumped in many areas, and our focus on living by our ingrained Family, Village, Tribe structure means our subject matter experts are more empowered to make much quicker decisions – allowing them to shine alongside our FCM Platform and Corporate Traveller Technology Suite.”

Heunes further noted Corporate Traveller is continuously advancing its technology in South Africa to help travel managers work more efficiently and serve customers better. “As a result, our team can focus on what they do best: providing service of the highest standard.”

With business sentiment rising across southern Africa and enhanced technology platforms streamlining complex travel arrangements, industry analysts expect the corporate travel recovery to accelerate through FY26, potentially reshaping how businesses approach regional expansion and international partnerships.

*The State of the Market survey was conducted in June and July 2025. The target respondents were Corporate Traveller and FCM Travel customers, specifically decision-makers, travel managers, and authorised travel bookers. All Corporate Traveller and FCM Travel regions were included. A random sample of 1,234 responses was obtained.

Johannesburg, South Africa, 22 August 2025 – FCM Meetings & Events (FCM M&E), the global meetings and events division of FCM Travel, has unveiled its cutting-edge Reporting & Analytics Tool for clients in the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) space.

FCM launched its South African Meetings & Events operation in April 2025 to better support MICE clients with venue sourcing, event planning, meeting coordination, big-stage productions, and complex group travel.

“It’s an exciting time for the MICE sector in South Africa,” says Mummy Mafojane, GM FCM Meetings and Events. “According to Allied Market Research, the South African MICE industry was valued at 6.6 billion US dollars in 2023 and is projected to grow significantly over the next five to 10 years. Africa – and South Africa – offers incredible opportunities in terms of venues, accommodation, activities and downtime or leisure opportunities. It’s the perfect place to innovate and we’re here to set a new standard for business gatherings.”

FCM M&E’s Reporting & Analytics Tool, which will be introduced in a phased roll-out over the next few months, will enhance operational functionality, deliver measurable savings, enable informed decision-making, and ensure comprehensive peace of mind for clients across the globe.

“The MICE space is dynamic,” says Mafojane. “Often plans need to come together at pace, decisions are made quickly, and clients need solutions and tools that can keep up. The new platform brings all your meetings and events data together in one simple dashboard, so you can stop wrestling with manual spreadsheets and focus on what really matters – running your business.”

In addition to the Reporting & Analytics Tool, FCM M&E will introduce venue sourcing and event requests into the existing FCM Platform.

“The core version of FCM Venue Finder and the new Meeting Request Form will be available to new and existing customers, and the integration provides a centralised hub for venue selection, streamlined processes, and improved collaboration – on top of the Reporting & Analytics Tool,” explains Mafojane.

Data from FCM M&E’s inaugural Global Trends Report 2025 (covering North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East and Africa) revealed that almost 40 per cent of respondents do not have a clear view of their meetings and events budget for this year.

“Whether you’re planning an annual team get-together, massive event or major conference, budget visibility is crucial,” said Mafojane. “When costs are unclear, event planners can’t make smart decisions. Our new tool gives clients complete visibility over their budgets and spending, so they always know where they stand financially.”

Key Features of the FCM M&E Reporting & Analytics Tool:

• Operational efficiency: Reduces time spent on compiling and merging reports with a consolidated dashboard for all meetings and events data
• Verified savings: Instantly quantifies missed savings opportunities by visualising supplier and event-level spending against budgets
• Stronger negotiating power: Offers data and proof points to secure better supplier rates, with filters for detailed drilling into reports by event, market, and department
• Smarter decision-making: Provides trends and insights to guide purchasing strategies, supported by intuitive charts and reports for easy identification of trends and next steps
• Peace of mind: Ensures timely and reliable data with a secure platform featuring role-based access and a daily refresh schedule.

The tool is an exciting development for the South African market.

Mafojane – who is keeping a close eye on the global rollout – believes the tool will redefine how businesses manage their MICE portfolios.  “Our customers will not only gain fresh insights, but they’ll be better positioned to leverage those insights for strategic growth,” says Mafojane. “Importantly, companies now want more flexibility, better technology, sustainable options, and unique, engaging solutions. We’re ready to deliver all that and more.”

“Travel managers are at the centre of these shifts,” says Rategang Moroke, Operations Manager at Corporate Traveller. “The requests they receive hold valuable insights into how business travel is evolving and where programmes and policies need to adapt. These aren’t just one-off asks – they’re signals about what really matters to travellers.” 

So, what were people asking for in 2024? We polled travel managers to find out. From health-focused asks to hyper-specific preferences, their stories highlight the trends shaping business travel today – and what companies can learn from them. 

The Rise of Wellness Requests 

One traveller called their travel manager with an unusual request: a scale in their hotel room. It wasn’t for luggage. It was to track their weight as part of their fitness programme. This traveller wasn’t an outlier. More and more people are trying to stick to personal health goals while travelling for work, whether that’s through gym access, healthier dining options, or simply maintaining balance. 

What this tells us about travellers: Wellness matters. Travellers don’t want to leave their routines at home, and they expect business travel to accommodate their health as part of the experience. 

How to adapt your travel policy: Personal goals are becoming a normal part of business travel. Moroke suggests integrating wellness-friendly options into travel programmes. “Choose hotels with gyms or health amenities, and offer meal stipends that allow for healthier dining options. These details matter to your travellers.” 

