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ATIC 2026 in Cape Town: Unlocking New Investment Pathways for Africa’s Tourism Sector ATIC 2026 in Cape Town: Unlocking New Investment Pathways for Africa’s Tourism Sector

The Africa Tourism Investment Conference (ATIC) is set to make a powerful return to Cape Town on 14 April 2026, once again taking centre stage at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) as a flagship event within World Travel Market (WTM) Africa. This year’s edition, produced in partnership with global real estate and investment powerhouse JLL Africa, is poised to deliver a transformative experience for Africa’s tourism and hospitality industry, with a clear focus on catalysing sustainable investment and fostering cross-sector collaboration across the continent.

Guided by the expertise of renowned industry strategist and Conference Director Gillian Saunders, ATIC 2026 promises a dynamic, full-day programme packed with actionable insights and real-world opportunities. The event is designed to move beyond traditional conferencing, offering a platform where governments, banks, development finance institutions (DFIs), developers, and private capital converge to unlock the immense potential of Africa’s tourism sector.

“Investment is the lifeblood of transformational tourism,” Saunders emphasises, highlighting the conference’s mission to connect key players across the tourism value chain. This year’s agenda is crafted to ensure that every participant—whether from the public or private sector—leaves with practical knowledge, new partnerships, and direct access to the financial and strategic resources needed to turn vision into viable ventures.

ATIC’s strategic partnership with JLL Africa further elevates the conference’s profile. JLL’s deep expertise in hospitality, tourism advisory, and real estate investment will be showcased through headline contributions from Wayne Godwin, CEO of JLL Africa, and Bernadine Galliver, Head of Tourism Advisory MEA. Their insights are expected to provide attendees with a competitive edge, especially in the areas of mixed-use tourism investments, destination development, and scaling projects for long-term success.

“This partnership with JLL strengthens the bridge between opportunity and capital,” notes Megan De Jager, Portfolio Director for Travel, Tourism & RX Africa Marketing. The collaboration is set to deliver practical guidance for those looking to navigate Africa’s increasingly attractive tourism investment landscape, where global interest is on the rise and the need for innovative, sustainable projects has never been greater.

The speaker lineup for ATIC 2026 is a testament to the event’s commitment to diversity and expertise. Attendees can look forward to hearing from:

  • Tim Harris, Economic Development Advisor and former CEO of Wesgro
  • Kelvin Watt, Chairman of Nielsen Sports SA
  • Paul Jordaan, Executive Director and Co-Founder, ENVI Lodges
  • Daniel Silke, Director, Political Futures Consulting
  • Paul Gardiner, Director, Mantis Group and Founder, Terra Nova Create
  • John Gibson, CEO, Chobe Holdings Limited

These industry leaders will share pragmatic perspectives on topics ranging from media monetisation in sports tourism and eco-lodge development to innovative public-private delivery models and regional investment case studies. Their collective experience is set to inspire new thinking and drive actionable outcomes for Africa’s tourism sector.

ATIC 2026 is tailored for professionals who are serious about transforming ideas into impactful ventures. The conference offers:

  • Deep-dive panel discussions featuring both private and public sector leaders
  • Exclusive access to WTM Africa’s main exhibition floor, providing unparalleled networking opportunities
  • Industry insights grounded in the latest global and local market data

As Megan De Jager puts it, “The African tourism investment conversation is no longer peripheral – it’s central to the continent’s economic development. ATIC provides the platform where deals are sparked, feasibility is debated, and impact-driven investment takes root.”

For those eager to secure their place at this premium, paid-entry event, early bird tickets are now available at R1,250 per person (excluding VAT) until the end of the year. This represents a unique opportunity for industry stakeholders to gain direct access to Africa’s fast-growing tourism and hospitality investment space, connect with decision-makers, and position themselves at the forefront of the continent’s next wave of growth.

With the African tourism landscape evolving rapidly, ATIC 2026 is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the industry. The conference’s focus on sustainable investment, cross-border collaboration, and practical knowledge sharing aligns perfectly with the needs of Africa’s travel sector, especially as the region seeks to attract new capital, develop world-class destinations, and create jobs across the value chain [[4]](https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/africas-tourism-revolution-how-africa-tourism-investment-conference-2026-will-shape-industry-growth/).

For Africa’s travel professionals, the return of ATIC to Cape Town is more than just a date on the calendar—it’s a call to action. The event’s blend of high-level dialogue, hands-on expertise, and direct access to investment leaders offers a rare chance to influence the trajectory of tourism development across the continent. As the sector continues to rebound and reinvent itself, those who engage with ATIC 2026 will be best positioned to seize emerging opportunities and drive meaningful change for years to come.