APTA Global Forum 2025

The Association for the Promotion of Tourism to Africa (APTA) is excited to be hosting its Global Forum in Arusha, Tanzania from 24-26 September 2025. After a successful Global Forum in Cape Town in 2023, APTA returns to the African continent in 2025 and will be a great opportunity for travel advisors from North America to meet and network with a delegation of hoteliers, safari operators, destination management companies and tourism organizations from throughout the African continent. Whether you are an African specialist, a travel advisor that is interested in learning about selling Africa or a tourism partner, the APTA Global Forum will be an excellent chance to get information on the latest trends, destinations, and products to further develop your business and tourism to Africa.

Our host city for the 2025 APTA Global Forum is Arusha, Tanzania—the gateway to some of Africa’s most iconic landscapes and a fitting destination to celebrate and promote tourism across the continent. Nestled at the foothills of Mount Meru and serving as the starting point for safaris to Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire, Arusha embodies the spirit of African adventure. The city offers a well-developed infrastructure for conferences, with high-quality venues, accommodations, and vibrant cultural experiences that enhance networking and leisure opportunities. Its accessibility via Kilimanjaro International Airport ensures seamless travel for delegates from North America and beyond.

FORUM PROGRAM

• Tuesday, Sept 23 - Arrival Day
   
  
• Wednesday, Sept 24 -Day of Adventure, Welcome Reception
  • Daytime adventure experiences will introduce attendees to the destination, showcasing its natural beauty, culture, or unique attractions. These tours will be complimentary for attendees. Half Day Tours include: 
    • Arusha City Tour (local markets, cultural stops, natural history museum and Arusha Declarations tours)
    • Maasai Cultural Experience
    • Cultural Village Experience
    • Arusha National Park (game drive or guided walking safari)
  • The evening will feature a Welcome Reception, providing the first networking opportunity for attendees to connect in a relaxed setting.
    
    
• Thursday, Sept 25 - Classroom Day, APTA Connect, Evening Event
  • Morning: Formal educational sessions with high-level speakers covering topics such as new tourism trends, sustainability, and emerging travel products in Africa. 
  • Afternoon: APTA Connect, a B2B revolving networking concept where buyers and suppliers will meet in a structured setting to discuss business opportunities and future partnerships. 
  • Evening: Dine Around Arusha: Hosted cocktail reception and dinner, allowing for further informal networking and relationship building
    
    
• Friday, Sept 26 - Classroom day, Evening Closing Reception
  • Morning: Continuation of APTA Connect networking sessions. 
  • Afternoon: Final speaker sessions featuring industry leaders, followed by closing remarks. 
  • Evening: Gala Reception at the Cultural Heritage Center in Arusha. Final night event is a destination-hosted celebration in a unique venue that represents the destination’s cultural heritage, offering a memorable close to the formal forum.
    
    
• Saturday, Sept 27 - Departure Day

OUR HOST

The Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO) is the leading industry organization representing tour operators in Tanzania. Established to advocate for and support the country’s tourism sector, TATO plays a vital role in promoting sustainable and responsible travel while ensuring the highest standards of service and professionalism. The association works closely with the Tanzanian government, conservation bodies, and international travel partners to enhance the country’s reputation as a premier global destination. With a diverse membership of tour operators specializing in safaris, cultural experiences, adventure travel, and luxury tourism, TATO is instrumental in shaping policies, facilitating industry growth, and providing a unified voice for Tanzania’s tourism stakeholders. As the official host of the 2025 APTA Global Forum in Arusha, TATO will showcase Tanzania’s unparalleled natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and commitment to sustainable tourism.

ACCOMMODATIONS

The Gran Meliá Arusha is a premier luxury hotel set in the heart of Arusha, offering a perfect blend of contemporary elegance and African charm. Nestled between lush coffee plantations and boasting breathtaking views of Mount Meru, the hotel provides a serene yet sophisticated setting for business and leisure travelers alike. As the host venue for the 2025 APTA Global Forum, Gran Meliá Arusha offers world-class conference facilities, including modern meeting spaces equipped with state-of-the-art technology, ensuring a seamless event experience. Guests can enjoy luxurious accommodations, fine dining featuring locally inspired cuisine, a rooftop bar with panoramic views, a wellness spa, and an infinity pool that provides a tranquil retreat. Conveniently located near Arusha’s city center and within easy reach of Kilimanjaro International Airport, the Gran Meliá Arusha is an ideal base for exploring Tanzania’s iconic safari destinations while providing an exceptional setting for industry networking and collaboration. The Gran Melia Arusha is offering a special price for APTA Global Forum delegates of US$220 per night (single occupancy, inclusive of breakfast and taxes). Once you reserve your ticket to Forum, reach out to leonorah.ndesanjo@melia.com to confirm your hotel room. 

REGISTRATION COSTS

• APTA Individual Member (Buyer): USD $175
• Non-APTA Individual Member (Buyer): USD $220 (includes a one year individual membership)
• APTA Corporate Member (Supplier): USD $750
• Non-APTA Corporate Member (Supplier): USD $1,150 (includes a one year corporate membership)
• Add-On Supplier Delegate (sharing an existing supplier's meeting track): USD $175

EXCITING PRIZES & GIVEAWAYS

The APTA Global Forum 2025 isn’t just about networking, learning, and celebrating Africa’s vibrant tourism industry—it’s also your chance to win incredible prizes! Throughout the event, we’ll be offering a series of exclusive giveaways designed to inspire your future travels and reward our engaged attendees. From luxury safari experiences to hotel stays, flight vouchers, and unique cultural experiences, these prizes will showcase the best of Tanzania and beyond. Attendees will have the opportunity to win by actively participating in sessions, engaging with exhibitors, and joining special activities throughout the forum. Stay tuned for more details on the exciting prizes up for grabs—we can’t wait to celebrate with you in Arusha!

PRE & POST TOURS

As part of the 2025 APTA Global Forum experience, we will offer an exciting selection of pre- and post-tours designed to showcase the very best of Tanzania. These immersive journeys will provide attendees with the opportunity to explore the country's breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and world-renowned wildlife. Whether it’s venturing into the vast savannas of the Serengeti, discovering the awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater, experiencing the vibrant culture of local communities, or unwinding on Zanzibar’s pristine beaches, these tours will offer something for every traveler. Final details are coming soon, but each itinerary will be thoughtfully curated to highlight Tanzania’s incredible tourism offerings and provide firsthand inspiration for promoting travel to this extraordinary destination.

WHAT'S APTA FORUM LIKE?