WTM Africa 2026 Spotlights Future-Focused Tourism Sustainability

RX has set out the responsible tourism programme for WTM Africa 2026, running 13 to 15 April at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. Responsible tourism is positioned as the edition's defining pillar, anchored by dedicated half-day conferences on 13 and 14 April covering wildlife economics, anti-greenwashing strategies and implementation models. Sessions include Tourism in the Wildlife Economy, examining consumptive and non-consumptive conservation models; a discussion of green claims and certification aimed at greenwashing; award-winning case studies such as Piggs Peak Hotel in Eswatini; and a session on business-to-business market access barriers for African operators, presented with Wetu. Entries for the WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards remain open to 20 March 2026. Community initiatives on site include the Waddle for a Cause campaign with SANCCOB and Uthando Africa for African penguin conservation, the Crafters Nexus platform for local businesses, a Painted Wolf Wines partnership supporting African wild dogs, and recycled padel ball pins from Amazeballs. RX Africa Portfolio Director Megan De Jager said that this year there is no compromise. The 2024 edition recorded more than 10,000 pre-scheduled appointments and over 10,000 visitors, a 25 percent rise on 2023.