Tanzania matches Kenya and more as Africa’s sustainable travel wonders beckon global travellers in 2026. Tanzania and Kenya are drawing fresh attention as sustainable travel takes centre stage across Africa. Meanwhile, global travellers are seeking meaningful journeys, responsible tourism and unforgettable natural experiences. At WTM Africa 2026, Travel And Tour World explores how these sustainable travel wonders are shaping Africa’s tourism story. The TTW exclusive at WTM Africa reveals important insights into changing traveller expectations, conservation and sustainable hospitality. Moreover, Tanzania and Kenya show how Africa can balance tourism with responsibility. Travel And Tour World urges readers to explore the full story for exclusive details.

DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town Upper Eastside Targets Group Business and Sustainable Hospitality at WTM Africa 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town – Upper Eastside is placing group business, conferences, corporate travel and sustainable hospitality at the heart of its 2026 strategy, according to Lindsay Barrett, Sales and Marketing Manager at the hotel.

Speaking exclusively to Travel And Tour World during WTM Africa 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre in Cape Town, Barrett discussed the hotel’s plans for attracting leisure and corporate groups while highlighting its accessibility, sustainability initiatives and upcoming property improvements.

WTM Africa 2026 is being held from 13 to 15 April 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre as part of Africa Travel Week. The event brings together tourism businesses, destinations, hospitality companies, airlines, travel professionals and international buyers in Cape Town.

WTM Africa Creates Strong Business Conversations

Barrett described the first day of WTM Africa as a relatively slow but staggered beginning, while noting that the meetings already held had been highly productive.

She explained that the second day is traditionally much busier, with more visitors arriving at the exhibition and more business conversations taking place.

The hotel’s presence at WTM Africa reflects its wider focus on strengthening relationships with travel professionals and developing new opportunities across leisure and corporate markets.

DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town – Upper Eastside was listed among the participating exhibitors at WTM Africa 2026, with Lindsay Barrett representing the property.

Group Business Takes Centre Stage in 2026

For 2026, the hotel is particularly focused on group business, covering both leisure and corporate segments.

Barrett explained that conferences and events are especially important because the hotel remains one of the Cape Town properties offering substantial conferencing and event facilities.

This gives the property an opportunity to appeal to companies, organisations, incentive groups and leisure groups seeking accommodation combined with event infrastructure.

The strategy also positions the hotel to benefit from business travel and meetings activity while continuing to welcome leisure travellers visiting Cape Town.

Woodstock Location Offers Easy Access

While Cape Town has several hotels positioned directly around the city’s premium waterfront areas, DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town – Upper Eastside has a different proposition.

The hotel is located in Woodstock, and Barrett said its location is particularly valuable for travellers looking for easier access and convenient parking.

Rather than requiring guests to navigate some of the busiest traffic areas in central Cape Town, the property offers its own parking facilities and convenient access to the city’s major attractions.

According to Barrett, this combination of accessibility and parking is one of the hotel’s important unique selling points.

The location can therefore appeal to travellers who want to explore Cape Town while avoiding some of the practical challenges associated with driving and parking in the busiest parts of the city.

Sustainability Drives Hotel Operations

Sustainability was another major focus of the interview.

Barrett highlighted several initiatives designed to reduce the hotel’s reliance on conventional resources and improve its environmental performance.

One of the most prominent measures is the hotel’s extensive use of solar energy.

The property’s roof is covered with solar panels, allowing it to generate a substantial amount of its own electricity. Barrett described the hotel as being almost off the grid in terms of electricity, significantly reducing its dependence on power supplied by the city.

The hotel has also developed an innovative approach to water production.

Turning Humidity Into Water

One of the more distinctive sustainability initiatives at the property involves its water filtration and production system.

According to Barrett, the hotel can produce water from humidity in the air and subsequently bottle its own water on site.

The approach provides the property with another avenue for reducing dependence on conventional municipal water resources while supporting its broader sustainability objectives.

For an international hotel operating in a destination where responsible resource management is increasingly important, such initiatives can also become part of the guest experience and the property’s wider environmental identity.

Hotel Garden Supports Its Kitchens

The sustainability programme extends into food production.

DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town – Upper Eastside maintains its own herb and vegetable garden, with Barrett saying that around 90 percent of the produce from the garden is used in the hotel’s kitchens.

The initiative connects the hotel’s hospitality operation with locally grown ingredients while reducing the distance between production and consumption.

For travellers increasingly interested in sustainable food and locally sourced experiences, such measures can add another dimension to the hotel stay.

Two Property Improvements Planned

The hotel is also preparing for selected improvements to its guest offering.

Barrett revealed that two renovations are currently planned.

The first is a grab-and-go deli in the hotel lobby, designed to provide guests with a convenient food and beverage option.

The second involves upgrades to the hotel’s deluxe rooms.

While Barrett did not identify additional major projects beyond these planned improvements, the renovations demonstrate the property’s intention to refresh key parts of its guest experience.

A Broader Strategy for Cape Town Travellers

The strategy outlined at WTM Africa reflects the changing needs of Cape Town’s tourism and hospitality market.

Group travel, corporate meetings, conferences and events are becoming increasingly important areas for hotels seeking to diversify their customer base.

At the same time, travellers are paying greater attention to sustainability, convenience and authentic experiences.

DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town – Upper Eastside is seeking to combine these elements through its conference facilities, group strategy, accessible Woodstock location and environmental initiatives.

The hotel’s participation at WTM Africa also gives it an opportunity to engage directly with international buyers and travel professionals looking for accommodation options in Cape Town.

WTM Africa Strengthens Cape Town’s Tourism Position

WTM Africa continues to serve as a major meeting point for the African travel industry, bringing suppliers and buyers together in Cape Town.

The 2026 edition is taking place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 13 to 15 April, with exhibitors and tourism professionals using the event to develop partnerships and explore new business opportunities.

For DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town – Upper Eastside, the event provides a platform to communicate its renewed focus on group business while demonstrating how sustainability and practical guest facilities can strengthen its appeal.

With conferences and events, corporate travel, leisure groups and sustainable operations all forming part of the strategy, the hotel is positioning itself as an accessible alternative for travellers and organisations seeking a convenient base in Cape Town.

As WTM Africa continues its three-day programme, the hotel’s message is clear: its Woodstock location, extensive event facilities and sustainability investments are becoming central to its proposition for the next generation of Cape Town travellers.

Best African Destinations for Sustainable Hospitality: Where Eco-Conscious Travellers Should Go

Africa offers an increasingly diverse choice of destinations for travellers who want sustainability to be part of the holiday rather than an afterthought. From renewable-energy-led hotels in Cape Town to community-focused tourism in Rwanda and conservation-driven safari experiences in Namibia and Kenya, the continent offers different models of responsible hospitality. The following destinations stand out for travellers seeking accommodation, food, nature and experiences that can be enjoyed while keeping environmental and community impacts in mind.

Cape Town, South Africa: A Leading Urban Model for Sustainable Hospitality

Cape Town is arguably one of Africa’s strongest choices for travellers seeking sustainable hospitality because responsible tourism now extends across accommodation, transport, food, waste, water and community experiences. Cape Town Tourism has established a dedicated Sustainable Cape Town programme covering green accommodation, tours, transport, eateries, markets, local shopping and activities. Hotel Verde is particularly notable, with Cape Town Tourism reporting a 93% waste-diversion rate and initiatives including solar power, grey-water recycling, a natural eco-pool and responsible materials. Travellers can combine a stay at a recognised green property with Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch, the V&A Waterfront, the Cape Peninsula and community-led neighbourhood experiences. The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company was among the 2026 WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Award Gold winners, with judges highlighting waste reduction, resource efficiency and local sourcing. For food, travellers can prioritise locally sourced restaurants such as La Colombe Restaurant, while the wider Cape Town food scene makes it possible to prioritise seasonal and locally produced ingredients. The most sustainable itinerary is to remain in the city for several nights, combine walking and public transport where practical, choose small-group tours, refill water bottles, avoid unnecessary single-use products and spend directly with local businesses.

