David King is a strategic project leader with over two decades of experience in transport economics, logistics, infrastructure planning, and multi-stakeholder program management. As the Head of Strategic Projects at Wesgro—the official tourism, trade, and investment promotion agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape—he is a central figure in shaping the region’s economic landscape. David provides strategic oversight for high-impact flagship initiatives, including Cape Town Air Access, Cruise Cape Town, and Edu Invest.
His career is defined by a proven ability to navigate complex infrastructure developments and drive projects that enhance regional connectivity and global competitiveness. By bridging the gap between public policy and private investment, David has been instrumental in positioning the Western Cape as a premier international destination for trade and tourism. His expertise in investment attraction and economic scaling ensures that the region remains a dominant force in the competitive international market.
Sessions
April 9, Thursday
Venue: Innovation City Cape Town
OTAs: The Next Frontier
As we enter The Next 20, online travel agencies face a new frontier shaped by AI interfaces, shifting traveller trust, regional platform strength, and new paths to discovery and booking. Will OTAs become invisible infrastructure, intelligent trip partners, or powerful super-platforms? And as travellers gain more tools and control, how must intermediaries evolve to stay essential? This session brings together global and regional OTA leaders to examine where value will be created next – from product and payments to partnerships and localisation – and how competitive dynamics between global giants and homegrown champions will play out across emerging markets. Expect candid perspectives on what OTAs must reinvent, defend, and double down on in the next era of travel distribution.
Speakers:
Andy Hedley, CEO, Travelstart
Albert Fernando, CEO, Travelwings
Bayo Adedeji, Group Chief Executive Officer, Wakanow
Moderator:
