Join Us for an Unforgettable Experience!
| 14:00–17:00 | Badge Collection |
| 17:00–20:00 | Official Opening Join fellow buyers and exhibitors for the opening at Diamonds Bijoux. This is a relaxed opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces and meet new industry colleagues before the business programme begins. |
| 08:00 | Check in |
| 09:00 | Welcome & Keynote |
| 10:00 – 13:00 | Meetings |
| 13:00 | Lunch |
| 14:00 | Market Buzz – Americas: From North America’s increasingly selective traveller to Latin America’s growing passion for Africa, explore two very different market opportunities. Hear directly from our market experts and buyers about what’s changing, what’s driving demand and how Africa can win more business from across the Americas. Market Buzz – Africa: We spend a great deal of time talking about bringing the world to Africa – but what about getting Africans to travel more within Africa? This session explores the growing potential of the African traveller, bringing together perspectives from across the continent to look at what people are booking, what influences their choices, and how African tourism businesses can better attract and serve this important market. |
| 15:25 – 17:40 | Meetings |
| 17:40 | Networking Sundowners Evening at leisure |
| 6:00 | Start the day with your feet in the sand! Bringing a taste of Uganda’s iconic Rwenzori Marathon to the shores of Zanzibar, this special 5km beach walk and 10km beach run is exclusively for Essence of Africa attendees. Join fellow delegates for a fun and energetic start to the day along Zanzibar’s beautiful Indian Ocean coastline. Advance registration required; places are limited. |
| 08:30 | Check in |
| 08:55 – 10:15 | Meetings |
| 10:30 | Market Buzz – Asia Pacific: Explore three very different opportunities for Africa across India, China and Australia. Hear directly from market experts and specialist buyers about how travellers are changing, what is driving demand and what African tourism businesses can do to grow their share of these important markets. Market Buzz – Middle East: The Middle East is a high-value market for Africa, and understanding the opportunity means looking beyond luxury. Explore the different traveller segments, the importance of air and visa access, the value of the expat market, and what Africa can do to convert growing interest into business. We’ll also look at the global growth of Muslim travel and what becoming genuinely halal-friendly means for a destination. |
| 11:55 – 12:50 | Meetings |
| 12:50 | Lunch |
| 13:50 | Content Session |
| 14:55 – 17:30 | Meetings |
| 17:30 | Networking Sundowners Evening at leisure |
| 08:30 | Check in |
| 08:55 – 10:15 | Meetings |
| 10:30 | Market Buzz – Europe: Europe remains one of Africa's most established source regions – but can we take that business for granted? Hear from buyers across key European markets as we explore changing traveller expectations, price and value, sustainability, emerging opportunities and what Africa needs to do to remain competitive. |
| 11:15 – 12:30 | Meetings |
| 12:30 | Lunch |
| 13:30 | Content Session |
| 14:35 – 16:30 | Meetings |
| 18:00 – 23:00 | Beach Party hosted by Diamonds Bijoux Celebrate the close of Essence of Africa with an unforgettable evening on the beach, bringing together buyers, exhibitors and partners for relaxed networking, local cuisine and entertainment. Programme subject to change. |
| Buyers and Exhibitors depart |
