TIFA 2024 targets unveiling African tourism potential through synergy of trade and Investment
As Africa's tourism industry garners global attention, the Tourism Investment Forum Africa (TIFA) gears up for its eagerly anticipated 2024 edition in Cape Town from April 10th to 12th. Following the success of last year's event, TIFA 2024 is poised to redefine the landscape of tourism investment on the continent, convening key stakeholders, investors, and industry leaders for dynamic exchanges of ideas and opportunities.
Reflecting on the achievements of the previous year, Miller Matola emphasized the forum's crucial role in showcasing Africa's diverse tourism offerings and unlocking its vast investment potential. Matola, CEO of Millvest Investments and organizer of TIFA, highlighted the forum's objectives in a discussion with Kojo Bentum-Williams on the VA Tourism Podcast. He stated, "TIFA aims to facilitate intra-Africa investment in the tourism sector, profiling destinations, especially lesser-known ones, as viable investment locations. Additionally, we aim to position these destinations as business event venues to showcase their capabilities for hosting events and benefiting from MICE Tourism."
Matola noted that the inaugural conference held in the Northern Cape last year exemplified this ethos, drawing attention to the region's untapped potential and attracting over 50 projects valued at USD40 billion. These projects spanned various sectors, including energy, biodiversity, and connectivity, demonstrating TIFA's role as a catalyst for transformative change across diverse industries.
In a new initiative, TIFA 2024 will collaborate with WTM Africa, offering delegates a comprehensive perspective encompassing both trade and investment aspects of the tourism ecosystem. Matola explained, "This year, TIFA 2024 will be held alongside WTM Africa, one of the continent's largest trade shows. This collaboration aims to provide delegates with experiences in both trade and investment within the tourism ecosystem, maximizing engagement opportunities."
Scheduled discussions and interactive sessions at TIFA 2024 will address pressing challenges and opportunities in African tourism investment. Matola highlighted key topics, including the impact of policy and regulatory frameworks on tourism outcomes, the dynamics of tourism demand on the continent, and the role of technology, innovation, and financial strategies in shaping the tourism sector.
With a focus on green investments, infrastructure, and connectivity, TIFA 2024 offers industry stakeholders a platform to engage in meaningful discussions and make bold decisions for the growth and development of tourism in Africa.
