The third annual OurAfrica.Travel trade show will take place virtually between March 21 and April 1, connecting suppliers in Africa, Indian Ocean and United Arab Emirates with buyers across the globe.
Last year’s online show saw almost 24,000 one-to-one meetings taking place over two weeks across various time zones – connecting more than 1,100 buyers around the world to 340 exhibitors from Africa and the Indian Ocean islands.
For 2022, the meetings will be extended from 15 to 20 minutes to allow more time for rate discussions and contracting.
The exhibitor list is also being extended to include properties in the UAE. Regular exhibitors include New Frontiers, Wilderness Safaris, Ultimate Safaris, Singita, Red Carnation Hotels, Jamala Madikwe, Onguma Nature Reserve, Chiwani Safari Camps and Rovos Rail.
Allie Hunt and Storm Napier (pictured), organisers of OurAfrica.Travel, said the “green shoots of optimism are definitely pushing through” but the event will remain virtual for 2022 to keep costs down while the market recovers.
Hunt said: “We’re all longing to travel and reconnect in person – but one of the undeniable positives that has come from the pandemic is how accessible, affordable and inclusive these online networking platforms are for smaller hotels, lodges and products – as well as bigger suppliers watching their budgets carefully.”