With the new format, Cape Town will become the central hub of Africa's luxury travel industry.
Cape Town – ILTM Africa today announced a massive expansion of its 2026 event, becoming the continent's first luxury travel market to serve both inbound and dedicated outbound opportunities focused on the Middle East. The move is in response to the rapid growth of outbound luxury travel spending in Africa, with industry data showing that by 2026 it reached US$1.6 billion.
Sub-Saharan Africa travel agents have reported a 32% jump on luxury outbound bookings over the past year, and expansion will occur as there is strong demand for Middle Eastern destinations. This growth has created a clear market need for ILTM Africa 2026 to address.
“The luxury travel market in Africa continues to evolve, and our clients' needs are evolving with it,” said Megan de Jager, Portfolio Director at ILTM Africa. “In 2026, we will strengthen our event by introducing dedicated outbound opportunities focused exclusively on the Middle East, allowing African institutions to directly access curated selection of premium products from the region. It is essential for both exhibitors and buyers.”
ILTM Africa returns to Cape Town's Norval Foundation in 2026 and will be together as an expanded market.
Introducing the Premier Continent experience, a supplier in Africa. Middle Eastern suppliers announce high-end regional provision. African buyers are looking for both local products and exclusive access to new opportunities in the Middle East. and explore the investment outlook within the African market, international buyers.
This dual focus will make ILTM Africa the only African event that will connect luxury suppliers with buyers looking for both inbound and outbound opportunities. Nowadays, many African buyers handled both types of trips, but previously they had to attend multiple events to meet all their suppliers. The new format saves time and money while providing access to the expanded market for suppliers.
Under the event's permanent catchphrase, “Igniting Chutones Fuels Prosperity,” the 2026 event reflects a clear mission. Whether it means bringing luxury travelers to Africa or helping Africans discover new destinations abroad, it creates real value by connecting people who grow each other's businesses.
The event maintains a successful form of pre-matched one-on-one meetings, focused networking and practical sessions on market trends, and is now expanding its scope to serve both markets. Known for its art collections and architecture, the Norvar Foundation provides the right background for this business-centric event. For more information, please visit the ILTM Africa website. Or to express your interest in the exhibition, please sign up here.
