The WTM Africa 2024 Conference Programme offers something of interest for everyone, but here we focus on the conversations and panel discussions that pertain to responsible tourism and sustainability, including the full day conference on responsible tourism as well as the African Responsible Tourism Awards.
Register HERE to attend WTMA 2024
Here’s an overview of the programme: (Click HERE for the full WTMA conference programme)
Wednesday 10 April
Leaders in Responsible Tourism – 10h30 – 11h15
In the 2023 Global Responsible Tourism Awards, more than half of the winners were from Africa. Lemala (Tanzania) was recognised for reducing plastic waste through upcycling and sequestration; Ngwenya Glass (Eswatini) for encouraging local sourcing of craft and food; Uthando (South Africa) for meaningful connections; Weeva (South Africa) for addressing climate change; and Wildlife Act (South Africa) for nature-based tourism.
Harold Goodwin, chair of judges for the WTM Africa and Global Awards, will be conversing with them about why they won globally and what it means to them and Africa to be recognised as global leaders. (Julie Cheetham – Weeva; James Fernie – Uthando (Love) South Africa; Johan Maree – Wildlife Act [ Chas Prettejohn – Ngwenya Glass Eswatini)
Creating Meaningful Connections – 11:30 – 12:15
Africa is the world’s most culturally diverse continent, and its nation-states reflect that diversity. At the heart of Responsible Tourism are the values of respect and the aspiration to create meaningful connections. Respect does not require the denial of difference. A meaningful connection is best achieved through the exploration of difference, through conversation, dialogues and debate. Mejdi Tours is “founded on the belief that tourism should be a vehicle for a more positive and interconnected world.” MEJDI translates to both “honour” and “respect”, the business was established to “change the face of tourism through a socially responsible business model that honours both clients and communities.” Travellers engage with a diversity of views about the places they visit and multiple narratives.
Moderator: Harold Goodwin, WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Advisor
Panel: Aziz Abu Sarah Founder, Co-Founder and CEO, Mejdi Tours (Mejdi Tours is “founded on the belief that tourism should be a vehicle for a more positive and interconnected world.” MEJDI translates to both “honour” and “respect”, the business was established to “change the face of tourism through a socially responsible business model that honours both clients and communities.” Travellers engage with a diversity of views about the places they visit and multiple narratives. Marc Gwamaka, Engagement and Outreach Coordinator Aegis Trust & Kigali Genocide Memorial. The Kigali Genocide Memorial is the final resting-place for 250,000 victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi. It is also a driver in Rwanda’s extraordinary journey towards healing and reconciliation).
Roaring Responsibly – The path to ethical sustainable wildlife tourism – 12:30 – 13:15
Navigating the complex landscape of captive wildlife in sustainable tourism: Balancing ethics, conservation, and industry standards.
Natalia Rosa – CEO, Big Ambitions; Dr Louise de Waal – Blood Lions Campaign Manager; Gavin Reynolds – Director, Wild Choices; Cathrine Cornwall–Nyquist – Founder and Business Manager, Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary
The business of Conservation: A case study in adding vaolue through responsible land use – 14:30 – 15:15
Join us for an intriguing discussion exploring the business case for conservation and responsible land use. We’ll hear a pioneering case study from a visionary who is developing the world’s first Big 5 game reserve situated between two major cities in South Africa. They’ll share insights into how conservation can enhance economic value for surrounding communities through tourism revenue, employment opportunities, wildlife protection efforts, and more. We’ll gain perspective on how the business of conservation is about far more than protecting nature – it’s about forming symbiotic relationships between wildlife, land, and people to drive sustainable growth.
Adrian Gardiner – Founder & Owner, Mantis Collection
Inclusive Tourism: Creating Shared Value – 13h30 – 14h15
South Africa’s 1996 White Paper recognised the importance of ensuring that communities are involved in and benefit from tourism and working closely with local communities to identify and develop their tourism, encouraging ‘tour operators to include shebeens, local museums, arts and craft shops in their tour itineraries. South Africa was ahead in recognising the importance of engaging communities to enrich the tourist experience and the local community. Years later, in 2011, Porter and Kramer published a paper in the Harvard Business Review articulating the case for gaining competitive advantage by creating shared value. This panel will discuss why shared value makes business sense.
Moderator: Harold Goodwin WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Adviser
Panel: Bangu Masisi ICRT – Sapphire Corporate Solutions & ICRT Southern Africa ; Glynn O’Leary – Transfrontier Parks Destinations & ICRT Southern Africa ; Henko Wentholdt – Tales from Africa Travel
Day 2 – 11 April 2024 responsible tourism programme
Day 3 – 12 April 2-24 responsible tourism programme
Register HERE to attend WTMA 2024
