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 will be the first time the Forum has been hosted in Zambia, and marks APTA’s return to Southern Africa since Cape Town 2023.
The news was revealed last week during the wrap-up of the 2025 Global Forum in Arusha, Tanzania — one of the best-attended in APTA history. Building on that success, APTA expects over 100 participants in 2026, with a mix of leading North American buyers and top African suppliers.
The program will follow APTA’s established format, combining:
- A Day of Adventure showcasing the host region’s natural and cultural treasures.
- APTA Connect one-to-one meetings, enabling over 900 targeted B2B appointments across the Forum.
- Dynamic speaker sessions and panels exploring the future of African travel.
- Networking receptions and evening events, set against the unforgettable backdrop of Victoria Falls.
- An attractive series of pre and post tour FAM trips across Africa and available to participating buyers.
Africa’s Eden has been confirmed as the official destination partner, highlighting the region’s extraordinary appeal and commitment to sustainable tourism.
“Bringing the APTA Global Forum to Livingstone, at the doorstep of Victoria Falls, is both symbolic and strategic,” said David DiGregorio, APTA Director of Marketing. “It’s a destination that captures the imagination and reflects the best of Africa — breathtaking natural wonders, rich cultural heritage, and a thriving tourism community. For the North American travel trade, this will be the event to attend for anyone serious about growing their Africa business.”
Jillian Blackbeard, CEO of Africa’s Eden, added:
“Hosting the APTA Global Forum in Livingstone is an incredible opportunity to showcase not just Victoria Falls, but the entire region we represent. Africa’s Eden is built on the idea of collaboration across borders, and there’s no better place than The Victoria Falls to bring the global travel trade together. We look forward to welcoming APTA’s delegates and showing them why this part of Southern Africa continues to inspire travelers from around the world.”
Save the Date: September 25–27, 2026
Registration: Expected to Open in November 2025
Livingstone, Zambia – Victoria Falls
Join APTA
APTA welcomes travel advisors, tour operators, suppliers, and destination partners who share a passion for Africa. Membership provides access to educational programming, networking events, and exclusive opportunities like the APTA Global Forum. Learn more and join at www.apta.biz/membership.
About the Association for the Promotion of Tourism to Africa (APTA)
The Association for the Promotion of Tourism to Africa (APTA) is a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization founded in 1969 to strengthen connections between Africa and the North American travel trade. With chapters across the United States, APTA brings together tour operators, travel advisors, destination marketing organizations, and African suppliers through events, education, and networking opportunities. APTA’s mission is to promote sustainable, responsible travel to Africa while supporting its members in building meaningful partnerships that grow travel to the continent.
About Africa’s Eden
Africa’s Eden is a regional destination marketing organization representing the four countries surrounding the KAZA Transfrontier Conservation Area — Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe — with Victoria Falls at its heart. By uniting tourism stakeholders across borders, Africa’s Eden promotes the region as a single, seamless destination, rich in natural wonders, wildlife, and cultural heritage. Through collaboration, conservation, and community upliftment, Africa’s Eden works to ensure that tourism growth benefits both travelers and local communities while protecting one of the most extraordinary regions on Earth.
For more information, please contact APTA’s Director of Marketing, David DiGregorio at marketing@apta.biz
