The 3rd Tourism Leadership Conference, themed “Why Tourism Matters,” will focus on tourism’s economic impact and strategic growth in South Africa.

The Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) is gearing up to host its 3rd Tourism Leadership Conference from September 18 to 20, 2024, at the Sun City Resort.

Themed “Why Tourism Matters,” the event aims to highlight the crucial role tourism plays in South Africa’s economic development.

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With a target to attract 15.6 million visitors by 2030, the conference will address key issues such as visa regulations, tourism safety, public-private partnerships, and innovative marketing strategies.

Industry leaders like Glenton de Kock of SAACI, Otto de Vries of ASATA, and Graham Wood of Sun International will serve as keynote speakers, sharing insights on how to boost South Africa’s tourism industry.

One of the major highlights will be the launch of the Trevor Noah Tourism Campaign, designed to increase South Africa’s visibility on the global tourism stage.

Additionally, the event will feature a discussion with the Minister of Home Affairs about visa waivers and the rollout of e-visas to simplify travel into South Africa.

A focus on addressing unemployment through tourism initiatives will also be central to the event.

The conference will promote tourism as a key driver for job creation and economic recovery in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, setting the stage for a brighter future for the country’s tourism sector.