The second Africa Travel Connect media networking event took place last week, bringing together leading media professionals and strong advocates for African travel. The success and growing momentum of this initiative were made possible thanks to the generous support of headline partner Jules Verne (VJV) and key sponsor Ethiopian Airlines. Both organisations continue to shape the ambition and future of Africa Travel Connect. Whilst this wasn’t an agent event, Africa Travel Connect were joined by Trevor Carter and Maureen Simon from the Online Africa Network, Solomon Travel and Travel Gateway. In addition to the media networking event, Africa Travel Connect has been concentrating on several initiatives as part of its long-term growth strategy. These include Investment Forums for Zimbabwe, Road Shows in Manchester and Birmingham, the Inter-Africa Online Discussion Series, and webinars with International Tour Operators. These efforts aim to foster collaboration, investment, and sustainable growth within the African tourism sector. Africa Travel Connect has also successfully formed a new subsidiary, Africa Travel Shows, to further its mission of promoting African tourism. This subsidiary will focus on organising and managing travel shows that highlight the diversity of African destinations, aiming to attract more international visitors and investors to the continent. News updates from the partners at the event are as follows: Jules Verne: Pioneering African Travel Tour operator Jules Verne has played a pioneering role in African travel. In 1992, they introduced direct flights from London to Victoria Falls, expanding British access to Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Botswana. Jules Verne’s most significant recent development in African travel is the launch of its inaugural dedicated long-haul brochure for the 2025–26 season. This marks a strategic expansion into global destinations beyond Europe, In addition to the long-haul brochure, Jules Verne has introduced a new Solo Collection for 2025–26, featuring tours in Africa and the Middle East. This collection includes solo group departures and no single supplement options, catering to the growing demand among solo travellers. Ethiopian Committed to Tourism-Led Transformation Under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Ethiopia aims to make tourism a catalyst for economic growth, cultural preservation, and global cooperation. Ethiopia is making significant strides in enhancing its tourism sector, aiming to position itself as a premier destination in Africa. The country is investing heavily in infrastructure, modernising its tourism policy to align with global trends. The Ministry of Tourism is updating its 13-year-old framework to incorporate digital innovations and sustainable practices to enhance international competitiveness and drive economic growth. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, Ethiopia has experienced a 40% increase in international arrivals over the past five years, making it Africa’s fastest-growing tourist destination. Ethiopian Airlines Ethiopian Airlines not only offers overnight flights for those wishing to hop via Africa to fly long haul but is also excited about its domestic $7.8 billion mega airport project. The expansion will raise capacity from 17 million to 60 million passengers annually by 2040, reinforcing its lead role in African aviation. Furthermore, Ethiopian Airlines and Etihad Airways have announced a joint venture to enhance connectivity between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Under this agreement, Etihad will commence direct flights from Abu Dhabi to Addis Ababa on October 1, 2025, while Ethiopian Airlines will begin flights to Abu Dhabi from July 15, 2025. Zambia Travel Expo (ZATEX): Showcasing Sustainable Tourism Zambia will host the Zambia Travel Expo (ZATEX) from June 3–5, 2025, in Lusaka. The expo will feature full B2B participation opportunities, allowing stakeholders to explore sustainable tourism practices and drive inclusive growth in the industry. A media familiarisation trip is also confirmed for August/September 2025, inviting international travel media to explore Zambia firsthand. Zambia’s visa-free entry now available to 167 countries positions it as one of the most welcoming destinations in Africa. Further information at ZATEX 2025. Zimbabwe: Sanganai/Hlanganani Expo 2025 Zimbabwe’s premier tourism exhibition, the Sanganai/Hlanganani Expo, will take place from September 10–12, 2025, in Mutare, Manicaland Province. This marks the first time the event will be held outside Harare or Bulawayo, reflecting the government’s commitment to decentralising tourism promotion. The expo aims to enhance the profiling and rebranding of all provinces for tourism, trade, and investment promotion. Scheduled to partially open in July 2026, The Hills Luxury Golf Estate in Zimbabwe will offer a world-class 18-hole championship golf course designed by Peter Matkovich. The estate will also include villas, apartments, a country club, hotel, tennis and swimming facilities, and a shopping centre. The official opening is slated for December 2026. Gambia: Strategic Shift to Wildlife Tourism The Gambia is undergoing a strategic shift away from just beach holidays to focus on wildlife tourism. With over 550 bird species, it is becoming a niche wildlife destination for eco-tourists and ornithologists. A $5 million grant program is providing up to $50,000 to 200 tourism-related businesses, supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in enhancing their capabilities and promoting sustainable growth in the sector. Burkina Faso: Cultural and Tourism Developments Burkina Faso is known for its strong artisan traditions, music festivals, and spiritual heritage. The country is focusing on being a regional leader in film and fashion, hosting FESPACO—the largest African cinema festival—every two years in Ouagadougou. A new luxury hotel, the Zind-Naaba Appart Hôtel, opened in Ouagadougou on April 30, 2025. Additionally, a new international airport, Ouagadougou-Donsin, is set to open in 2025, improving capacity and safety. Namibia: Introduction of New Visa Policy Namibia has introduced a new visa policy for UK citizens, who can now apply for a visa on arrival or online in advance. This quick and convenient process aims to enhance tourism and facilitate easier access for travellers. Namibia has recently strengthened its tourism appeal with the opening of the country’s first Hilton Garden Inn in Windhoek, expanded regional connectivity through FlyNamibia’s new routes to Victoria Falls, Maun and Luanda, and the launch of the Namibia Maritime Museum in Lüderitz, offering visitors greater access, comfort, and cultural depth. Africa Travel Connect’s next media networking event is scheduled for Friday, 12th September 2025 at 245 Hammersmith, in London, and will involve a roof top speed dating style event. This time, the format will facilitate direct, open dialogues between journalists and tourism leaders, enabling the media to pose real-time questions about tourism development, challenges, and future opportunities. This approach aims to maximise the value of the event for media seeking in-depth stories and insights. Yared Bizuneh, Director General of Africa Travel Connect, stated: “The success of each Africa Travel Connect event builds upon the last, providing invaluable insights that drive continuous improvement. These events are not just networking opportunities; they are catalysts for progress. By refining our approach with each event, we aim to bridge the disparity in media coverage between Africa and other regions, ensuring that even smaller destinations with limited budgets have a platform to share their stories and attract global attention. Our commitment is to empower every African destination, regardless of size, to have its voice heard and its narrative told.”