Essence of Africa Forum: A Transformative Event for African Tourism
The inaugural Essence of Africa, Africa’s International Buyer Forum, wrapped up after three days of vibrant networking, strategic meetings, and insightful discussions, bringing together over 360 tourism professionals from 37 countries.
This event successfully connected 130 pre-qualified international buyers with 125 African exhibiting companies through more than 4,200 scheduled meetings. Kicking off at the Nairobi Street Kitchen, the forum featured a dynamic keynote address and bustling marketplace. Market Buzz sessions fostered intimate discussions focused on Africa's key source markets, allowing tourism experts from various regions to share insights on market trends, challenges, and opportunities. The informal format revealed valuable market intelligence regarding evolving travel patterns and consumer behavior, aiding African suppliers in better serving their target markets. Delegates enjoyed a taste of local culture as they were transported to the Sarit Expo Centre in traditional Nairobi matatus, setting the stage for an event centered on authentic African experiences.
Amanda Margison, Co-Owner of On Show Solutions, expressed excitement about the event's success: “Essence of Africa has exceeded our expectations in participation and outcomes. We’ve created a platform that truly meets the needs of African tourism, and the energy we've witnessed confirms our industry is ready for a focused, quality-driven event.” The forum included two pivotal panel discussions. The first, “Building Sustainable Tourism Businesses for Africa and with Africa,” explored regional collaboration to support local communities. The second panel, “Global Tourism Marketing Strategies,” discussed innovative marketing approaches for Africa on the global stage.
Industry leaders in the sustainability panel challenged traditional views on community engagement, emphasizing true stakeholder partnerships and the economic benefits of simple products like coffee for tourism. The marketing session highlighted the importance of maintaining a personal touch in tourism, even amidst technological advances, underscoring modern travelers' desire for deeper connections with destinations. Participants praised the organization of the event. Brian Tan, President of TripToGo, noted his perception of Kenya transformed after engaging with the forum. Fidelis Kanyi, Sales and Reservation Manager at Marasa Africa Lodges, remarked on the unique quality of connections made during the event. The forum concluded with a celebration at Kwetu Nairobi, Curio Collection by Hilton, where delegates gathered to commemorate the successful launch of what is set to become a pivotal event in the African tourism calendar.
