Johannesburg, 17 September 2025 – The annual Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) Tourism Leadership Conference got underway today (17 September 2025 ) at Sun City Resort in the North West. This year’s theme, “Matters of Tourism: Growth, People, and Policy”, underscores the TBCSA’s mission of fostering inclusive growth, unlocking potential and developing society. The three-day Conference will run until Friday, 19 September 2025.
The TBCSA Leadership Conference brings together government leaders, policymakers, industry executives, financiers, and tourism stakeholders to deliberate on the sector’s most pressing challenges and opportunities. Keynote addresses and panel discussions will focus on tourism growth strategies, skills development, policy alignment, and inclusive funding pathways for small and medium enterprises. At the same time, global thought leaders and South African executives will share insights on unlocking the full potential of tourism as a driver of job creation and inclusive economic growth.
This year’s programme again features a high-powered line-up of speakers and insightful sessions. On Thursday, 18 September 2025, Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille will deliver the keynote address, followed by her cabinet colleague, Minister of Home Affairs Dr Leon Schreiber, who will address the gathering on Policies that enable tourism, among other topics. Other notable speakers include Alan Elliott Merschen from MMGY Global and Chancellor of the University of the Free State, Professor Bonang Mohale, who will share global tourism perspectives. Chief Economist at Momentum, Sanisha Packirisamy, will examine the potential impact of the local economy on the tourism sector.
On Friday 19 September 2025, funding and sustainable tourism will come under the spotlight with various addresses, discussions and breakaway sessions. Deputy Minister of Small Business Development, Jane Sithole, alongside Rendzo Network, FNB Commercial Lending, Business Partners Limited, SEDFA, and BDO South Africa, will participate in a panel discussion on SMME Funding and Growth.
“This year’s conference comes at a critical time as South Africa works to boost arrivals, deepen investment, and position tourism as a catalyst for wider economic recovery,” said Jerry Mabena, Chairperson of TBCSA. “Our collective task is to ensure that growth is not only ambitious, but also people-centred and policy-aligned.”
The Leadership Conference will also celebrate industry collaboration through networking sessions, a gala dinner, and dedicated platforms for youth and women entrepreneurs.
Event Details:
Dates: 17 – 19 September 2025
Venue: Sun City, North West Province
Theme: Matters of Tourism: Growth, People, and Policy
For media enquiries, please contact:
TBCSA Communications
Email: media@tbcsa.travel Website: www.tbcsa.travel/conference2
