Staying Visible in a Fast Moving Industry

What was the main goal of your visit to WTM 2026?

Our goal at World Travel Market Africa 2026 was simple. Stay present. Stay relevant. Stay connected. This industry moves fast. If you are not showing up, you are falling behind. WTM gives us a rare space to meet face to face. We reconnect with long standing partners. We strengthen relationships with existing clients. We open the door to new collaborations across the country and beyond. For us, it is not only about visibility. It is about building trust, maintaining strong networks, and ensuring Cango Wildlife remains part of the conversations shaping the future of travel. ⁠

What was the most valuable insight or trend you took away from the event?

Products and offerings are far more dynamic than previous years and whilst many are expanding their offering, traveller behaviour is shifting just as fast. Global factors are shaping decisions. Economics, geopolitics, and access all influence where people travel and how they spend. You need to track what drives demand and where your key source markets are. Without that, you are working without direction. At the same time, the industry is evolving internally. AI is taking a stronger role in marketing, planning, and customer experience. Businesses need to adapt across all areas to stay competitive. One constant remains. This is a people driven industry. Tourism professionals are deeply passionate about what they represent. Their products. Their regions. Their offerings. And people. That passion drives conversations, partnerships, and long-term growth. Although technology is reshaping how we work, passion and human connection will always shape the industry. ⁠

How does attending WTM benefit Cango Wildlife and our future growth?

It keeps Cango Wildlife visible to the right trade partners. These relationships influence bookings and open new markets. It gives us real time insight into trends, competitors, and traveller behaviour. This helps us refine our offering and positioning. It strengthens long-term partnerships. Tourism runs on trust, and consistent presence keeps us top of mind - this result is clearer direction and more focused growth.

What was your personal highlight from the trip to Cape Town?

Attending World Travel Market Africa 2026 always feels a bit like a family reunion. It is great to reconnect with familiar faces who share the same drive and ambition. A personal highlight was having Anneke Lategan, our Marketing Manager, join the trip. It gave her the chance to attend key industry seminars and gain valuable insight. The biggest highlight, though, was once again experiencing and being part of the strong synergy between our regional products and destinations. Oudtshoorn and De Rust Tourism Board always flies the flag high, with strong cross promotion and support between members. It was also great to be part of the Garden Route and Klein Karoo Tourism stand. The GR and KK team brings great energy and commitment and consistently puts in the work to draw attention to the region. Overall, there is strong alignment across the region, with like-minded offerings working together to strengthen the destination as a whole.