Personal Preferences Shape the Experience 

Not all upgrades are welcome. One traveller declined a two-bedroom suite, saying it felt unnecessarily large for their solo trip. Another took extra steps to flag their airline meal requirements, saying they needed vegetarian food with no eggs or fish. What might seem overly specific is actually becoming more common. Travellers want their preferences to be understood, not as luxuries but as essentials for feeling comfortable and focused during their trips. 

What this tells us about travellers: Preferences, no matter how small, make a big difference in how supported travellers feel. The right meals, the right rooms, even the right itinerary structure – these details help build trust and reduce friction on the road. 

How to adapt your travel policy: Take personalisation seriously by building smarter traveller profiles. “Track preferences like room sizes, dietary needs, and seating arrangements,” advises Moroke. “And update profiles regularly to make sure your programme stays relevant to each person.” 

Clarity Matters, Even for Seasoned Travellers 

Even experienced travellers can feel overwhelmed. One asked their travel manager if their 10:00 pm flight time out of São Paulo was already “converted” into the destination time zone. Another drove to the wrong London airport before frantically asking if the pilot could wait. They’re examples of how travel stress or tight schedules can lead to logistical confusion, no matter how seasoned the traveller is. 

What this tells us about travellers: Schedules are overwhelming, and small details – like flight times, terminal locations, or airport choices – add unnecessary stress if they aren’t made clear in advance. 

How to adapt your travel policy: Clear communication solves most logistical frustrations. “Automate reminders,” says Moroke. “Think airport terminals, updated flight times, or even step-by-step directions for unfamiliar locations. Make life easier for your business travellers by reducing the need for constant clarifications.” 

Reassurance Is as Important as Resolution 

One traveller in London found themselves too overwhelmed to call their hotel’s front desk for luggage assistance. Instead, they phoned their travel manager in South Africa to help. On the surface, the request seems like overkill, but it highlights something all travellers face: stress.

What this tells us about travellers: It’s not just the big problems travellers want help with. Even small tasks can feel monumental when you’re tired, working late, or far from home. Knowing someone is there to help is invaluable.  How to adapt your travel policy: Moroke champions human-first support. “Technology can handle bookings and reminders, but sometimes travellers need reassurance. Make sure your programme gives travellers access to real, empathetic assistance when they need it.” 

“While FCM’s global Q3 data showed the highest peak in travel for many years, we know that rising travel costs are having a significant impact. Budgets are under pressure and companies, from SMEs to large multinationals, will be taking a closer look at both their travel requirements and projected costs for airfares and accommodation in 2023.”

In many ways, says Smith, travel will remain exciting and dynamic, and travel managers, bookers and travellers can expect the following as businesses welcome a new year and new opportunities:

Finding new ways to manage costs

Corporate procurement teams will lean on their TMC’s expertise and negotiating skills to help manage costs. This includes buying in advance; reviewing routes and contracts; avoiding peak times; and mixing things up by trying new travel suppliers and accommodation options.

A return to advance booking

Smith hopes that 2023 will see an end to last-minute bookings.

“Advance booking days globally averaged 25 days in Q3-2022, and long-haul international advance booking days jumped to 40 days – 10 days up from 2019. This is good news, not only because it shows that traveller confidence is returning, but because last-minute bookings are very, very expensive.”

An increase in airline seat capacity

Smith says Q3-2022 hit a new peak for seat capacity in 2022, with global seat volume sitting at just 13% less than it was in 2019. “South Africa is also looking forward to increased capacity – and with more airlines servicing local and regional demand, we hope to see prices begin to stabilise too,” says Smith.

More meetings and events

Demand for in-person meetings and events surged in Q3, and Smith believes the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) sector is only going to go from strength to strength.

“Business travel is so important in terms of knowledge sharing, strengthening company culture, and increased employee engagement,” says Smith. “Just book your team get-togethers early, because availability of hotels still remains tight.”

On that note, Smith says hotel occupancy has increased steadily over the year, and so have rates.

“Although still below 2019 rates, we’re expecting 2023 rates, on average, to climb a further 7% across all markets. This means it’s time to contract new fixed rates, using the RFP process to consolidate, ‘change up’ your hotels and see what new offers and value-adds suit your needs.”

New priorities – and new tech

In a recent global survey, FCM Travel asked their customers, “Of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are implemented into your travel program?”:

· 42% of respondents stated #13 – Climate Action;

· 35% stated #3 – Good Health & Wellbeing; and

· 32% stated #12 – Responsible Consumption & Production

Smith says that although travel programmes in South Africa are still cost-driven, FCM customers are becoming more serious about both sustainability and the health and wellbeing of their travellers.

“Interestingly, travel tech is going to play a big role in helping organisations achieve their environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals; diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) goals; as well as employee wellbeing goals,” says Smith. “This includes carbon calculators, offsetting flights, selecting ‘green’ suppliers and being more conscious of their travel behaviour.

“Travellers are already relying on online booking tools (OBTs) that offer a wide range of choice and fares, as well as mobile comms and travel alerts when they’re on the road. Now they’re also looking for tools to help them make the best decisions in terms of responsible, sustainable travel – and report on their progress.”