The 2026 edition of ATIC will once again be directed by Gillian Saunders, a respected tourism strategist and Conference Director. The conference aims to catalyse investment across Africa’s tourism value chain, connecting governments, investors, developers, and financial institutions through a series of data-driven discussions and networking sessions.
“Investment is the lifeblood of transformational tourism,” said Saunders. “ATIC goes beyond traditional conferencing – we’re connecting key role players, including governments, banks, DFIs, developers, and private capital, all aligned around one goal: unlocking the power of Africa’s tourism sector.”
Strategic partnership with JLL
The continued collaboration with JLL underscores the growing importance of tourism investment in Africa’s economic development. JLL will contribute its expertise in hospitality, real estate, and destination investment through the participation of senior executives, including:
- Wayne Godwin, CEO, JLL Africa
- Bernadine Galliver, Head of Tourism Advisory, Middle East & Africa
“This partnership with JLL strengthens the bridge between opportunity and capital,” said Megan De Jager, Portfolio Director – Travel, Tourism & RX Africa Marketing. “Their experience across mixed-use tourism investments, real estate, and destination building will provide attendees with a much-needed edge when developing or scaling projects.”
High-level speaker lineup
ATIC 2026 will host a diverse group of African and international speakers offering insights into investment trends, sustainable development, and cross-sector opportunities. Confirmed speakers include:
- Tim Harris, Economic Development Advisor and former CEO of Wesgro
- Kelvin Watt, Chairman, Nielsen Sports SA
- Paul Jordaan, Executive Director and Co-Founder, ENVI Lodges
- Daniel Silke, Director, Political Futures Consulting
- Paul Gardiner, Director, Mantis Group & Founder, Terra Nova Create
- John Gibson, CEO, Chobe Holdings Limited
The sessions will cover topics such as media monetisation in sports tourism, eco-lodge development, public-private partnerships, and regional case studies on destination investment.
This premium, paid-entry event is tailored for tourism professionals looking to transform strategic vision into viable investment ventures. Key highlights of the 2026 conference include:
- Deep-dive panel discussions featuring private and public sector leaders
- Exclusive access to WTM Africa’s main exhibition floor
- Market insights supported by both global and regional data
“The African tourism investment conversation is no longer peripheral – it’s central to the continent’s economic development,” added De Jager. “ATIC provides the platform where deals are sparked, feasibility is debated, and impact-driven investment takes root.”
With the continent’s tourism potential continuing to expand, ATIC 2026 is expected to serve as a pivotal meeting point for investors, policymakers, and developers shaping the next decade of Africa’s tourism economy.
Tags: JLL Africa, Africa Tourism Investment Conference (ATIC), WTM Africa
