Essence of Africa, an international buyer forum for African tourism, has announced its programme for the 2026 edition. The event will take place in Zanzibar from 20–22 October.
The programme will bring African tourism businesses together with international travel buyers. Sessions will examine changing market demand, tourism growth opportunities and experiences attracting visitors to the continent.
Highlights include Market Buzz, where travel specialists will discuss key international markets. Other sessions will introduce buyers to Zanzibar’s tourism offering and examine tourism’s environmental and community impact. Sports tourism will also feature through an initiative involving Uganda’s Rwenzori Marathon.
The forum will officially open on 19 October at Diamonds Bijoux. Zanzibar’s newly appointed Minister for Tourism and Heritage, Dr Nasra Nassor Omar, and her predecessor, Mudrik Ramadhan Soraga, are expected to attend as special guests.
Amanda Margison, Co-Founder of Essence of Africa, said: “Zanzibar’s tourism growth has been impressive, and we’re pleased to bring Essence of Africa here at a time when there’s so much interest in the destination,” She added: “We’re honoured to welcome representatives of Zanzibar’s tourism sector and introduce our international travel partners to the people and businesses behind that success.”
