Africa's Eden Travel Show - Global Edition: Stars, Sand and Networking in Swakopmund, Namibia

Location: Swakopmund, Namibia

Dates: November 11-13, 2024

Destination Workshops: Enhancing Connections

The travel show commenced with destination workshops, a vital component of Africa’s
Eden travel events. These workshops foster meaningful interactions and provide essential
educational insights on key aspects such as air access and visa requirements for each
country. They play a crucial role in collectively promoting the incredible destinations.
Africa’s Eden Tourism would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the destination experts who
facilitated these invaluable sessions:


 

Jillian Blackbeard, CEO of Africa’s Eden, remarked, “Hosting an event of this scale in the
desert isn’t without its hurdles, but we rose to the occasion. A big thank you to our
Namibian partners, and in particular Lynn Strydom and Louise Leach from Gondwana
Collection Namibia and Gitta Paetzold from the Hospitality Association of Namibia, as well
as. Showcasing the stunning beauty of Swakopmund to buyers from around the world
reminds us why we do what we do.”

Networking Opportunities

Africa’s Eden travel shows are renowned for their networking opportunities, and this edition
was no exception. The opening event was held at the Swakopmund Hotel and
Entertainment Centre, graciously hosted by Legacy Hotels. The venue showcased the
unique talent, charm, and hospitality that Swakopmund is celebrated for. Special thanks
are also due to Bruce Jack Wines for their exquisite selection and the locally produced
Stillhouse Gin, which added a delightful touch to the evening.
Abenteur Afrika provided shuttles to the opening function and organized exceptional local
entertainment featuring singers, traditional dancers, and fire dancers. Their meticulous
coordination was instrumental in the event’s success.

One-on-One Meetings

Africa’s Eden Travel Shows utilise the specialist Cvent events management system,
allowing exhibitors and buyers to pre-schedule matched one-on-one meetings that foster
meaningful connections between global travel buyers and the extensive array of exhibiting
companies. Ultimate Safaris started the day right with complimentary co\ee and
croissants from local roastery Two Beards Coffee, while Okavango Gin helped everyone
wind down each afternoon with refreshing gin and tonics.

Familiarisation Trips

According to HAN CEO, Gitta Paetzold, “With a number of agents coming in from fam-trips, the spirit and ambience was already very jovial right from the start of the event. Face-2-face engagements still rated as the most e\ective business negotiation platform, and Namibia was happy to see so many first-time visitors to this most western part of Africa’s Eden.”

Africa’s Eden Tourism whole-heartedly believes that nothing compares to visiting a destination firsthand which is why all travel buyers attending were able to experience familiarisation trips, from conquering Big Daddy at Sossusvlei to witnessing the breathtaking Victoria Falls or gliding through the Okavango Delta in a dugout canoe. These immersive experiences equip travel buyers with the knowledge and passion they need to showcase the fantastic regional destinations to their clients back home. A big shoutout to Discover Airlines for being a key show sponsor and ensuring seamless travel for buyers from Victoria Falls Airport to Windhoek’s Hosea Kutako International Airport.

Industry Reflections

Reflecting on the event, Hannelie Du Toit, Chief Operating O\icer from SATSA stated, “Last
week’s Africa’s Eden Global Trade Show in Swakopmund was nothing short of incredible.
The buzz of buyers from across the globe meeting passionate tourism products truly
captured the heartbeat of the Southern African safari industry. And of course, the closing
event was a magical night under an almost full moon in the desert—pure perfection! We at
SATSA are thrilled to partner with Africa’s Eden to showcase and promote our extraordinary
piece of Africa to the world.”


Daphne Lindsay from Zamag Travel and Tours added, “It was an excellent show with some
great meetings. We had the best hosts at Fancy Fritz Guest House, which we highly
recommend, and the final evening was excellent.”

Spectacular Closing Function

The event concluded with a spectacular closing function that everyone will remember. Abenteur Afrika organized a remarkable send-o\ with local sensation Vaughn leading an unforgettable evening of dinner, dancing and entertainment in a natural desert amphitheatre. Thanks to DJ Alex from Corporate Event Gear for enhancing the atmosphere with incredible tunes and lighting.

We can’t wait to see everyone next year when the Africa’s Eden Travel Show – Global Edition comes full circle back to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe!

Media Contacts:
Africa’s Eden Tourism
Kim Barnett – CMO
kimb@africaseden.travel
For official event photos – please use this link

About Africa’s Eden Tourism:

Africa’s Eden Tourism is a leading organisation committed to promoting tourism and advancing tourism leadership across Southern and Central Africa. Representing the eclectic regions of Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Angola, Malawi, Mozambique, and Madagascar, the organisation prioritises sustainable practices, community engagement, and cooperative growth.

As a not-for-profit entity, Africa’s Eden offers tourism businesses exceptional opportunities for partnership, visibility, and influence, shaping the future of travel in these remarkable destinations. Its mission is to showcase the breathtaking natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and distinctive experiences that position the region as a top choice for travellers around the world.

“If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.”