The Association for the Promotion of Tourism to Africa (APTA) has officially opened its 2025 Global Forum in Arusha, Tanzania, marking the first time the event has been hosted in East Africa and only the second time ever on the African continent. With more than 100 delegates from North America and across Africa in attendance, the Forum has exceeded registration goals and is being hailed as the largest and most dynamic APTA Global Forum to date.
Held at the Gran Meliá Arusha from September 24–26, the Forum brings together leading travel advisors, hoteliers, safari operators, destination management companies, and tourism boards for three days of immersive programming, networking, and cultural exchange.
A Landmark Setting in East Africa
Arusha, known as the gateway to Tanzania’s most iconic landscapes—including Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire—provides a fitting backdrop for the Forum’s mission to strengthen partnerships and celebrate Africa’s diverse tourism offerings. The city’s accessibility through Kilimanjaro International Airport and its established conference infrastructure make it an ideal host destination.
An Engaging Program
The Forum began today with a Day of Adventure, offering participants complimentary excursions to experience Arusha firsthand—ranging from cultural immersions with the Maasai and village visits to city tours of Arusha’s markets and museums. Delegates also had the option of a game drive or guided walking safari in Tarangire National Park, introducing them to one of Tanzania’s most wildlife-rich reserves, famed for its elephant herds and towering baobab trees. This evening’s Welcome Reception will set the stage for the days of learning and connection to follow.
Thursday’s agenda features educational sessions led by industry experts, exploring the latest tourism trends, sustainable travel practices, and emerging products across Africa. The afternoon will be devoted to APTA Connect, the Forum’s signature B2B networking format designed to match North American buyers with African suppliers in a structured, high-value setting. That evening, delegates will gather for a celebration at Arusha Safari Lodge, enjoying cocktails and dinner surrounded by the property’s lush coffee trees—a quintessentially Tanzanian setting for networking and camaraderie.
Friday will build on that momentum with additional networking, final speaker sessions, and closing remarks. The Forum will conclude with a final outdoor dinner at Four Points Hotel Arusha, where attendees will come together one last time to celebrate the week’s successes in a relaxed and convivial atmosphere.
Notable Speakers & Participants
This year’s Global Forum has drawn an impressive lineup of speakers, including:
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Louise Cottar of Cottar’s Safaris, celebrated for her leadership in conservation and community-based tourism.
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Dismass Mariki, a legendary Tanzanian mountain guide who has summitted Mount Kilimanjaro more than 200 times.
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Saning’o Kimani of KopeLion, an organization working to ensure coexistence between lions and local communities in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
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Masegeri Rurai, who oversees the Serengeti De-Snaring Project for the Frankfurt Zoological Society, tackling one of the most pressing threats to wildlife in the region.
These speakers, along with other leaders in sustainability and innovation, are inspiring delegates with insights into Africa’s diverse and evolving travel landscape.
The Forum has also attracted top suppliers, with more than 30 participating companies ranging from luxury safari brands like Singita, Asilia Africa, and Nomad Tanzania, to destination management companies, airlines, and regional tourism boards.
Beyond the Forum
Delegates are also taking advantage of exclusive pre- and post-forum tours, exploring Tanzania’s national parks, Zanzibar, and neighboring Kenya. The Forum is strategically aligned with regional trade shows—including the Magical Kenya Travel Expo (Oct 1–3) and Essence of Africa (Oct 7–9)—offering participants an unparalleled opportunity to maximize their time in East Africa.
A Milestone for APTA
“The fact that we are hosting the Global Forum in East Africa for the first time, with record-breaking attendance and such an exceptional program, is a testament to the strength and momentum of Africa’s tourism industry. We are thrilled to see so many meaningful connections being made here in Arusha,” said David DiGregorio, APTA’s Director of Communications.
As the sessions unfold, the 2025 Global Forum is already being recognized as a milestone moment in APTA’s history—bringing North American and African tourism leaders together in unprecedented numbers to build the future of travel to Africa.
