Published on
February 19, 2026
By: Paramita Sarkar
Image generated with Ai
The 2026 Virtual Tourism Show, bringing together 159 exhibitors from Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands, along with 192 buyers from around the world, is poised to be a groundbreaking event for the global travel industry. As the tourism sector continues to evolve and adapt to new challenges and opportunities, this virtual platform is set to offer a unique chance for stakeholders to connect, network, and explore partnerships without the high costs and environmental impact of traditional in-person trade shows.
Scheduled for early 2026, this event is already shaping up to be one of the most impactful tourism shows of the year, with a wide range of exhibitors showcasing products including hotels, lodges, destination management companies (DMCs), and tourism boards eager to present their unique selling points (USPs), special rates, and the latest industry updates. The show promises to offer buyers, tour operators, travel agents, and media representatives an exclusive opportunity to access the latest offerings and trends from across Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands.
The platform has been designed with innovation in mind, offering a seamless and easy-to-navigate experience for participants. It is not just another series of 20-minute virtual calls. Instead, the platform’s dynamic interface allows each participant—be they a buyer, exhibitor, or media member—to create a personalized profile. This makes it easier for everyone to assess potential partnerships and select the most relevant targets for meaningful and productive meetings.
In addition to its intuitive design, the platform offers several features aimed at enhancing networking opportunities. The integrated chat function and interactive news feed allow attendees to stay engaged and informed in the three weeks surrounding the five-day event. This flexibility provides ample time for additional networking and deeper connections, all without the added costs of flights, hotels, taxis, and large-scale stands. Additionally, it helps reduce the overall carbon footprint, making the event a more sustainable option for the travel industry.
The scheduling feature of the platform is another key benefit for participants. Exhibitors and buyers can easily block off time for meetings, allowing them to choose how many appointments they can accommodate during the event. This scheduling flexibility ensures that participants can balance the event with their regular work commitments. The more time a participant invests, the more they can gain from the show, which makes it easier for everyone to maximize their experience.
In a major technical advancement since the launch of this virtual show six years ago, the platform now allows exhibitors and buyers to include multiple team members in their meetings. As long as these team members are pre-registered on the platform, they can join the meeting, even if they are located in different parts of the world. This feature has proven particularly beneficial for suppliers who want to train entire sales teams remotely, allowing them to join the event, observe, and learn together.
Advertisement
Advertisement
The ability for small, owner-run properties and smaller tour operators or travel agents to participate is another significant advantage of this virtual format. These businesses often lack the resources to attend traditional in-person trade shows due to their remote locations or limited budgets. The virtual format provides an inclusive opportunity for smaller players in the tourism industry to connect with global buyers without the need for extensive travel or large expenditures. It levels the playing field, ensuring that all voices and offerings are represented in the global tourism landscape.
A central aspect of the success of the virtual tourism show is its spirit of collaboration, which has been a hallmark of the event from its inception. The concept of “ubuntu” or community spirit is deeply embedded in the show’s philosophy, and it has fostered long-lasting partnerships with key industry players such as Wetu, ATTA®, Nightsbridge, The Travel Hub Collection, Atmosphere Marketing, and Umlingo Travel PR. These ongoing partnerships help ensure that the virtual platform remains an effective and sustainable option for tourism professionals looking to showcase their offerings and connect with relevant buyers and industry experts.
Looking back at last year’s show in February 2025, the virtual event saw impressive participation, with 199 exhibitors, 490 buyers, and 47 travel journalists attending. The event facilitated more than 7,000 meetings and exchanged nearly 45,000 messages on the platform. More than 20,000 connections were made across multiple time zones, with over 30 news stories shared on the event’s website. This successful formula is expected to be even more impactful in 2026, with the number of exhibitors and buyers expected to grow.
This virtual tourism show is transforming the way the global tourism industry connects, communicates, and collaborates. It provides an opportunity for businesses, no matter their size, to engage with key players in the industry and gain exposure to new markets and opportunities. As 2026 unfolds, the virtual show is set to be an essential tool for those seeking to stay ahead in the dynamic and ever-evolving travel and tourism market.
By fostering meaningful connections and promoting collaboration, this virtual event is contributing to the sustainable growth of tourism across Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands, and it is set to shape the future of global tourism trade for years to come.
