SHERIDAN, WYOMING – December 27, 2025 – If your travel mood is stuck on “same places, same photos,” CMT 2026 in Stuttgart is about to put a fresh country on a lot of wish lists: Angola.
A Big Tourism Partnership with a Clear Goal
Angola will be the official partner country of CMT 2026, described as the world’s largest public trade fair for tourism and leisure, taking place in Stuttgart from January 17 to 25, 2026. For Angola, the message is simple: it wants to be seen as a versatile destination, not just a blank spot on many travelers’ mental maps. The country is also set to appear at ITB Berlin in March 2026, reinforcing the plan to introduce itself to European audiences step-by-step.
This matters because travel trends often shift when a destination shows up in the right rooms at the right time. A strong fair presence can turn “I’ve never heard of it” into “I’m seriously considering it,” especially when travelers are hunting for places that still feel surprising.
What Makes Angola So Appealing for Curious Travelers
Angola sits in southwestern Africa on the Atlantic coast and is presented as a place of contrasts: national parks, waterfalls, deserts, beaches, and a rich cultural scene with music and dance. The source describes a tropical to subtropical climate, with milder coastal regions, a hot interior, and a more temperate highland—useful context if you’re the kind of traveler who plans around weather and comfort.
The overall vibe is about variety without needing to change countries. One trip can combine coast days and nature days, relaxed moments and active adventures, and cultural experiences that feel different from more familiar long-haul routes.
Seven Key Regions to Know Before You Go
The source highlights seven regions that shape Angola’s travel identity, starting with Luanda, the dynamic capital. Malanje in the north is described as offering diverse nature and culture, while Namibe in the southwest is positioned as a mix of desert-like landscapes and striking coastal sections.
Benguela on the Atlantic coast is associated with beautiful beaches, storybook scenery, and history, while Huíla in the south is framed around mountains and high plateaus, with cooler conditions that contrast with other parts of the country. Cuando Cubango in the southeast is described as vast and wild, with savannas and the Kwanza River, with Menongue serving as a gateway to the region. Cabinda in the north, bordering the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is presented as lush rainforest with high biodiversity.
Even reading that list can feel like a reminder that “Africa” isn’t one type of trip. Angola is being introduced as many trips in one—especially for travelers who want both downtime and real outdoor movement.
A Quote That Captures the Pitch
“It is a great joy and honor to be able to present Angola for the first time in Stuttgart on the major tourism stage and in front of so many interested trade fair visitors,” says Julia Kleber, CEO of the Kleber Group and official representative of the Angola Tourism Board. “Angola inspires with a fascinating contrast of wild coasts, impressive desert landscapes, majestic waterfalls and ancient rock formations. The country stands for the feeling of life The Rhythm of Life – full of energy, diversity and warmth. It fills us with pride to represent Angola as the official Tourism Board and to make it visible as a new, authentic destination in international tourism.”
What Visitors Can Experience at CMT 2026
From January 17 to 25, 2026, fair visitors in Stuttgart will have a chance to dive deeper into Angola, including daily dance performances featuring Kizomba rhythms on the main stage. The source also mentions Angola travel offers through Budde Reisen, with tips from Anke Budde, president of the asr Bundesverband e.V., who has visited the country herself.
One important detail for planners: early-bird tickets were available only until December 24, 2025, according to the organizer information—so that deadline has already passed. The event itself, however, is still ahead, and the fair dates remain January 17 to 25, 2026.
Editorial Extra: 3 Ways This Matters for Regular Travelers
- It signals a “new destination push” in Europe, which often leads to more trip ideas, more tour options, and more visibility for a place that previously felt hard to plan.
- It highlights a travel style many people want right now: one country with multiple landscapes, so you can mix rest, culture, and outdoor days without constant transit.
- It makes January travel planning feel more exciting—because sometimes the best trips start with a single moment of inspiration at a travel fair.
Learn more at https://www.messe-stuttgart.de/cmt/tickets-oeffnungszeiten/.