Kigali, Rwanda: Clean-City Experiences and Community-Based Tourism

Kigali offers a very different sustainable-travel model, combining urban cleanliness, conservation access and community-oriented experiences. The Rwandan capital works particularly well as a base for travellers heading into the country’s famous mountain and wildlife areas. Visitors can explore Kigali’s neighbourhoods, markets, cultural attractions and memorial sites before travelling onward to conservation destinations. The strongest sustainable approach is to use locally operated guides, small-group excursions and accommodation that demonstrates resource efficiency rather than choosing solely on luxury credentials. Travellers can consider Nature Kigali for a boutique-style stay and explore local dining options such as SZY. A four-day responsible itinerary can include two days exploring Kigali on foot or with efficient local transport, followed by a carefully selected small-group nature excursion. Visitors should avoid disturbing wildlife, respect local photography rules, purchase crafts directly from recognised community businesses and minimise disposable packaging. Kigali is particularly suitable for travellers who want to connect city tourism with conservation and community-based experiences.

Nairobi, Kenya: Sustainable Hospitality Meets Conservation

Nairobi combines a major African business city with remarkable access to conservation landscapes. It is one of the continent’s most useful destinations for travellers who want to experience wildlife without immediately embarking on a long safari journey. Nairobi National Park provides a distinctive nature experience close to the urban area, while conservation organisations and community enterprises offer opportunities to understand Kenya’s wildlife economy. Sustainable travellers should choose accommodation with demonstrable energy, water and waste-management policies and favour locally guided experiences. The 2026 World Travel Awards nominations include several Nairobi properties and organisations connected with responsible tourism, including Ol Pejeta Conservancy among Africa’s Responsible Tourism Award nominees and Hotel Verde Cape Town among leading green-hotel nominees. A three-to-four-day plan could include Nairobi National Park on day one, a conservation or community experience on day two, and locally owned restaurants and cultural attractions on day three. Travellers should use shared transfers where possible, avoid wildlife interactions that involve feeding or touching animals, and select conservation operators that clearly explain how tourism revenue supports ecosystems and communities.

Windhoek, Namibia: A Gateway to Low-Impact Desert and Conservation Travel

Windhoek is an excellent starting point for a sustainable Namibia journey because the capital connects visitors with some of southern Africa’s most important conservation and desert landscapes. Namibia’s tourism proposition is particularly compatible with low-impact travel because wildlife conservation, community participation and fragile desert ecosystems are central to many experiences. The most responsible itinerary is to spend one or two nights in Windhoek before moving towards community-supported conservancies and carefully managed wilderness lodges. Travellers can stay at properties such as Windhoek Mountain Lodge or consider smaller locally operated accommodation such as ECO-WILD Luxury suites. The wider Namibia journey should prioritise conservancies, guided wildlife viewing, water-conscious accommodation and established tracks rather than independent off-road driving. Visitors should carry refillable water bottles, minimise waste, respect wildlife distances and avoid collecting desert plants, rocks or other natural material. Namibia is especially compelling for sustainable travellers because conservation can become the central purpose of the journey rather than simply one activity on a conventional holiday.

Zanzibar, Tanzania: Sustainable Island Hospitality and Marine Conservation

Zanzibar offers a powerful combination of beaches, marine ecosystems, heritage and increasingly structured sustainable-tourism practices. The island’s eco-tourism sector includes accommodation assessed against criteria such as water efficiency, alternative energy, waste management and community involvement. A responsible Zanzibar trip should balance Stone Town’s cultural heritage with coastal experiences and marine conservation. Travellers can spend the first two days exploring Stone Town with local guides and supporting independent businesses before moving to a sustainability-focused coastal property. Days three and four can be dedicated to low-impact snorkelling, reef experiences and community-led excursions. Travellers should never touch coral or marine animals, should avoid souvenirs made from protected wildlife, and should select operators that follow responsible marine-tourism practices. Choosing locally owned restaurants and purchasing crafts directly from artisans can also keep more tourism spending within communities. Zanzibar is therefore particularly suitable for travellers seeking a beach holiday without separating luxury hospitality from environmental responsibility.

