Africa’s premier meetings-driven tourism event connecting the continent’s vibrant tourism industry.
Essence of Africa – Africa’s International Buyer Forum – offers a unique meetings‑driven approach, connecting pre‑qualified international buyers with leading African tourism businesses. Unlock Africa’s tourism potential and forge meaningful new partnerships through pre-scheduled meetings, insightful discussions, networking events, and unforgettable experiences in Africa.
Our successful inaugural event in Nairobi in 2024 brought together over 360 tourism professionals from 37 countries, We connected 130 top producing buyers with 125 African exhibiting companies through more than 4,200 scheduled meetings.
Curated by On Show Solutions and ATTA® Events, Essence of Africa is a private sector-led initiative designed to drive sustainable tourism growth across Africa. We leverage our global reach and facilitate targeted engagement between buyers and sellers, fostering long-term collaborations that benefit all stakeholders.
Supported by an esteemed advisory panel of African tourism leaders, Essence of Africa benefits from decades of collective experience and strategic guidance. This ensures a dynamic and effective platform, delivering maximum value for both buyers and sellers of African tourism products and services.
Essence of Africa is designed to be hosted in different African regions each year, giving destinations across the continent a platform to welcome international buyers, present their unique offerings, and elevate service standards. The 2025 edition takes place 7-9 October at Diamonds Malindi on the Kenyan coast.
Exhibitors at Essence of Africa gain unparalleled access to pre-qualified international buyers actively seeking new partnerships. Maximise your investment through pre-scheduled meetings, showcase your offerings to a targeted audience and expand your business network. Deepen buyer engagement by offering unique familiarisation trips, showcasing the soul of Africa and the distinct experiences you provide.
Engage with international buyers specifically interested in African tourism products and services.
Targeted efficient meetings to showcase your product.
Connect with industry leaders and forge valuable partnerships.
Gain insights from experts on the latest trends and practices in Africa travel.
Showcase your offerings through tailored trips for buyers.
Don’t miss the chance to elevate your business. Register now to secure your early bird saving and be part of Africa’s premier tourism event.
Buyers at Essence of Africa enjoy exclusive access to a diverse range of African tourism products and services. Benefit from pre-scheduled appointments with leading suppliers, gain valuable market insights, and expand your network. Post-event familiarisation trips, offered by exhibitors, provide first-hand experience of Africa’s diverse destinations and authentic adventures, enabling you to curate unforgettable experiences for your clients.
Pre-arranged, meaningful engagements with top African tourism suppliers.
Targeted efficient meetings to learn about African experiences and products for your clients.
Access to cutting-edge seminars and workshops led by industry experts.
Forge lasting connections with African product and industry leaders.
No cost for buyers to attend, focusing solely on business and networking.
Experience destinations first-hand, enhancing your product knowledge.
Seize this chance to expand your portfolio and knowledge of Africa’s tourism sector. Register now to be part of Africa’s International Buyer Forum.
We invite media personnel from print, TV, radio, production and digital media to register for accreditation. This applies specifically for journalists, editors, photographers/videographers and content creators.
Accredited media will have complimentary access to all the official networking events and the daily lunches. You will have access to the meeting system to schedule interviews with exhibitors.
We are not running a hosted media programme, so please be aware that you’ll need to cover your own travel expenses.
As this is a closed event, we are unable to approve trade visitors or media sales people for media accreditation.
For any enquiries, please contact media@eoa.travel.
Stay informed with our quick snapshot of the latest news updates.
25 March 2025 – Following the successful inaugural event in Nairobi last year, Essence of Africa has announced its...
This was an insightful discussion on sustainability in the African tourism industry with James Haigh and John Corse at...
As travel professionals, we have the privilege of introducing the rest of the world to the African destinations we...
