The first WiT Africa, to be held on May 28 at the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel, will explore the opportunities and dynamism of a region that echoes what has been seen in Asia’s emerging markets – fragmented, diverse, online and full of promise.

According to the Jumia Hospitality Report Africa 2019, Africa is the second-fastest growing tourism region in the world after APAC. Inbound travel grew 5.6% in 2018 with 67m international arrivals that same year, an increase of 7% from 2017. Ethiopia is ranked as Africa’s fastest growing travel market, growing by 48.6% in 2018, and worth $7.4bn.

Meanwhile, South Africa plans to double tourist arrivals to 21m by 2030.

Outbound travel is also growing at scale with a population that is young, urban, and highly mobile and social. The mobile industry is estimated to contribute $185bn to Africa’s economy (9.1% of total GDP) by 2023. Africa is the second largest internet population after China, with smartphone adoption predicted to rise from 36% in 2018 to 66% by 2025.

“It is a natural next step for WiT to look beyond the rapid growth in Asia and see which markets are chasing its tail with respect to travel, digital and mobile. While each market undoubtedly bears its own unique qualities, WiT will connect the dots and see what lessons can be applied on both sides,” said WiT founder, Yeoh Siew Hoon. 

At WiT Africa, players across all travel verticals and markets will come together to share their insights on how technology is changing customer behaviour and how global and local brands must evolve and adapt to stay relevant. Bringing together online travel agencies, aviation, hospitality, tours & activities and destination marketing, WiT will uncover how they are harnessing technology to change the game in online travel.

The one-day conference will also explore the inbound and outbound opportunities in the region. Drawing on its Asia expertise and network, WiT will share insights into how African travel brands can capture the hearts and tourism dollars of APAC travellers.

The programme will also emphasise Africa’s start-up ecosystem and how it is creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs, as well as highlighting new businesses that have caught the eye of prominent investors.

Powered by foundation sponsors, Travelstart, Wego and Cleartrip, WiT Africa 2020 is also supported by Destination Partner, Singapore Tourism Board (STB). It is expected to attract up to 200 delegates interested in harnessing the travel markets of Africa and Asia.

“As one of the most developed economies in Africa, South Africa is a growing market in the Singapore Tourism Board’s market portfolio,” said Chang Chee Pey, assistant chief executive, International Group, Singapore Tourism Board.

Visitor arrivals from South Africa to Singapore registered 5.5% and 10.9% growth in 2017 and 2018 respectively. “Increased flight connectivity between the two countries presents us the opportunity to develop South Africa as a source market, and for Singapore to serve as a gateway for South Africans to explore South-east Asia.”

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WiT, which has been running its signature conference in Singapore since 2005, also runs editions in South Korea (Seoul); Japan & North Asia (Tokyo), as well as Middle East (Dubai) and its events, are considered an important catalyst for growth of the online travel industry particularly in the emerging world.

WiT events focus on how technology is changing customer behaviour and how travel companies have to evolve and adapt. It’s known for championing innovation and fostering startup ecosystems by bringing startups and investors together and for building bridges between regions and global markets. Its content typically blends global oversight and expertise with local insights to ensure its relevance to local players.

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“The time has come for Africa in the online travel space,” said WiT founder Yeoh Siew Hoon. “The rest of the world is excited about African opportunities and the dynamism of the region echoes what we have experienced in many of Asia’s emerging markets – fragmented, diverse, connected and full of promise – and we look forward to learning how the industry is changing and growing on the continent.”

WiT, which has been running its signature conference in Singapore since 2005, also runs editions in South Korea (Seoul); Japan & North Asia (Tokyo), as well as Middle East (Dubai) and its events, are considered an important catalyst for growth of the online travel industry particularly in the emerging world.

“With our roots in Asia, we understand the characteristics of emerging markets and the headroom for growth with a young, urban, rising middle class demographic – often highly social, highly mobile – and we are excited to connect the dots between what is happening in Africa with Asia, and see if there are lessons to be learnt for mutual gain,” said Yeoh.

WiT events focus on how technology is changing customer behaviour and how travel companies have to evolve and adapt. It’s known for championing innovation and fostering startup ecosystems by bringing startups and investors together and for building bridges between regions and global markets. Its content typically blends global oversight and expertise with local insights to ensure its relevance to local players.

WiT is making its African debut with three Foundation Sponsors: Travelstart, Wego and Cleartrip. “Our Foundation Sponsors represent visionary global travel brands that have invested in African markets for many years and have deep local knowledge. They are familiar with the WiT brand and our values and have demonstrated a solid commitment to the development and growth of the online travel sector in the region,” Siew Hoon said.

Travelstart founder and CEO Stephan Ekbergh said, “Without a doubt, WiT is a highlight of the conference calendar and I have been fortunate enough to attend their events as both speaker and audience member over the years. The level of quality, enthusiasm and expertise Siew Hoon and the WiT team bring to their gatherings is unrivalled and I am thrilled that they are pinning a stake on African soil in 2020.”

Wego co-founder and CEO Ross Veitch added, “Attending a WiT event is like doing an online travel master class focused on a particular geography and so I’m really looking forward to attending the inaugural WiT Africa in Cape Town next May and to learning more about the opportunities presented by a population of some 1.2 billion people, many of who are entering the digital economy for the first time.”

WiT Africa, to be held at the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel, is expected to attract up to 200 delegates who can expect to learn about how rapid digitisation is creating choice and affordability for a diverse set of customers, and how they must adapt.

In addition, the programme will emphasize Africa’s startup ecosystem and how it is evolving and creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Margaret Feng, Head of Oasis Lab, Ctrip’s Innovation Division, for instance, noted the growing interest of Chinese companies in Africa. “China is the largest financing country for infrastructure in Africa, with an average investment of US$11.5 billion from 2012 to 2016, accounting for 15% of the total financing.”

Travel companies, she said, were looking towards Africa for the next wave of growth. “Africa is a very far but exotic destination for Chinese travellers. When the infrastructure improves, we firmly believe more Chinese travellers would like to explore this continent. To follow their lead, we are keen on the development of Africa.”