The 2026 APTA Global Forum is heading to Livingstone, Zambia, September 25–27, 2026, bringing the African tourism community together at Avani Victoria Falls Resort, just steps from one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
This year’s Forum marks a major milestone: the first time APTA Global Forum will be hosted in Zambia.
Over three days, attendees will experience:
- A Day of Adventure in the Victoria Falls region
- APTA Connect one-to-one business meetings
- Speaker sessions focused on the future of African travel
- Networking receptions and evening events
- Pre- and post-Forum travel opportunities across Zambia and the wider region
And at the heart of the program will be a dynamic speaker lineup designed to help travel advisors, tour operators, and tourism partners sell Africa with more confidence, purpose, and insight.
Speaker Highlights
Suzanne Bayly, Classic Portfolio
Choosing Destinations with Purpose & Positive Impact
Suzanne Bayly will explore how the destinations and properties we choose can directly influence conservation outcomes, community livelihoods, and the long-term protection of Africa’s wild places.
Using examples from Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, and beyond, this session will help attendees better identify travel partners whose work creates measurable, lasting impact.
Wesley Hartmann, Wildlife Ambassador
The Return of the Wild: Stories from a Rewilded Zambian Landscape
This session will spotlight one of Zambia’s most exciting conservation comeback stories.
From cheetah cubs born on a restored reserve, to lions reclaiming landscapes where they had vanished, to black rhino returning to recovering habitat, Wesley and Jennifer will explore how responsible tourism can help rebuild wild places.
Mark Gillies, Asilia Africa
Crowds, Costs & Crossings: Rethinking Africa’s Peak Seasons
Everyone knows the classic peak-season safari story: the herds, the crossings, the drama.
But is peak season always delivering the best possible experience?
Mark Gillies will take a candid look at safari timing, overcrowding, rising costs, and the often-overlooked value of green season travel. His session will help advisors better match the right season to the right traveler.
Tapiwa Mayuni, Crafted Africa
The Warm Heart of Africa: Malawi’s Untold Conservation Story
Malawi has long been one of Africa’s best-kept secrets.
Tapiwa Mayuni will share how the country has emerged as one of the continent’s most compelling conservation success stories, with rewilding programs, community-driven conservation, and the return of key species reshaping its tourism future.
For travelers seeking something raw, authentic, meaningful, and less crowded, Malawi may be exactly the story advisors should be watching.
Catherine Brink, Tusks & Trails
A Secret Worth Sharing: Marketing Zambia and Beyond
Zambia is often described as one of Africa’s last true wilderness destinations, but many advisors are still unsure how to confidently position and sell it.
Cath of Tusks & Trails will offer practical tools for understanding Zambia’s regions, safari experiences, client profiles, and key selling points — helping attendees turn curiosity into bookings.
Additional confirmed sessions include:
- Bushtracks on responsible village visits, cultural tours, and wildlife conservation initiatives
- Adrian Coley of Flatdogs Camp on Zambia’s first Fair Trade certification and the importance of measuring sustainability and community uplift
Why Attend?
APTA Global Forum is designed for travel professionals who want more than surface-level destination updates.
It is a chance to:
- Meet African tourism partners face-to-face
- Build stronger product knowledge
- Discover new conservation and community tourism stories
- Take part in structured one-to-one meetings
- Experience Livingstone and Victoria Falls firsthand
- Connect with the people shaping the future of African travel
With Africa’s Eden confirmed as the official destination partner, the Forum will also spotlight the greater Victoria Falls region, including Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia.
Buyer registration starts at just $195 for APTA Individual Members, with supplier registration starting at $750 for APTA Corporate Members.
Special delegate hotel rates are available at Avani Victoria Falls Resort, and airline discounts have been confirmed with Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Airlink.
Space is limited.
Register now for APTA Global Forum 2026 and join us in Livingstone, Zambia.
