APTA Global Forum 2026

The Association for the Promotion of Tourism to Africa (APTA) is excited to announce that its 2026 APTA Global Forum will take place September 25–27, 2026, in Livingstone, Zambia, at the edge of the world-famous Victoria Falls. This marks the first time the Forum will be hosted in Zambia and represents APTA’s return to Southern Africa following the highly successful Cape Town Global Forum in 2023 and the record-setting Arusha Forum in 2025.

The APTA Global Forum is a premier opportunity for North American travel advisors, tour operators, and tourism partners to meet and network with a curated delegation of African hoteliers, safari operators, destination management companies, and tourism organizations from across the continent. Whether participants are seasoned Africa specialists or advisors looking to expand their Africa portfolio, the Forum delivers unmatched access to the latest trends, destinations, and products shaping African tourism today.

Livingstone, Zambia, the host city for the 2026 Global Forum, is one of Africa’s most iconic and inspiring destinations. Located on the Zambezi River and adjacent to Victoria Falls—one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World—Livingstone offers a powerful combination of natural spectacle, adventure, and cultural depth. The destination provides strong infrastructure for international events, with high-quality accommodations, unique venues, and memorable social settings that elevate both business meetings and networking experiences.

The 2026 program will follow APTA’s proven Global Forum format, including:

• A Day of Adventure highlighting the natural and cultural assets of the host region

• APTA Connect one-to-one meetings, facilitating hundreds of targeted B2B appointments

• Dynamic speaker sessions and panels focused on the future of African travel

• Networking receptions and evening events set against the dramatic backdrop of Victoria Falls

• A curated selection of pre- and post-Forum FAM trips across Africa

With Africa’s Eden confirmed as the official destination partner, the 2026 APTA Global Forum will also spotlight the collaborative, cross-border tourism model of the greater Victoria Falls region, encompassing Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia.

FORUM PROGRAM

• Thursday, Sept 24 - Arrival Day

• Friday, Sept 25 -Day of Adventure, Welcome Reception

  • A curated selection of complimentary half-day adventure and cultural experiences introducing attendees to the Victoria Falls region and the wider Africa’s Eden destination. Experiences may include:

    • Guided tour of Victoria Falls (Zambian and/or Zimbabwean side)

    • Zambezi River cruise with wildlife viewing

    • Livingstone town & cultural heritage tour (Livingstone Museum, local markets)

    • Rhino tracking or short safari experience in a nearby reserve

    • Community or conservation-focused visit highlighting local initiatives

    These experiences are designed to showcase the region’s natural wonders, adventure offerings, and cultural depth while encouraging informal networking among participants.

  • The evening will feature a Welcome Reception, providing the first networking opportunity for attendees to connect in a relaxed setting.

• Saturday, Sept 26 - 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 Livingstone: Hosted cocktail reception and dinner, allowing for further informal networking and relationship building

• Sunday, Sept 27 - Classroom day, Evening Closing Reception

  • Morning: Continuation of APTA Connect networking sessions. 

  • Afternoon: Final speaker sessions featuring industry leaders, followed by closing remarks. 

  • Evening: Final night event will be aboard Bushtracks' The Royal Livingstone Express. This exquisite journey blends vintage luxury with the splendour of the African bush, featuring a 5-star dining experience as you traverse the route to the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge.

• Monday, Sept 28 - Departure Day

ACCOMMODATIONS

Avani Victoria Falls Resort (Livingstone, Zambia) is a standout resort in one of Africa’s most iconic settings—set along the banks of the Zambezi River with direct access to Victoria Falls, just a short walk from the main entrance. As the host hotel for the 2026 APTA Global Forum, Avani provides an ideal balance of comfort, convenience, and atmosphere for both business and leisure.

The resort offers well-equipped conference and meeting facilities supported by modern technology and an experienced events team, ensuring a seamless Forum experience. Guests can enjoy comfortable, contemporary accommodations, multiple dining options, a relaxed riverside setting, and open communal spaces that naturally encourage informal networking throughout the event.

Avani Victoria Falls Resort is well positioned for delegates arriving via Livingstone’s international airport and provides easy access to the region’s signature experiences, including Victoria Falls, Zambezi River activities, wildlife encounters, and cultural attractions. Its size and layout make it especially well suited to hosting Forum participants together in a single, vibrant setting that supports both professional engagement and memorable destination experiences.

The Avani Victoria Falls Resort is offering a special price for APTA Global Forum delegates of US$180 per night (single occupancy, inclusive of breakfast). Contact Mainga Mungeleza at mmungeleza@minorhotels.com to book your hotel room and CC angela@rightchoicesolutions.com - make sure you reference APTA in the subject line. Please note the Avani is now sold out!

Alternate Accommodation: The Avani Hotel in Livingstone is now sold out for the APTA Global Forum. Attendees may book alternate accommodations at the David Livingstone Safari Lodge and Spa using the promotional code APTA2026 on the hotel’s website under special rates. Current travel industry rates are approximately $180 USD per night for single occupancy, subject to availability.

AIRLINE DISCOUNTS

APTA is working closely with select international and regional airline partners to provide exclusive airfare discounts and preferred travel options for delegates attending the APTA Global Forum. Discounted fares will be available from key North American gateways, as well as within Africa, making travel to the host destination as seamless and cost-effective as possible for both buyers and suppliers. Confirmed airline partners, routing details, booking codes, and travel windows will be announced shortly and shared directly with registered attendees. Once available, all airfare offers will be bookable through dedicated booking links or directly with participating airline sales teams. We encourage delegates to hold off on finalizing flights until official Forum airfare details are released, in order to take full advantage of negotiated rates and benefits.

