Second DRC Travel Meet Showcases Nation's Tourism Potential as Industry Leaders Champion Positive Change
KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo - The second DRC Travel Meet, a premier tourism trade show convening key stakeholders and professionals within the travel and tourism sector DRC TRAVEL MEET, concluded successfully in Kinshasa, marking what organizers are calling "amazing times for the DRC." The event, masterfully orchestrated by Gaylord Kasayi, CEO and Founder of Yebo-DRC, brought together creatives, naturalists, and influencers under one roof at the prestigious Kin Plaza Arjaan by Rotana Hotel from August 24-25, 2025.
The expertly handled event deserves significant praise, particularly for Mr. Kasayi's exceptional organization of the meeting, which has established itself as a crucial platform for reshaping the Democratic Republic of Congo's tourism narrative on the international stage.
A Comprehensive Tourism Platform
The two-day program featured an impressive lineup of industry professionals, including Guygygy Mangoni from Bombo Lumene and Antonio Longangi from Parc National de L'Upemba, who emphasized the importance of visiting DRC's remarkable game parks and natural attractions. The event successfully connected distinctive travel partners, including The Tour Designers, Midi Travels, and Rayna Destination Management, providing attendees with comprehensive booking options for DRC travel experiences.
The choice of venue - the five-star Kin Plaza Arjaan by Rotana Hotel - exemplified the quality experience available in Kinshasa, offering guests exceptional service, cuisine, and entertainment right in the heart of the capital city.
International Diplomatic Presence
The event garnered significant international attention, with strong representation from key diplomatic missions. The Embassy of the Republic of Uganda was prominently featured, with excellent relationships established between DRC and Uganda. Dr. Lilly Ajarova, Senior Presidential Advisor on Tourism, was among the distinguished delegates, highlighting the growing regional cooperation in East African tourism.
Dubai's participation was particularly noteworthy, with the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates attending, signaling new prospects and investments in the DRC tourism sector. This international presence underscores the growing confidence in DRC's potential as a travel destination.
Panel Discussions and Industry Insights
The event featured comprehensive panel discussions focused on tourism development, providing valuable insights into the industry's future direction. These sessions addressed the challenges and opportunities facing the DRC tourism sector while showcasing the country's rich cultural and natural heritage through exhibitions.
Changing the Narrative
Speaking with Vamos Travel Africa at the event, Kasayi emphasized the industry's commitment to transforming international perceptions. "We are trying now to market the destination of DRC with the support of the Ministry of Tourism and DRC tourism board," he explained. "We are making a lot of effort in order to first change the narrative and then to convince the traveler to come to visit us."
Kasayi, who has been actively promoting DRC tourism internationally, including at events in Kenya, London, and other global destinations Yebo DRC sur LinkedIn : #soyez #le #12eme #homme, stressed that African tourism extends beyond traditional expectations. "Each destination, especially in Africa, speaking about tourism, it's not only safari. It's not only animals. It's how the city survives, what is the feeling of the travelers," he noted.
The CEO emphasized unique attractions such as mountain gorilla experiences, which have been well-received by international visitors, while acknowledging the need to showcase the country's broader offerings.
Industry Collaboration and Growth
The DRC Travel Meet serves as more than just a forum for discussion—it's a place where concrete business relationships are formed DRC TRAVEL MEET. "It's not only a forum or a place or a platform that people talk, but a place where people make businesses, where people make partnership," Kasayi explained.
The tourism sector's interconnected nature affects multiple industries, including hotels, accommodation services, transportation, and airlines. The event successfully brought together airline companies, hotel groups, and travel agencies to collaborate on achieving the ultimate goal of welcoming more travelers to experience DRC as a premier destination.
Overcoming Challenges
The tourism industry continues to address the ongoing challenge of overcoming negative international perceptions primarily focused on conflict. "You know, the first thing is war," acknowledged one interviewer, "but there's a pause to that and said Congo is not just about war. There is a different narrative that's going on."
Yebo-DRC, whose name derives from the South African term meaning "yes," embodies this positive approach. "Yebo, as it mean, yes, boss, it means for us, like, everything is good. It's fine," Kasayi explained. "So booking with Yebo, you are supporting us, our vision to say that, yes, it's fine."
International Recognition and Future Prospects
The efforts are gaining traction internationally, with Kasayi having established partnerships across East Africa and beyond, including collaborations with the East African Community Secretariat Yebo DRC sur LinkedIn : #soyez #le #12eme #homme. The CEO mentioned positive feedback from international guests, indicating growing confidence in DRC's tourism potential.
Kasayi's reputation as a tourism industry leader has been recognized internationally, with invitations to speak at prestigious events such as the Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit, further cementing DRC's position in the global tourism conversation.
Looking Forward
As the DRC continues to invest in tourism infrastructure and marketing campaigns, industry leaders remain optimistic about the sector's potential to contribute significantly to the country's economic development. The success of the second DRC Travel Meet, under Kasayi's expert guidance, demonstrates the nation's commitment to showcasing its rich natural and cultural heritage to the world.
The next edition promises to build on this year's remarkable success, with organizers expecting increased international participation and continued positive impact on Africa's tourism business landscape. For a nation working to change its global narrative, events like the DRC Travel Meet represent crucial steps toward establishing the Democratic Republic of Congo as a must-visit destination for discerning travelers seeking authentic African experiences.
This article is based on an interview conducted at the DRC Travel Meet between Vamos Travel Africa and Yebo-DRC.