Harare, Zimbabwe, is set to host the 2025 AESATA Travel Agents’ Conference from October 2 to 3, 2025, at the Rainbow Towers Hotel and Conference Centre. The event, themed “Connect, Collaborate, Co-create,” will bring together around 250 delegates, including travel agents, industry leaders, and tourism stakeholders from across Eastern and Southern Africa.
Organised by the Association of Eastern and Southern Africa Travel Agents (AESATA), the conference serves as a premier platform for regional engagement, providing an opportunity to address shared challenges and build stronger intra-African tourism networks. AESATA unites national associations from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Somalia, Malawi, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Mauritius, and Botswana. Collectively, these member states work to address pressing issues such as regulatory changes, technology disruptions, and the need for harmonised service standards across borders.
The two-day program will feature panel discussions and interactive sessions focused on innovation, regional collaboration, and the evolving role of travel agents in shaping Africa’s tourism industry. Delegates will exchange insights on building resilient travel businesses, adapting to digital transformation, and unlocking opportunities for cross-border partnerships.
In addition to the formal discussions, delegates will enjoy a variety of cultural and networking activities. Packages include a welcoming cocktail, a two-day B2B-focused conference, and a Black Tie Gala Dinner. For those seeking an extended experience, a Victoria Falls excursion package will be offered, including return flights from Harare, airport transfers, accommodation at the Victoria Falls Rainbow Hotel, a guided excursion of the iconic falls, and a cultural dinner at the Boma.
AESATA leaders note that the conference is more than just a gathering, it is a space for building trust and creating practical solutions for the future of travel in Africa. By promoting regional collaboration, the association hopes to strengthen intra-Africa travel, develop co-created tourism products, and enhance the global competitiveness of member states.
The 2025 edition in Harare promises to blend business with leisure, ensuring delegates leave not only with valuable industry connections but also memorable cultural experiences. With its focus on collaboration and co-creation, the conference is expected to further solidify AESATA’s role as a unifying voice for travel agents in Eastern and Southern Africa.
