Participating at Essence of Africa 2026
Essence of Africa is the continent’s leading meetings-driven international buyer forum, designed to connect pre-qualified international buyers with Africa’s top tourism businesses in Africa.
We unlock Africa’s tourism potential, delivering high-value, pre-scheduled meetings, strategic discussions, curated networking moments, and opportunities to build long-term partnerships across the continent.
Exhibitor Package Details:
We have 160 exhibitor packages available which include:
- Exhibitor registration
- Maximum 2 delegate badges
- 1 meeting point with shared power and company signage
- 1 diary meeting package with up to 40 meetings
- Daily catering (coffee breaks & lunch)
- Networking events
- Online mobile app listing
You may wish to upgrade your participation to a premium package which will give you added value in terms of:
- Preferential meeting table placement
- Recognition as premium exhibitor status
- Additional delegate badge
- On site interview with the social media team
Rates displayed above are the current applicable rates and in US Dollars. Once accepted, the invoice is to be paid in full within 28 days.
There is no reduction in package cost if additional badges are not used.
Who can exhibit at Essence of Africa?
- Accommodation (Hotels, Lodges, Resorts, Camps)
- Accommodation Exclusive (Villas, Private Homes)
- Affiliated Services (Insurance, Technology, Media Publications)
- Destination Management Company (DMC) - Inbound to Africa
- Experiences (Activity provider, Day Tour, Cultural Tour)
- Representation Company (limited to maximum 3 clients)
- Tour Operator (Ground Handler & Safari Providers)
- Tourism Board & Tourism Organisation
- Transport - Aviation & Transfers
Rates
Click here for Essence of Africa 2026 Rates
Early Bird packages are only applicable for the first 50 applications received & approved. Any exhibitor approved at the early booking rate who does not make payment within the terms detailed on the invoice will automatically be re-invoiced at the standard rate.
Premium packages are available to a maximum of 10 exhibitors. These will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Please indicate if you would like to be considered for a premium package on your application.
ATTA Membership
To be eligible for the ATTA® member rate, the brand(s) listed in the Exhibitor Profile Name must be a fully paid-up ATTA® member for the 25/26 Financial year running from 01 October 2025 – 30 September 2026. If you would like to join ATTA® to benefit for the members rate please visit https://atta.travel/about/apply-to-become-a-member.html to submit an application. Once the application has been approved, we will be able to apply the members rate.
Representation Companies
Representation companies are limited to a maximum of three products.
However, if you plan to feature a broader portfolio, please note that each meeting lasts 15 minutes, so we recommend focusing on the products most relevant to each buyer.
A representation company may exhibit under its own name and make use of its own logo.
A maximum of three companies may be listed within the exhibitor profile.
DMC’s & Inbound Operators
Essence of Africa welcomes DMCs and inbound operators who play a vital role in delivering Africa’s exceptional travel experiences.
However, many hosted buyers prioritise meeting with exhibitors who represent specific, bookable products such as lodges, camps, hotels, and activities. To ensure valuable appointments and the right balance of exhibitors, DMCs and inbound operators are asked to provide additional information in this application.
Terms & Conditions and Payment
Exhibitor Terms & Conditions need to be accepted in order to submit your application.
You will receive a copy of these via email on receipt of your application.
Once your application has been approved you will be bound by the terms and conditions as per your agreement and payment will be due on invoice within 28 days.
Should you have any queries, you are welcome to reach out to the team directly on exhibitor@eoa.travel.
Please Note:
For any application made on the early booking rate, payment must be received by the date indicated on the invoice.
If payment is not made by the due date, the rate will automatically revert to the standard booking rate.
Should the standard rate payments not be made by the due date, Essence of Africa reserves the right to cancel your participation and offer the space to an exhibitor on the waitlist.
Approval / Selection Process
As part of Essence of Africa’s commitment to delivering a unique international buyer forum, careful consideration will be given to the overall mix of exhibitors attending annually. To ensure the event reflects Africa’s diversity and vast range of experiences available, all applications will be reviewed and assessed within the context of the wider exhibitor offering.
On receipt of your application, you will receive notification that your participation is pending. During this time, we will review the details submitted and may contact you for further information or clarification.
If your application is successful, confirmation of approval will be accompanied by an invoice as well as a copy of the terms & conditions.
Should your application not be successful, it is by no means a reflection on the quality of your product or services. The event may have already reached full capacity or we may have received a number of applications similar to your offering. Therefore your application could not be accepted at the time within the 160 maximum exhibitor allocation for Essence of Africa 2026.
Meeting Selection & Diaries
Essence of Africa runs a pre-scheduled appointment system with a total of 40 pre-scheduled appointments available over 3 days. Each meeting package has access to 1 diary of appointments.
All attendees are required to create a “wish list” of buyers they would like to meet with during the preferencing window. You will be notified when the preferencing window opens.
After the preferencing window closes, our meeting software will create a diary of appointments based your “wish list” and those of the international buyers.
Events
All attendees are invited to attend the evening events, more information will follow in the exhibitors newsletters.
If as an exhibitor you would like to host buyers for dinner or at your own event, please consider Wednesday 21 October 2026 evening after 18h00.
Partnership Opportunities
There are several opportunities available to elevate your brand exposure at Essence of Africa 2026. If you would like to get an added level of exposure or engagement either as your own brand or as a collection of brands, please don’t hesitate to get in contact to discuss the options on hello@eoa.travel
International Buyers
Essence of Africa 2026 will focus on inviting buyers from:
- America’s
- Europe
- Australasia
- Middle East
- Africa
Our international hosted buyer program will provide qualified buyers with partial flight reimbursements and accommodation for the duration of the show. Our buyer applications are carefully screened through our selection committee to ensure that meaningful and valuable attendance. If you would like to invite any key buyers please let us know on buyer@eoa.travel and we can personally invite them on your behalf or we can provide you with all the information you need to invite them directly.
