“The expansion of our sector must go hand in hand with responsible choices to ensure its longevity and lasting impact on the world,” says Megan De Jager, Portfolio Director – Travel, Tourism at RX Africa.

“This year, we’re bringing it to the forefront, with heightened efforts in reducing our carbon footprint, minimising waste, and promoting accessible eco-friendly practices businesses at all levels can implement.”

Celebrating sustainable tourism has remained a green thread throughout the show’s ten-year history. Their 2024 partnership with the City of Cape Town, one of Africa’s leading responsible tourism destinations, reinforces this commitment.

“So much of what we do in the City of Cape Town relies on maximising our economic potential as a tourism destination, but this can’t come at an unaffordable cost to our environment,” adds Geordin Hill-Lewis, Executive Mayor of Cape Town.

“It is wonderful to see that sustainable tourism will be front and centre of the WTM Africa agenda this year. I applaud all efforts to promote impactful changes and to ensure that we can grow this sector without leaving a harmful footprint.”

Notable eco-initiatives at WTM Africa 2024 include:

• Continued collaboration with host venue, the CTICC, which operates with a stringent environmental policy and an environmental action plan
• Introduction of a WTM Africa app to reduce paper waste throughout the show
• Recyclable badges manufactured from 100% biodegradable Kraft paper, reusable show bags – 100% cotton, and the implementation of digital and fabric signage.
• Recycled PET plastic lanyards, courtesy of local eco-friendly product manufacturer, E’Yako Green.
• Introduction of the Sustainability Village. A walk-through hub bringing together artisans, and thought leaders to highlight responsible tourism in action, including Uthanda and Wild Survivors.
• On-site Crafters Nexus showcasing local crafters as potential business partners for delegates.
• Collaboration with All About Africa Founder, Melissa Foley to establish resources for attendees outlining actionable sustainable changes in their businesses.

Along with the Responsible Tourism Awards, spotlighting travel suppliers and their sustainability successes, WTM Africa 2024 is partnering with several impactful initiatives. This includes Recycled Flip Flop Sculptures Studio (RFFSS), a Cape Town-based studio founded by Davis Ndungu that upcycles discarded flip flops into art.

To further emphasise sustainable choices in business decision-making, Dunia Designs was selected to dress the show’s principal stage venue: the Inspire Theatre, powered by FNB PayPal.

“Based in Tanzania, Dunia Designs is an eco-conscious company dedicated to transforming waste into wonder by crafting unique, high-quality from recycled materials,” says Alexis Cronin, Dunia Designs Founder.

“By merging local craftsmanship with a commitment to green practices, we not only address deforestation, plastic waste management, and job creation but provide a cost-effective supply chain solution to the hospitality industry.”

As an extension of RX Africa, De Jager highlights WTM Africa’s responsibility to use their platform to demonstrate how small yet thoughtful changes lead to a significant and measurable impact in the long run.

“It’s time to challenge ourselves to think outside the box and explore new ways of inspiring greater accountability and local impact. We’re thrilled to announce that WTM Africa 2024 is set to be the most sustainable edition yet,” she concludes.

To attend WTM Africa 2024 and bolt-on events visit: https://www.wtm.com/africa/en-gb.html

Megan De Jager, Portfolio Director at Africa Travel Week