Cape Town, South Africa — Tourism and investment leaders from across Africa and beyond are being urged to attend the Africa Tourism Investment Conference (ATIC), set to take place on 14 April 2026at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), as part of World Travel Market (WTM) Africa 2026.
Organized in partnership with JLL Africa, an affiliate member of UN Tourism, the high-level, one-day conference will convene investors, policymakers, tourism authorities, and private sector stakeholders to accelerate dialogue and action around tourism investment opportunities across the continent.
A Platform for Investment and Impact
ATIC 2026 is positioned as a key meeting point for decision-makers seeking to unlock Africa’s tourism potential as a driver of economic development.
“Tourism remains a powerful economic driver across the continent, offering opportunities to accelerate development, create jobs, and strengthen regional partnerships,” said Gillian Saunders, ATIC Conference Director.
She emphasized that this year’s programme brings a stronger global outlook:“The 2026 programme delivers a strengthened international perspective, providing a critical platform where investors and decision-makers can connect, share insights, and explore the intricacies of navigating the investment arena for tourism. This year, we’re on a mission to dive deeper into what investors are really looking for: strong, strategic partners, clear policy frameworks, and long-term growth potential.”
Cape Town’s Strategic Role
Hosting ATIC reinforces Cape Town’s growing reputation as a leading destination for tourism investment.
According to James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth in the City of Cape Town:
“Cape Town’s role as host of ATIC 2026 reflects the work we are doing to position our city, and our continent, as a serious destination for tourism investment. We see every day how tourism translates into real economic impact: jobs, small business growth, and new opportunities across our communities.”
Vos added that ATIC’s strength lies in its ability to bring together the full tourism ecosystem:“What makes ATIC so valuable is that it brings together investors, policymakers and industry leaders to move from conversation to action.”
Key Themes and Discussions
ATIC 2026 will feature a dynamic program addressing the most pressing and emerging issues shaping tourism investment in Africa. Highlights include:
- UN Tourism-led insights, including the Investing in Africa 2025 Report
- Global economic and geopolitical analysisby political economist Daniel Silke
- Investment-ready destinations and evolving market opportunities
- The expansion of hotel groups into the lodge and safari sector
- Over-tourism and sustainable investment strategies
- The growing role of sports tourism, spotlighting events such as LIV Golf’s African debut and Morocco’s Formula One ambitions
These discussions aim to provide actionable insights for investors navigating Africa’s complex yet high-potential tourism landscape.
Influential Speaker Line-Up
ATIC 2026 will host an impressive roster of industry leaders and experts, including:
- Hamza Farooqui, CEO of Millat Global Holdings
- Daniel Silke, Director of Political Futures Consultancy
- Tim Harris, CEO of Helm Growth
- David Desta, Vice President, JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group (Africa)
- Kelvin Watt, MD of Capitalize Media and Chairman of Nielsen Sports South Africa
- Imad Barrakad, CEO of the Moroccan Agency for Tourism Development (SMIT)
- Julien Renaud, CEO of African Hotel Development
- Ashish Sharma, CEO of Serena Hotels Africa
- John Gibson, CEO of Chobe Holdings Limited
Together, they will share insights on investment trends, policy frameworks, and strategies to drive sustainable growth across the continent.
Networking and Collaboration Opportunities
Held on the global stage of WTM Africa, ATIC forms part of a broader program connecting international travel buyers, investors, government representatives, financial institutions, and tourism project owners.
Attendees will also benefit from curated networking experiences, including the Stellenbosch Experience, offering a uniquely South African setting for informal engagement and relationship-building.
“As one of the continent’s leading gatherings focused specifically on tourism investment, ATIC provides a rare opportunity to engage directly with the people and capital driving tourism growth across Africa,” Saunders added.
“With the event fast approaching and capacity limited, we encourage interested delegates to register immediately to avoid missing out.”
Event Details
- Event: Africa Tourism Investment Conference (ATIC)
- Date:14 April 2026
- Venue:Global Stage, Cape Town International Convention Center (CTICC), Cape Town
- Registration Deadline:13 April 2026
- Registration Link: www.wtm.com/africa/en-gb/whats-on/tourism-investment-forum-africa.html
With limited spaces available, early registration is strongly advised for those looking to be part of Africa’s premier tourism investment dialogue.
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