OurAfrica.Travel Opens Virtual Trade Platform for African Tourism Sector This Week
OurAfrica.Travel's 2026 edition runs from 16 to 20 March, bringing together approximately 210 African suppliers and 345 international buyers on a virtual platform designed to facilitate early-year trade connections ahead of the industry's major in-person events. Co-founder Allie Hunt described the platform as "the gateway to all the trade shows for the year," noting that it allows suppliers to identify potential partners and assess the buyer landscape before committing to the costs of international travel. The US market remains the platform's strongest draw, followed by the UK and Australia, with the majority of buyers operating within the luxury travel segment.
Now in its sixth year since launching during the COVID-19 pandemic, the platform has continued to evolve alongside the industry's shift toward hybrid trade engagement. Co-founder Storm Napier noted that buyer recruitment has faced some headwinds this year, partly due to global disruptions affecting travel plans, but said the platform's value extends well beyond its meeting schedule. New features this year include multi-participant meeting functionality and destination training modules developed in partnership with the Travel Hub Collection. The event also continues its community and conservation initiative, which has distributed approximately R100 000 (US$5 946) in donations over five years, with accountability now strengthened through a formal partnership with Africa's Eden Tourism.
Source: Tourism Update
