The 2025 IAAPA AAVEA Africa Summit, held in the heart of Cape Town, brought together key players in Africa’s visitor attractions and tourism industry for a powerful gathering centred on innovation, collaboration, and social reconnection.

Themed “Togetherness,” the summit delivered insightful discussions, none more striking than the keynote presentation by Mr. Massimiliano Freddi, CEO of Wonderwood.

In his address, Freddi unveiled findings from his “Life Trends” research, which revealed a stark shift in global social behaviour, describing the world as currently facing a “loneliness pandemic” in the aftermath of COVID-19.

Among the eye-opening statistics he presented were:

71% of people prefer using their phones over engaging in face-to-face interactions.

The average individual checks their phone 58 times a day.

66.4% of children spend four or more hours daily on mobile devices.

1 in 5 people admit to using their phones during intimate moments.

52% have encountered fake or misleading news online.

33% have been targeted by scams or phishing attacks.

39% have seen fraudulent online product reviews.

“These numbers are more than just statistics—they are a wake-up call,” Freddi said.

He challenged participants to become agents of change: “We are the catalyst for social reconnection.

No excuses—let’s socialise!”

The summit was expertly curated by Peter van der Schans, Executive Director of IAAPA Europe, Middle East, and Africa, and graciously hosted by Mrs. Mpume Mabuza, President and Executive Director of the African Association of Visitor Experiences and Attractions (AAVEA).

Attendees, including the Deputy CEO of Ghana Tourist Authority (GTA), Gilbert Aggrey, were left inspired and committed to using their platforms—theme parks, museums, cultural centres, and other visitor attractions—to combat isolation and rebuild the social bonds fractured by technology and modern lifestyles.