“The TBCSA Gauteng Roadshow 2026 convened at Emperors Palace, drawing hospitality stakeholders to strategize on Gauteng’s tourism positioning and industry resilience. The event underscored the GTA’s partnership with TBCSA as a cornerstone for building a competitive, inclusive, and sustainable hospitality sector.”
On 15 July 2026, Gauteng’s hospitality and tourism industry converged at Emperors Palace for the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) Gauteng Roadshow. This landmark event positioned Gauteng at the center of national tourism discussions, reflecting the province’s ambition to become a premier destination for both domestic and international travelers. The gathering highlighted the critical role of hospitality enterprises in shaping visitor experiences, driving economic growth, and strengthening South Africa’s global tourism competitiveness.
Key Themes of the Roadshow
- Destination Positioning: Gauteng Tourism Authority (GTA) emphasized the need to brand Gauteng as a gateway to Africa, leveraging its urban vibrancy, cultural diversity, and hospitality infrastructure.
- Hospitality Sector Challenges: Stakeholders discussed rising operational costs, workforce training gaps, and the need for sustainable practices in hotels, restaurants, and leisure facilities.
- Collaboration: GTA Acting CEO Crezelda Venter stressed that partnerships with TBCSA and industry bodies are vital to improving visitor experiences and stimulating demand.
- Policy Support: The dialogue focused on aligning government policies with industry needs, particularly in easing investment barriers and enhancing the operating environment for hospitality businesses.
Hospitality Industry Impact
The hospitality sector remains a backbone of Gauteng’s tourism economy:
- Hotels and Lodges: With Johannesburg and Pretoria serving as business and leisure hubs, hotels are adapting to new traveler expectations, including digital check-ins and eco-friendly operations.
- Restaurants and Culinary Tourism: Gauteng’s diverse food scene is increasingly marketed as part of the tourism package, with emphasis on local cuisine and international fusion.
- Event Venues: Emperors Palace itself exemplifies how hospitality venues serve as both tourism attractions and platforms for industry dialogue.
Stakeholder Perspectives
- Crezelda Venter (GTA Acting CEO): “Roadshows such as these are more than industry gatherings. They are valuable platforms for dialogue, collaboration, and collective problem solving.”
- Judi Nwokedi (GTA Chairperson): Highlighted the importance of inclusivity in tourism growth, ensuring small hospitality enterprises benefit alongside large hotels.
- Papa Leshabane & Thami Nkadimeng (GTA Board Members): Advocated for stronger enterprise development programs to support emerging hospitality businesses.
Economic Significance
Hospitality contributes significantly to Gauteng’s economy:
- Tourism GDP Contribution: Nationally, tourism accounts for nearly 5% of GDP, with Gauteng playing a central role due to its connectivity and urban attractions.
- Job Creation: Hospitality enterprises provide thousands of jobs, from hotel staff to culinary professionals, reinforcing the sector’s role in inclusive economic growth.
- Investment Opportunities: The roadshow highlighted the need to attract both domestic and foreign investment into hospitality infrastructure, particularly sustainable and green projects.
Future Outlook
The discussions at the roadshow set the stage for:
- Enhanced Visitor Experiences: Through digital innovation, personalized services, and sustainability.
- Resilient Hospitality Enterprises: By addressing barriers to investment and improving workforce training.
- Destination Gauteng: Positioned as a competitive tourism hub, balancing leisure, business, and cultural travel.
