23 Oct From Singapore to Cape Town: WiT Africa Returns to Shape the Future of Travel

Posted at 09:32h in Digital Innovation by

Innovation City is set to host the highly anticipated Web in Travel (WiT) Africa event in 2025, following the incredible success of the inaugural WiT Africa in March of 2024. But it was at WiT Singapore where Innovation City’s co-founder stephan ekbergh and CEO Michelle Kleu truly experienced the magic that sets WiT apart from any other travel industry event.

Travelstart’s Head of Commercial Linda Scott-Hayward with Stephan Ekbergh and Michelle Kleu at WiT Singapore

Reflecting on their time in Singapore, Ekbergh and Kleu both expressed their excitement about the evolving travel industry. Ekbergh highlighted the rise of new, specialised niches within the sector, noting, “We’re seeing sub verticals in travel really take off, especially in areas like payments, where new financial tools are transforming how transactions happen. There’s also a growing overlap between property and hospitality, where services like short-term rentals are blurring the lines between traditional real estate and hospitality offerings.” He also emphasised the importance of data integrity and security, hinting at a future where innovation must be balanced with robust safety measures.

Kleu’s take was equally enthusiastic, describing the event as “historic and effortless.” She emphasised how Siew Hoon Yeoh, the mastermind behind WiT, delivered a well-crafted programme that kept attendees captivated for three days straight.

An Unmatched Experience at WiT Singapore

Kleu admitted she initially didn’t fully grasp Ekbergh’s passion for WiT Africa after Innovation City’s first hosting. But after attending WiT Singapore, she was blown away. “Ekbergh excitedly tried to convey what sets WiT apart, but honestly, I just didn’t get the hype, until I experienced it in real time. His words didn’t do it justice,” she joked, adding that the 2.5-day event was “clever, witty, thought-provoking, and inspiring.”

From the visually stunning presentations to the sheer calibre of speakers from top companies like Booking.com, Agoda, Wego.com, Expedia Group, TikTok, and Google, WiT Singapore exceeded expectations. “There were more than 90 speakers, and the format ranged from coffee chats to debates, panel discussions, keynotes, pitches, and mentor sessions,” Kleu recalled. Real-time session summaries and live polls added a dynamic layer of engagement, and the entire event was meticulously curated, leaving no detail overlooked.

What’s Next for WiT Africa?

With Ekbergh and Kleu now fully on board with the WiT experience, they are excited to bring this level of excellence to WiT Africa 2025. The lessons learned and relationships built in Singapore will play a critical role in shaping an unforgettable WiT Africa, filled with insights, top-tier speakers, and engaging formats.

The future of travel innovation is on the horizon, and WiT Africa 2025 promises to be a platform where the brightest minds in travel tech and hospitality will converge to explore new trends, tackle challenges, and pave the way forward.

Stay tuned for more updates, and mark your calendars: WiT Africa 2025 at Innovation City Cape Town is set to redefine the future of travel in Africa.

More info here.