This year’s WTM Africa, underway at the Cape Town International Convention Centre this week, is the biggest in the event’s 11-year history with significant increases in the numbers of buyers and exhibitors.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Carol Weaving, MD of RX Africa, said the 2025 event will host 110 content sessions, 742 exhibitors and 96 countries.

In addition, Weaving said there is a 27% increase in buyers and 82% of them are new to WTM.

Among the 13 new countries attending the event are Chile, Peru, Algeria, Uzbekistan, Malaysia, Thailand, Czech Republic, Azerbaijan, Latvia, Romania, Finland, Ireland and Kuwait.

The 742 exhibitors this year include six new countries: Zambia, the Netherlands, Qatar, Croatia, Sierra Leone and Brazil represented by São Paulo.

“We are excited to have 38 559 appointment requests reflecting a huge increase in buyers and exhibitors. These are serious business meetings,” Weaver said.

Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth James Vos said:

“Business events like WTM Africa are major economic drivers in our city. Global conferences generate billions for the city’s economy.”