Polokwane, the capital of South Africa’s premier sustainable tourism province, will host Pan-African tourism industry leaders. The province is the home of the Kruger National Park and some of the world’s leading nature reserves. As a top eco-tourism destination, the Province offers authentic African experiences, including viewing the Big Five, exploring baobab trees, hiking in the Soutpansberg Mountains, and engaging with local cultures.
Africa Tourism Partners, together with pan-African and international stakeholders, will convene the 8th Africa Tourism Leadership Forum (ATLF) & Awards in the City of Polokwane, Limpopo, South Africa, from 2 to 4 September 2026.
Choosing Limpopo as the 2026 host demonstrates a commitment to expanding intra-African travel and highlights opportunities for sustainable development and green tourism investment in Africa. Among key strategic partners are the UN World Tourism Organisation, the AfCFTA Secretariat, BDO, and the Africa Tourism Private Sector Alliance (ATPSA).
Building on the successful legacy of previous editions held in Ghana, Rwanda, and Botswana, the 2026 Forum moves to Polokwane, the gateway to the SADC region. This transition marks a strategic effort to bridge world-class MICE infrastructure with authentic African heritage, directly supporting the integration of travel and tourism across Southern Africa.
The 2026 edition is positioned as a leading marketplace for trade and innovation. By convening ministers, industry CEOs, and regional airlines, the forum will facilitate strategic dialogues and networking opportunities focused on strengthening the brand equity of “Destination Africa.” These discussions aim to generate actionable outcomes that streamline travel, promote sustainability, and enhance accessibility throughout the continent.
The Africa Tourism Leadership Awards are a central part of the event, recognizing excellence and leadership in the African travel industry. The official call for nominations for the 2026 Awards will open later this week. We encourage industry professionals, innovators, and stakeholders to participate and help honour those who have contributed significantly to the growth and resilience of African tourism
Stakeholders, media partners, and industry leaders are invited to attend this landmark event and contribute to shaping the future of African travel. Registration and nomination submissions can be completed on the official website at www.tourismleadershipforum.africa.
For any inquiries, please contact Palesa Kgadi at palesakgadi@africatourismpartners.com or call +27 11 318 1714 / +27 78 430 7489.
About Africa Tourism Partners
Africa Tourism Partners (ATP) is a UN Tourism-affiliated, award-winning Pan-African tourism development and destination marketing advisory firm. ATP specializes in tourism and MICE strategy, investment facilitation and promotion, research, master planning, destination market development, and capacity building across Africa’s travel, tourism, hospitality, aviation, and golf sectors.
Our clients and partners include UN Tourism, the World Bank, Mastercard Foundation, NEPAD, AfCFTA, South African Tourism, Ghana Tourism Authority, Tourism KwaZulu-Natal, Rwanda Development Board, Rwanda Convention Bureau, Rwanda Chamber of Commerce, SAACI, RwandAir, SAA, Ethiopian Airlines, Tanzania Tourism Board, Kenya Tourism Board, Uganda Tourism Board, Gauteng Tourism Authority, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, the Tourism Business Council of South Africa, Nigeria, among others.
About Limpopo
Limpopo, the northernmost province of South Africa, is a leading eco-tourism destination and borders Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. The provincial capital, Polokwane, anchors a region renowned for its diverse natural landscapes, including the Kruger National Park, Mapungubwe World Heritage Site, and the Waterberg Biosphere.
About BDO South Africa
BDO South Africa is a leading Level 1 B-BBEE professional services firm offering audit, advisory, and tax solutions through a global network spanning 166 countries. Its Tourism, Hospitality, and Leisure team brings over 35 years of expertise in feasibility studies and strategic advisory. As a key partner to the ATLF and compiler of the Tourism Business Index (TBI), BDO provides data-driven insights essential for sustainable growth and investment in the African tourism sector.
About UN Tourism
UN Tourism is the United Nations agency responsible for promoting responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism. As the leading international organization in this field, UN Tourism advances tourism as a driver of economic growth, inclusive development, and environmental sustainability, while providing leadership and support to the sector in advancing knowledge and policies worldwide.
