PLEASE TAKE NOTE
REGISTRATIONS ARE CLOSED
REGISTRATIONS CLOSE 17 AUG 2025
Counting down to THE TOURISM leadership conference '25
Matters of Tourism: Growth, People, and Policy
Tourism is not a sideshow. It is central to South Africa’s economic recovery, job creation, and global competitiveness. The 2025 TBCSA Tourism Leadership Conference puts tourism where it belongs: at the heart of policy, investment, and national dialogue.
This year’s theme, “Matters of Tourism: Growth, People and Policy”, is a call to action. It challenges policymakers, business leaders, and communities to move beyond intention and galvanizes all to work together to elevate a sector that drives inclusive growth and national progress. Hosted by the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) annually, the conference will take place from 17-19 September 2025 at Sun City Resort, North West province. The gathering also coincides with Tourism Month (September) to highlight the sector’s importance.
Attendees can expect a dynamic programme featuring thought-provoking keynote speakers, robust panel discussions and interactive sessions. The agenda is designed to bring to surface actionable solutions that will ensure the tourism sector remains competitive, sustainable, and inclusive. To make this vision a reality, leaders from the private sector, government, academia and media will come together to share insights, align strategies, and help move South Africa closer to its goal of 15.6 million arrivals by the year 2030.
Key topics that will be discussed at this year’s conference include but not limited to;
- G20 is here - have we done enough to maximise the benefits for South Africa?
- Visa reforms and their role in unlocking tourism growth
- Infrastructure development - bridging the gap to enable access and opportunity
- Business tourism - positioning South Africa as a meetings and events destination of choice
- Empowering SMMEs - strengthening small tourism businesses for long-term sustainability
Delegate Registration Fees
Early Bird Fees: R1990.00 from 12 May – 30 June 2025
Full Registration Fees: R2190.00 from 1 July – 17 August 2025
PROGRAMME AT A GLANCE
17 SEPTEMBER 2025
- 10:00 – 17:00 Registration
- 12:00 – 13:00 Lunch
- 13:00 – 17:00 Breakaway Sessions
- 18:00 – 22:00 Welcome networking event
18 September 2025
- 08:00 – 17:00 Conference Programme
- 19:00 – 23:00 Gala Dinner
19 September 2025
- Check out & Leisure
PROGRAMME AT A GLANCE
The organising committee is putting the final touches on the programme, but here are some of the sessions you can look forward to:
Wednesday, 17 September – Destination Marketing Workshop
A workshop on destination marketing hosted by TBCSA and South African Tourism. Begins at midday.
Welcome Networking Event @ 18H00 – 22H00
Thursday, 18 September – Leadership in Focus
Sessions are expected to begin at 08:00.
Hear from influential voices shaping the future of tourism and consumer behaviour:
Alan Elliott Merschen | Partner – International Insights at MMGY Global, a leading integrated marketing firm specialising in travel, tourism, and hospitality. He will unpack The Future of Travel — a fast-paced look at the trends reshaping how the world moves, books, and connects.
Professor Bonang Mohale on Purposeful Leadership — exploring values-driven leadership in tourism.
Ciko Thomas | Nedbank Group Managing Executive, on How the South African Consumer is Spending – and Why It Matters for Tourism.
Dr Leon Schreiber | Minister of Home Affairs, on Visas, Borders, and Growth: Rethinking Immigration to Boost Tourism. This session will explore how immigration systems can better support tourism through simplified visa processes, efficient border management, and targeted policies — including recent efforts to ease access for international visitors, film crews, business travellers, and event delegates.
State of the Sector Panel — Featuring CEOs from some of South Africa’s leading hotel groups alongside representatives from SAA, FlySafair, and other key stakeholders. This high-level discussion will unpack industry challenges, aviation’s role in tourism recovery, and prospects for growth across the sector.
Gala Dinner at 19H00
FRIday, 19 September – SMME Funding and Growth
Conference expected to wrap by 13:00
Panel Discussion — A practical, solutions-driven conversation tailored for small tourism businesses. Explore funding pathways, compliance readiness, and digital tools to scale — whether you’re operating in a rural village or a bustling urban hub.
Keynote: Social Media for Growth — Lebo Lion, leading marketing strategist and digital entrepreneur, shares practical tips on how small businesses can harness social media to market their offerings, reach wider audiences, and build lasting customer relationships.
Traveling from outside Gauteng TO THE TBCSA CONFERENCE 2024?
South African Airways(SAA) has exclusive flight discounts for TBCSA Conference delegates.
Book your travel from SAA route networks across the country to Johannesburg for the conference, by clicking on the button below. Don’t forget to use the discount code: TBCSA24
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
WHY SHOULD YOU ATTEND?
The annual TBCSA Tourism Leadership Conference brings together tourism industry professionals and leading experts to connect, learn, share, and collaborate on various topical industry-related issues.
There are many reasons why you should join us in the North West for the two-day conference:
- World-class program: Our speakers will share innovative, salient thought leadership, and industry-related guidance during plenary and breakaway sessions
- Enhance your knowledge: Hear from world-renowned speakers and industry experts, with interactive Q&A sessions for live and online audiences
- Expand your network: Engage with industry leaders, professional colleagues and international companies to expand your industry connections
WHO IS ATTENDING?
The annual TBCSA Tourism Leadership Conference is expected to attract just over 400 delegates. Registration will close in August 2023.
WHAT WILL IT COST ME?
Attendance to this year’s conference will be R990.00. This includes entrance to the conference, all meals, and entertainment.
The TBCSA has arranged shuttles from ORT to Sun City for delegates attending from outside Gauteng – For more info please click on the button below:
LEISURE ACTIVITIES
Mankwe GAMETRACKERS, based at the iconic Sun City resort next to the malaria free Big Five Pilanesberg National Park, is the largest outdoor adventure activity business in the North West province of South Africa. We conduct Game Drives, Bush Walks and Hot Air Balloon Safaris inside Pilanesberg National Park, and Quad Biking, Archery, Chimp & Zee rope adventure course, Team Building activities, and The Wallow, (a catered venue), inside the resort.
We specialize in individual service and exclusivity yet have the capacity to service large groups of up to 600 people. Our passionate staff are ready to take you on your next adventure.
GET IN TOUCH
For conference inquiries, please contact Boitumelo Daniels: tumi@tbcsa.travel or +27 82 780 4650
For Media inquiries: media@tbcsa.travel