• Delta Air Lines is pleased to offer special event fares for attendees of the 2026 APTA Global Forum, with discounted rates available on flights to Johannesburg and Cape Town for travel between September 20 and October 2, 2026. Discounts vary by cabin, with savings available across Delta One, Premium Select, Comfort+, and Main Cabin fares. To book, visit delta.com and enter Meeting Event Code NY4M2 under Advanced Search, or call Delta Conferences & Events at 1-800-328-1111 and reference the same code to access the offer. Click here for full details.

• United Airlines is pleased to offer special meeting fares for attendees of the 2026 APTA Global Forum, with discounts ranging from 2% to 7% depending on fare class, available on eligible flights worldwide. Travel is valid to Johannesburg and Cape Town between September 18 and October 4, 2026. To book, visit united.com/meetings and enter Meeting Code ZSDB along with Agreement Code 694285, or contact United Meetings & Group Reservations at 1-800-426-1122 and reference the same codes to access the discounted rates. Click here for full details.

• Airlink: Attendees of the 2026 APTA Global Forum can take advantage of exclusive discounted airfares with Airlink, offering 20% off base fares for travel between Johannesburg and Livingstone (valid September 17 – October 4, 2026). To book, simply visit Airlink’s website or mobile app, select your preferred flights, and enter promo code APTA on the payment page to activate the discount—your reduced fare will be reflected instantly. This offer is valid on all seats and fares, making it the easiest and most efficient way to access Livingstone for the Forum. Click here for full details.

REGISTRATION COSTS

• APTA Individual Member (Buyer): USD $195

• Non-APTA Individual Member (Buyer): USD $300

  • ⚠️ Join APTA before registering and save $60

• APTA Corporate Member (Supplier): USD $750

• Non-APTA Corporate Member (Supplier): USD $1,500

  • ⚠️ Join APTA before registering and save $350

• Add-On Supplier Delegate (sharing an existing supplier's meeting track): USD $195

SPEAKER HIGHLIGHTS

Forum sessions will explore purpose-driven travel, conservation, seasonality, and selling emerging destinations:

• Suzanne Bayly, Classic Portfolio: Choosing travel partners that create positive impact

• Wesley Hartmann, Wildlife Ambassador: Zambia’s remarkable rewilding story

• Mark Gillies, Asilia Africa: Peak seasons, crowds, costs, and green-season travel

• Tapiwa Mayuni, Crafted Africa: Malawi’s conservation comeback

• Catherine Brink, Tusks & Trails: Practical strategies for selling Zambia

Additional sessions include Bushtracks on responsible cultural tourism and Adrian Coley of Flatdogs Camp on Fair Trade certification and measuring community impact.

EXCITING PRIZES & GIVEAWAYS

The APTA Global Forum 2026 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 Zambia 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 Livingstone! If you are a supplier interested in donating a prize for the silent auction, please do so here.

PRE & POST TOURS

As part of the APTA Global Forum experience, a curated selection of pre- and post-Forum tours will be offered to give delegates the opportunity to extend their stay and experience more of the host destination and surrounding regions.

These optional journeys are designed to showcase the diversity, depth, and quality of tourism experiences available, ranging from iconic natural landmarks and wildlife encounters to cultural immersion, community-based tourism, and soft adventure. Tours will vary in length, style, and focus, allowing participants to choose experiences that best align with their interests and business goals.

Pre- and post-Forum tour opportunities will be added on a rolling basis as they are confirmed. Full details—including itineraries, dates, pricing, and booking instructions—will be shared with registered delegates as they become available.

We encourage attendees interested in extending their trip to check back regularly and to hold travel plans flexible until the full range of tour options has been released.

1. Ichingo Chobe River Lodge by Mantis - $95/night discounted rate available pre or post Forum

2. Kafunta Safaris - $122.50/night at Kafunta River Lodge, Three Rivers Camp, or Island Bush Camp

3. Chundu Island - $95/ppn sharing for pre/post Forum, contact sales@seoloafrica.com to book

4. Masuwe Lodge - $95/ppn sharing for pre/post Forum, contact sally@landela.com.au to book

5. Zambia Luxury Lodge Collection - $400/ppn all-inclusive at Lolebezi, Puku Ridge, Chichele Presidential, or Lolelunga Private Reserve

6. Zambezi Dusk - $250/n all inclusive, contact info@zambezidusk.com and mention APTA Global Forum.

7. Mukwa River Lodge - $360/ppn fully inclusive, contact mukwa@residencecollection.co.za to book and mention APTA Global Forum.

8. Great Plains Mpala Jena Camp - $150/ppn excluding transfers and park fees, SOLD OUT

9. Great Plains Tembo Plains Camp - $150/ppn excluding air transfers and conservation levy, contact jill@greatplainsconservation.com to book

10. Zingweni Vlei - 3 Days and 2 Nights on a Complimentary basis

11. Mantis Hiddn in Addo - Discounted rate of $210/night all inclusive

12. Pelican Point Lodge Namibia - Discounted rate of 50-50% off

13. Tusks & Trails - $1,553/person pre-FAM with only 3 spaces available includes Kafua, South Luanga, Livingstone

14. Tusks & Trails - $1,410/person post-FAM with only 3 spaces available includes Livingstone & Lower Zambezi

15. Anantara Stanley & Livingstone or Tented Camp Kafue River - 50% off rates.

16. The David Livingstone Safari Lodge - $153/ppn and discounted sunset cruises

WHAT'S APTA FORUM LIKE?