The Limpopo Provincial Government has set the stage for the Africa Tourism Leadership Forum 2026, declaring a bold ambition to become South Africa’s premier destination. In a strategic partnership with Africa Tourism Partners (ATP), the Limpopo Tourism Agency launched the 8th edition of this prestigious event at Meropa Casino on 29 April.
The move signalled a massive shift in Limpopo tourism investment strategies, as the province seeks to transition from its current national ranking to the “number one” spot for international arrivals and continental integration.
High Stakes for Africa Tourism Leadership Forum 2026
Delivering the keynote address, the Honourable Tshitereke Matibe, MEC for Limpopo Economic Development, Environment & Tourism (LEDET), articulated a fierce vision for the province’s growth. Reflecting on Limpopo’s current standing, MEC Matibe challenged the status quo of national rankings.
“I was always someone who doesn’t want somebody ahead of me. I didn’t like the position two… We are still running second nationally, but if you look at us, if we are number two to KZN, which has the ocean and everything, it means we are number one in our own domain. We will say one time: We are number one,” Matibe stated.
Driving Limpopo Tourism Investment and Infrastructure
The province has already seen impressive returns, generating 10.2 billion Rand from 8.3 million visitors. However, the MEC emphasised that this momentum is merely the starting point. To bolster Limpopo tourism investment, the provincial strategy is pivoting toward international alliances and infrastructure upgrades. Central to this plan is the Polokwane International Airport, which serves as a vital hub for business and travel access across the SADC region.
A New Currency for Intra-African Tourism
The forum arrives at a defining moment for the continent. Kwakye Donkor, CEO of Africa Tourism Partners, noted that tourism has evolved into “the currency of culture, diplomacy, and economic transformation.”
He emphasised that the ATLF is a platform to build bridges across borders, moving beyond postcards to create sustainable livelihoods through intra-African tourism.
Cllr John Makoro Mpe, Executive Mayor of Polokwane Local Municipality, welcomed delegates to the “City of Stars.” He confirmed that the city is ready to showcase its capacity for large-scale events, noting that “a visitor brings new eyes to the village,” and Polokwane is prepared to convert these new perspectives into lasting partnerships.
Strengthening the South Africa MICE Sector
The launch featured a robust lineup of speakers who underscored the collaborative nature of the upcoming forum and the strength of the South Africa MICE sector.
Ms. Kgabo Phaka, Chairperson of SAACI Limpopo, highlighted the readiness of the local Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions industry. She pointed to the critical importance of maintaining provincial supply chains to ensure local businesses benefit from global events.
Mr. Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, CEO of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa, called for tourism to be recognised as a high-consumption industry. He noted that the sector supports over a million jobs and urged for eased regional connectivity to facilitate smoother travel.
Sustainable Legacy for Africa Tourism Leadership Forum 2026
Looking toward the future, Mr. Andrew Dipela, Board Chairperson of the Limpopo Tourism Agency (LTA), reiterated the board’s commitment to hosting the ATLF for the next three years. This long-term hosting strategy aims to ensure a sustainable legacy for local SMMEs. Keleabetswe Tlouane, Programme Director and DDG of LEDET, facilitated the session, describing the forum as a “melting pot of ideas” for the future of the continent.
By positioning Polokwane as the “Gateway to Africa,” the Africa Tourism Leadership Forum 2026 is set to redefine how the region approaches economic growth through travel. With the main forum scheduled for September, the eyes of the continent remain fixed on Limpopo’s “Number One” ambition.
