Application Form - Buyer

Event Details

Dates: 20 – 22 October 2026
Venue: Diamonds Bijoux, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Who Can Attend

Essence of Africa is Africa’s international buyer forum, thoughtfully connecting pre-qualified international buyers with leading African tourism sellers through a curated programme of pre-scheduled meetings and focused networking.

The event is designed for buyers who are actively selling Africa, or who can clearly demonstrate a strategic commitment to growing Africa within their portfolio. Applications are welcomed from directors, product managers and front-line sales teams who meet the qualification criteria and can fully engage in the meeting programme.

Companies in the following categories will be classified as buyers: Destination Management Company (DMC); Incentive Buyer; Independent Travel Agent; Online Booking Company; Outbound Tour Operator to Africa.

Buyer places are limited. All applications are carefully reviewed to ensure balance, relevance, and meaningful value for both buyers and exhibitors. Buyers are welcomed from international source markets globally. Our team will be pleased to advise on suitability following receipt of your application.

Exhibitors

Essence of Africa features a carefully curated selection of African tourism sellers from across the continent. Exhibitors include DMCs, accommodation providers, experience specialists, tourism boards, and affiliated services. The exhibitor mix is designed to ensure commercial relevance, product diversity, and high-quality meeting opportunities.

Confirmed exhibitors will be published at www.essenceofafrica.travel

Buyer Participation Options

Three buyer participation options are available. These relate to hosting and cost arrangements and do not impact access to meetings, networking opportunities, or official events. Hosted and Partially Hosted Buyers will receive accommodation in line with their approved option.

What’s Included
All approved buyers receive:

• Access to the Essence of Africa official programme
• Onsite catering and refreshments during the meeting programme
• A personalised diary of pre-scheduled one-to-one meetings over three days
  
  

Meetings & Diaries

Essence of Africa operates on a structured, pre-scheduled appointment system. Meeting diaries are generated based on preferences, availability, and overall event balance. Minimum preference thresholds apply.  Final diaries will be shared in advance of the event.

Buyers are required to:

• Complete the exhibitor preferencing process within the allocated timeframe
• Attend a full schedule of meetings for each day of registered attendance
  
  

Commitment Fee, Terms & Cancellations
Upon approval, all buyers are required to pay a refundable Commitment Fee of EUR 150. The Commitment Fee is payable on acceptance and is intended to confirm attendance and commitment to the meeting programme.

• Hosted Buyers:
  The Commitment Fee will be refunded in full once confirmed travel arrangements have been submitted. This ensures commitment is demonstrated through confirmed travel plans.

• Partially Hosted & Non-Hosted Buyers:
  The Commitment Fee will be refunded in full following the event, once all attendance and meeting obligations have been met.

Full Terms & Conditions, including cancellation timelines and applicable fees, will be shared on confirmation. Approved buyers are bound by these Terms & Conditions.

Essence of Africa reserves the right to withdraw participation if a buyer’s conduct is inconsistent with the objectives of the event. 

Hosted Buyer : Includes accommodation for the full duration of the event, with international flights partially reimbursed in line with the Terms & Conditions. Destination familiarisation trips may be offered by exhibiting partners and made available to approved Hosted Buyers. Hosted Buyers are required to attend the full event programme and complete a full diary of pre-scheduled meetings.

Partially Hosted Buyer : Includes accommodation for the full event. Flights are not reimbursed. Partially Hosted Buyers arrange their own travel and are required to attend the full event programme and complete a full diary of pre-scheduled meetings.

Non-Hosted Buyer : Does not include accommodation or flight reimbursement. Buyers receive full access to the event, including pre-scheduled meetings, networking, and official events, and must meet the same attendance and meeting commitments as all buyers.

Changes to your selected option cannot be guaranteed after submission and may incur administrative or cancellation fees.

Application Guidance

Please take time to complete this application carefully and as accurately as possible. The information you provide is used to assess applications and to ensure an appropriate mix of buyers across key criteria such as market focus, business model, and sales activity.

Accurate responses also allow us to match buyers and suppliers more effectively during the meeting programme, helping to ensure meetings are relevant, productive, and commercially meaningful for all participants.

Taking care with your answers will contribute to a stronger, more effective event experience for both buyers and exhibitors.

Don't want to meet DMCs?

If you select No, please note that some DMCs may still preference you based on your profile, destination focus, or past business. In these cases, you may still be allocated a meeting.

Should this happen, we kindly ask that you attend the meeting and simply advise the DMC that you are not currently seeking new partners. This ensures transparency for all parties and helps maintain a fair and respectful meeting process.