Livingstone has today taken centre stage as delegates from across Eastern and Southern Africa gather for the opening of the 4th Association of Eastern and Southern Africa Travel Agents (AESATA) Travel Agents’ Conference 2026, positioning Zambia at the heart of regional tourism and travel collaboration.

Running from 28 June to 1 July 2026 under the theme “Africa in Motion,” the conference has attracted travel agents, airlines, tourism boards, policymakers, hospitality leaders and industry partners from 13 member countries.

Hosted by the Travel Agents Association of Zambia (TAAZ), the event is being held at the Radisson Blu Mosi-Oa-Tunya Livingstone Resort, with selected activities also taking place at the David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa.

The conference aims to strengthen regional tourism partnerships, promote intra-African travel and explore innovative strategies for growing the continent’s tourism economy.

Delegates are expected to participate in high-level policy discussions, business-to-business meetings, networking sessions and destination experiences showcasing Zambia’s tourism products.

For Zambia, hosting this prestigious regional gathering represents more than a conference. It is an opportunity to demonstrate the country’s capacity to host international Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE), while highlighting world-renowned attractions such as Victoria Falls and encouraging investment across the country’s tourism value chain. The event is also expected to strengthen business linkages between travel agencies, airlines, hotels and tourism authorities throughout Eastern and Southern Africa.

The conference programme features strategic conversations on regional air connectivity, digital transformation in travel, sustainable tourism, cross-border partnerships and the future of African travel. Industry leaders are expected to develop practical recommendations that will improve travel experiences and support tourism growth across the continent.

As the conference officially gets underway today, Livingstone once again demonstrates why it remains one of Africa’s leading tourism destinations. Against the backdrop of the mighty Victoria Falls, delegates will spend the coming days building partnerships that could shape the future of travel and tourism across Eastern and Southern Africa.

With Africa increasingly embracing regional integration and seamless travel, the 2026 AESATA Conference is expected to leave a lasting legacy for Zambia and the continent’s tourism industry.