We are Africa 2027, from May 3 to May 7, 2027, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, is a premier trade show for high-end African travel brands.
Dates
3–7 May 2027
City / country
Cape Town, South Africa
Venue
Cape Town International Convention Centre
Time
May 3 to May 7, 2027: Confirm daily opening hours on the organiser registration page
Are you the organiser of this event?
Event overview
We are Africa 2027 is set to be an extraordinary event, bringing together the most vibrant high-end African travel brands, influential buyers, and top international press. This trade show aims to transform and rebrand African travel for the global luxury market, celebrating the continent's diverse culture, landscapes, and opportunities.
Attendees will have the chance to connect, collaborate, and elevate the perception of African travel. We are Africa 2027 takes place in Cape Town, South Africa.
TL;DR
Attending We are Africa 2027 offers unparalleled networking opportunities with leading travel brands and buyers. Experience the extraordinary diversity of Africa through unique cultural, culinary, and adventure offerings. Engage with industry leaders and gain insights into the latest trends in luxury travel.
Exhibiting at We are Africa 2027 provides access to a high-quality audience of decision-makers and influencers in the luxury travel sector. Showcase your brand to a global audience and forge valuable partnerships. Benefit from pre-scheduled meetings and networking events designed to maximize your exposure and ROI.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town International Convention Centre in Cape Town typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Cape Town International Convention Centre in Cape Town typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Cape Town International Convention Centre for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Event days & opening times
How the last edition performed
Last edition
2026 · Cape Town
Next edition
Not announced yet
Edition recap
Impact
We Are Africa 2026 was held in Cape Town, with the official WAA 2026 Uthando Report published as the post-show recap. The 2026 programme included a 1.5-day We Are Africa Local showcase. Organisers also published the 2026 show-week buyer agenda and highlighted the voices shaping Africa's next travel narrative.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
Attending We are Africa 2027 offers unparalleled networking opportunities with leading travel brands and buyers. Experience the extraordinary diversity of Africa through unique cultural, culinary, and adventure offerings.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Latest updates from across the market.
South African Tourism Press centre | Travel Trade News (GL)
ReadLatest South Africa Travel & Tourism News, Airlines, Hotels & Travel ...
ReadSouth African Tourism Press centre | Media Centre | Tourism (GL)
ReadHome - Tourism News Africa
ReadLatest News - Department of Tourism
ReadSouth Africa Tourism News - Breaking Travel News
ReadPlan your trip
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Urban Elephant Hotels 16 on Bree
Apartment-style option on Bree Street; confirm walk or taxi route to CTICC and any minimum stay.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
MyCiTi airport bus (A01 route)
MyCiTi operates a dedicated airport service linking CPT with the inner-city bus network; the CTICC is a short walk or taxi hop from Civic Centre station.
Metered taxi / ride-hail (Uber or similar)
Fastest door-to-door option with luggage and stand material; official airport transfers and shuttles are also listed at the airport transport page.
Private shuttle / pre-booked transfer
Shared and private shuttles serve the CTICC directly; We Are Africa has published transfer timetables in previous editions, so check the organiser survival guide for show-day shuttles.
Walking within the Foreshore
The closest four-star cluster is 100-360 m from the CTICC, so most show days need no vehicle once checked in.
Visitor parking at CTICC
On-site parking is available in CTICC P1 and the Convention Towers P3 garage; check CTICC visitor parking and fees before driving in and arrive early on show days.
MyCiTi inner-city bus
MyCiTi trunk services stop at Civic Centre, a short walk from the CTICC; use the bus for the Waterfront and CBD if you are not walking.
Weather
Early May is autumn in Cape Town, with changeable conditions: typical daytime highs around 18-22°C and lows around 10-13°C, plus a real chance of rain and strong south-easterly wind. Pack layers and a windproof, water-resistant outer layer. Confirm a live forecast in the week before travel.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
South African mobile networks have strong coverage in central Cape Town. An eSIM or prepaid SIM bought at Cape Town International Airport is the usual option; the hotels listed here provide free Wi-Fi, and the CTICC provides exhibitor and delegate connectivity. Confirm bandwidth, upload speeds and fair-use limits before relying on venue Wi-Fi for live demos.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Trade meeting etiquette
We Are Africa is appointment-led; arrive on time for scheduled buyer-supplier meetings, bring business cards and a short digital profile, and follow up within 48 hours while the conversation is fresh.
Tipping
Restaurant bills often exclude service; 10-15% is a common tip. Porters and shuttle drivers appreciate ZAR 10-20 per bag or trip.
Language
English is the working language of the show and is widely spoken in Cape Town; Afrikaans and isiXhosa are also common. Confirm names and appointment times in writing where accents or background noise make details unclear.
Dress code
Smart casual or business casual works for CTICC show days; add a layer for air-conditioned halls and a waterproof jacket for the Foreshore walk.
Sustainability expectations
African travel buyers often ask about conservation levies, community ownership and water and waste practices; bring clear, verifiable answers rather than broad eco claims.
Evening safety
Use registered taxis or ride-hail after dark and keep valuables out of sight in crowded areas; ask your hotel for a recommended pickup point.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Cape Town International (CPT) is the primary gateway for the CTICC. Many long-haul itineraries connect through Johannesburg (JNB), the Middle East or Europe; book May shoulder flights early and allow a buffer for domestic connections. Confirm baggage, transit visa and arrival terminal details before travel.
Visa rules depend on nationality. South Africa's Department of Home Affairs lists visa-exempt countries and a visa application route via Form DHA-84; an electronic travel authorisation portal (eta.dha.gov.za) is also published. Business visitors should confirm whether their passport qualifies for visa-free entry or needs a visitor visa before booking travel.
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
Check the South African Government visa page and your nearest South African embassy or high commission for the current document checklist, biometric requirements and the DHA-84 visitor visa form. The US Commercial Service country guide also summarises business travel entry practice for South Africa.
OfficialGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Use the nearest international airport serving Cape Town; Metro, train or taxi links are typically available to the venue district.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Cape Town International Convention Centre: Bree Street, Cape Town CBD: Urban Elephant Hotels 16 on Bree.
Ride-hail: Uber and local metered taxis are widely used in Cape Town. Set a pickup point at the CTICC or your hotel, confirm the vehicle and fare in the app, and expect surge pricing during commute and event peaks.
Public transit: MyCiTi is Cape Town's bus rapid transit network; Civic Centre station is the closest trunk stop to the CTICC and the A01 route links the airport. Cape Town station serves Metrorail, but use taxis or ride-hail after dark and check current routes.
Parking: The CTICC has on-site parking in P1 and the Convention Towers P3 garage. Rates are set by the venue and are approximate here; pre-book or arrive early on show days and confirm height and access restrictions.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: May 2027 (autumn in Cape Town)
Temperature: Approx. 12-22°C (54-72°F) daytime; cooler at night. Confirm a live forecast before departure.
Seasonality: May is one of Cape Town's wetter autumn months, with cold fronts and strong wind possible. Build indoor backup into site inspections and outdoor evening plans.
Packing: Pack layers: light warm-weather clothes for sunny afternoons, a sweater or fleece for cool mornings and evenings, and a windproof, water-resistant jacket. Business-casual show attire and comfortable walking shoes cover the CTICC days and Foreshore walks.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at We are Africa 2027 usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
Day -14: Confirm trade registration status and carry the confirmation email and QR code if issued.
Day -14: Book flights to Cape Town International (CPT) and arrange an airport transfer or MyCiTi plan.
Day -12: Reserve a CTICC-area hotel and check cancellation terms for May 2027.
Day -12: Check passport validity, visa or ETA requirements and travel insurance.
Day -10: Build your appointment wish list from the exhibitor directory and request meetings.
Day -8: Download the MyCiTi and ride-hail apps, and save your hotel and CTICC addresses offline.
Day -7: Confirm meeting times and stand locations; leave gaps for spontaneous conversations.
Day -5: Pack layers, a rain jacket and business cards; prepare a short digital profile for follow-ups.
Day -3: Reconfirm airport transfer and hotel check-in time; check the live Cape Town forecast.
Day -2: Print or save key confirmations and save the organiser contact from your registration email.
Day -1: Arrive with buffer time, collect any badge or welcome pack, and walk the CTICC layout.
Start with priority meetings, take notes on rate and availability, and follow up within 48 hours.
Registration and hall orientation at Cape Town International Convention Centre
Supplier meetings and product demos
Final negotiations and follow-up
We are Africa 2027 registration concourse
Cape Town International Convention Centre
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Cape Town International Convention Centre
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Use this quick check to decide whether We are Africa 2027 fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For We are Africa 2027, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Luxury accommodations and resorts and Adventure travel experiences solutions and benchmarking suppliers at We are Africa 2027 in Cape Town.
Min. budget
$450.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Luxury accommodations and resorts and Adventure travel experiences products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$2,200.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Cape Town show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
2 more alternate names hidden
Trust footer
6
References
1
Publishers
0
Date checked
We Are Africa
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