Seychelles: Island Luxury With a Formal Sustainability Framework

Seychelles is one of Africa’s strongest choices for travellers who want high-end island hospitality combined with formal sustainability programmes. Tourism Seychelles operates the Sustainable Seychelles Recognition and Certification programme, which applies to accommodation providers, restaurants and tour operators and is designed to recognise sustainable business practices. The destination has also continued to emphasise higher-value, sustainable tourism, including a stronger sustainability focus within its 2025–26 cruise season. Travellers can structure a five-day itinerary around Mahé and Praslin, combining protected landscapes, beaches, local food and conservation experiences. Fond Ferdinand and other nature areas offer opportunities to understand the islands’ exceptional biodiversity. Visitors should choose certified or recognised sustainable accommodation, use refillable bottles, avoid damaging coral and marine life, and favour locally owned guides and restaurants. Seychelles demonstrates that sustainable hospitality does not necessarily mean sacrificing comfort; instead, responsible resource use and biodiversity protection can become part of the premium travel experience.

Sustainable Africa Travel Comparison

A Sustainable 14-Day African Travel Plan

The strongest lesson across these destinations is that sustainable travel is not simply about finding a hotel with solar panels. It involves considering the entire journey: how travellers arrive, where money is spent, how wildlife is treated, how much waste is produced, how water and energy are consumed, and whether local communities benefit. Cape Town’s responsible-tourism framework explicitly identifies water, energy, waste and community as important priorities, while Seychelles has established a formal sustainability-recognition system for tourism businesses. For travellers inspired by the sustainability initiatives discussed by Lindsay Barrett at WTM Africa 2026, these destinations demonstrate how accommodation can become part of a much larger responsible-tourism ecosystem.

Kenya Ranks 32nd in TTW’s 50 Best Eco Tourism Destinations in the World for 2026

Kenya ranks 32nd in Travel And Tour World’s 50 Best Eco Tourism Destinations in the World for 2026, with Turtle Bay and Marine Conservation in Watamu representing the country. TTW’s ranking highlights destinations where nature protection, biodiversity and responsible tourism are becoming increasingly important to the visitor experience.

Watamu stands out for its marine ecosystems, coral reefs, sea turtles, dolphins, reef fish and mangrove habitats. The area around Watamu Marine National Park provides a protected setting where tourism can coexist with marine conservation. TTW specifically highlights snorkelling, diving, traditional dhow sailing, mangrove canoeing and turtle-conservation experiences as key responsible tourism activities.

The destination also benefits from relatively low-impact coastal development and opportunities for visitors to engage with conservation rather than simply consume a beach experience. Local accommodation, community experiences and locally sourced food can further connect tourism spending with the surrounding economy.

For sustainable travellers, Kenya’s position at No. 32 reflects the strength of Watamu as a destination where marine biodiversity, conservation education and nature-based experiences come together. It gives Kenya a distinctive place among Africa’s leading eco-tourism destinations while offering travellers a more responsible alternative to conventional coastal holidays.

Five Other 2026 Eco-Tourism Rankings and Research Benchmarks

To place TTW’s 50 Best Eco Tourism Destinations in the World for 2026 in a wider research context, several other 2026 studies and rankings also show how sustainability is being measured through biodiversity, conservation, community benefits, environmental performance and traveller behaviour. TTW’s own ranking places Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park at No. 13, Madagascar’s Andasibe-Mantadia National Park at No. 22, Kenya’s Turtle Bay and Marine Conservation at No. 32, and South Africa’s Kruger National Park at No. 43.

The U.S. News 2026 eco-tourism ranking is particularly notable because Seychelles was identified as the world’s No. 1 eco-tourism destination. Its strong result was associated with its natural environment, protected areas, species richness, air quality and sustainable trade, although the research also identifies carbon emissions and water stress as challenges.

The WanderTourScore 2026 ranking provides another useful comparison because it combines natural landscape quality, wildlife diversity, safety and the UNDP Planetary Pressures-adjusted HDI. Zambia ranks 12th and the Republic of Congo 19th, demonstrating the growing recognition of African destinations beyond the continent’s most established safari markets.

Meanwhile, Agoda’s 2026 Sustainable Travel Survey shows the consumer side of the equation: 77% of surveyed Asian travellers said sustainability is important when making travel choices, while Thailand led the eight-market survey at 95%, followed by Indonesia at 93% and India and Malaysia at 88%.

Together, these benchmarks show that eco-tourism rankings increasingly look beyond scenery alone. Biodiversity protection, community participation, resource efficiency, destination management and traveller behaviour are becoming central measures of sustainable tourism performance.