kabarsula Australian buyers at Essence of Africa say wildlife crowding is starting to sway bookings bandar SLOT INDONESIA

Concerns about overcrowding at popular wildlife sightings are starting to influence how Australian buyers book Africa, according to feedback at Essence of Africa 2026 in Zanzibar.

The issue emerged during one of five regional Market Buzz sessions, where international buyers briefed African suppliers on shifts in their source markets. Organisers said the Australian feedback was among findings suggesting some assumptions about international travellers need revisiting.

A record 178 buyers from 40 countries attended the forum, 133 of them for the first time. Over three days at Diamonds Bijoux, from 20 to 22 October, they held scheduled meetings with 162 African exhibitors. Buyer numbers rose 13 per cent and exhibitor numbers 8 per cent on last year’s event in Malindi.

Europe accounted for 39 per cent of buyers, followed by the Americas (23%), Asia-Pacific (19%) and Africa (18%). Accommodation providers made up 61 per cent of exhibitors, with destination management companies and tour operators a further 25 per cent.

Buyers from other markets also flagged shifts in demand.

• Chinese buyers reported growing interest in smaller groups, longer stays and community-based experiences.
• Indian buyers highlighted vegetarian catering, transparent park fees and flexible cancellation terms.
• Buyers cautioned that conservation credentials alone would not necessarily justify a higher price.
• Slow replies and incomplete quotations were cited as a common cause of lost bookings, with Chinese agents favouring WeChat and UAE agents expecting prompt responses on WhatsApp.

Panellists in the Middle East session reported growing interest from women travelling in groups, younger adventure and wellness travellers, and Gulf-based expatriates. They said catering for Muslim travellers goes well beyond halal food, extending to treatment ingredient information in spas, modest swimwear in hotel boutiques and prayer facilities for women.

Buyers also urged suppliers to give more attention to African travellers, with quotations in local currencies, although high regional airfares and visa requirements remain obstacles.

Essence of Africa co-founder Amanda Margison said every buyer is pre-qualified against the destinations, experiences and product standards their clients want.

Ahead of the forum, 77 buyers joined 14 famil itineraries from 17 to 19 October, visiting Stone Town, spice farms, Jozani Forest and Chumbe Island. Zanzibar Commission for Tourism representative Hakeem Kimara used the Destination Zanzibar session to push Pemba as the island’s next frontier, telling delegates it is “the Zanzibar we need to discover”.

Nairobi and Malindi have previously hosted the forum. The next destination is yet to be announced.