October 2026
Destination Info Pending
Destination Info Pending
Where partnerships drive growth
Essence of Africa is the continent’s leading meetings-driven forum, designed to connect pre-qualified international buyers with Africa’s top tourism businesses. We unlock Africa’s tourism potential, delivering high-value, pre-scheduled meetings, strategic discussions, curated networking moments, and opportunities to build long-term partnerships across the continent.
Our inaugural edition in Nairobi in 2024 presented the cool, funky side of the capital city, welcoming 130 top-producing buyers and 125 African exhibitors. Building on this strong foundation, the 2025 edition in Malindi explored Kenya’s coastal charm raising the bar even further with 158 buyers from 39 countries, 150 African exhibiting companies, and over 5,600 buyer-seller meetings. The 2025 event amplified Africa’s shift toward diverse, value-driven, sustainable travel.
Curated by On Show Solutions and ATTA® Events, Essence of Africa is a private sector-led initiative committed to driving meaningful tourism growth for Africa. With the support of an esteemed advisory panel of industry leaders, the forum benefits from decades of collective expertise, ensuring a dynamic results-driven platform for both buyers and suppliers.
Essence of Africa is intentionally hosted in different African regions each year, featuring the uniqueness of destinations across our continent. The 2026 edition will continue this commitment as the event moves to a new East African destination, with dates and venue to be announced shortly.
Join us as we continue to build partnerships that drive growth and shape the future of African tourism.
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.
Travel Advance | Sariri Terra | Rethink Travel Marketing | World of Destinations | Luxury Travel Marketing | Travel World China | Lidia Martinuzzi | EMTC | Tingana Collection Global Travel
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.
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.
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