The Africa’s Eden Hosted Travel Show 2023 was held in Livingstone, Zambia, from November 21 to 23. 118 Exhibitors was brought together, including David Livingstone Safari Lodge and Chobe Marina Lodge, represented by their General Managers and An African Anthology. The event was a tremendous success, drawing attention to the diverse offerings of Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, and Botswana, including the world’s largest transfrontier conservation estate. This year has built a strong foundation for robust networking, strategic partnerships, and exciting travel expectations for 2024. 105 global travel buyers participated and Minister Sikumba inaugurated the proceedings with a ceremonial bell ringing, and subsequent engagements on the historic Royal Livingstone Express Steam Train strengthened connections and partnerships.
With 118 exhibitors, the show facilitated impactful one-on-one meetings between Africa’s Eden members and travel buyers. Beyond business discussions, networking continued with memorable events such as a Zambezi River sunset cruise on The Lady Livingstone and a journey on the iconic Royal Livingstone Express Steam Train. These occasions provided an ideal backdrop for fostering collaborations and strengthening industry ties. Aligning with our commitment to sustainable travel, it has showcased environmentally conscious practices. Notably, Ecodrop’s sponsorship of refillable water bottles made a significant impact, saving 1580 plastic bottles from production and waste.
As a testament to the success of Africa’s Eden, plans for the future involve splitting hosted travel shows. The Africa Hosted Travel Show is set for Lusaka, Zambia, in April 2024, catering specifically to Africa-based buyers. Additionally, an International Hosted Travel Show is scheduled for November 2024 in Swakopmund, Namibia, providing a global platform for industry players to reconvene. This event wasn’t just a celebration of global connections; it was a demonstration of our commitment to sustainable practices. Our participation went beyond showcasing leisure hospitality; it showcased responsible and forward-thinking engagement in the tourism sector.
