The Gauteng Tourism Authority is recruiting a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) on a three-year fixed-term contract, with applications closing on 11 September 2026. We’re seeking senior executives with extensive strategic management and leadership experience in tourism, business leadership, economic development, or related sectors.
The successful candidate will lead GTA’s overall management and destination strategy while overseeing tourism marketing, governance, financial sustainability, technology adoption and industry coordination across Gauteng.
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What the Gauteng Tourism Authority CEO will do
GTA is seeking a leader with proven business acumen who can oversee the planning, development and implementation of the organisation’s destination marketing and management strategies.
The CEO will be responsible for advancing GTA’s strategic goals while positioning Gauteng as a competitive tourism destination locally and internationally.
The role also requires the successful candidate to contribute to tourism sector development, industry coordination, cooperative governance and sustainable tourism.
Corporate governance and compliance will form part of the executive’s responsibilities.
Destination marketing forms a major part of the role
The CEO will oversee strategies used to promote Gauteng as a tourism destination.
According to the vacancy information, this will involve market research, product marketing, data analytics, business intelligence, communications, advertising and public relations.
The successful candidate will also be expected to strengthen Gauteng’s tourism image and develop domestic tourism strategies.
Part of the mandate is to position Gauteng’s destination brand alongside leading tourism destinations internationally.
GTA wants greater use of AI and technology
Technology will also form part of the CEO’s responsibilities.
The successful candidate will be expected to lead the adoption of artificial intelligence and other technology to improve GTA processes.
This includes improving tourism data management and strengthening the use of data in decision making across the tourism value chain.
The requirement places technology and business intelligence alongside more traditional destination marketing and tourism management responsibilities.
CEO will oversee tourism industry coordination
The successful candidate will be responsible for strengthening collaboration between tourism supply, demand and industry stakeholders.
This work must support provincial and national tourism strategies, including GGT 2030, the Gauteng Tourism Sector Strategy and the National Tourism Sector Strategy.
The CEO will also be responsible for delivering short, medium and long term plans designed to achieve GTA’s strategic objectives.
Key organisational risks must be identified, with appropriate interventions developed to address them.
Governance and financial sustainability included
The CEO will be expected to ensure sound corporate governance and compliance across the organisation.
Financial sustainability is another major responsibility.
The successful candidate will develop strategies aimed at ensuring effective financial management and adequate funding for GTA.
Other responsibilities include:
- Overseeing GTA’s destination marketing and management strategies
- Strengthening Gauteng’s tourism brand
- Leading technology and AI adoption
- Managing strategic organisational risks
- Ensuring corporate governance and compliance
- Strengthening GTA’s financial sustainability
- Developing and retaining organisational talent
- Supporting senior management
- Strengthening organisational culture and leadership
- Supporting tourism’s contribution to economic growth and employment
The CEO will also be expected to position GTA as a partner in economic development through tourism infrastructure development and skills training.
Who qualifies for the GTA CEO vacancy?
This is a senior executive position requiring substantial management experience.
Applicants must have a postgraduate degree, with a Master’s Degree in Business Leadership, Tourism or a related field preferred.
Candidates must have at least 10 years of strategic management experience.
Of that experience, at least six years must have been at senior management level and at least four years at executive level or, preferably, Chief Executive Officer level.
GTA will consider qualifications alongside applicants’ experience in areas including tourism development, destination marketing, financial management, business leadership and corporate governance.
Experience positioning organisations within local and international markets will also be considered.
Business and public sector knowledge required
Candidates are expected to demonstrate strategic management and leadership experience within tourism or the economic and development sector.
GTA also requires proven business skills in areas including negotiation, marketing, business administration, people and talent management, governance and strategic planning.
Public relations engagement is another area identified in the vacancy requirements.
Applicants must also have an in depth understanding of the legislative framework applicable to the public sector.
How to apply for the GTA CEO vacancy
Applicants must submit a detailed and updated CV accompanied by a cover letter.
The cover letter should highlight the candidate’s relevant qualifications and experience for the CEO position.
Applications must be emailed to Mr Baliwinile Kwankwa at:
The closing date is 11 September 2026.
GTA said full background checks and psychometric tests will be conducted on successful candidates.
The authority also encourages previously disadvantaged individuals and people with disabilities to apply.
Candidates who are not contacted within 30 days after the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
The CEO vacancy is aimed at experienced executives capable of overseeing GTA’s tourism mandate, organisational governance and destination strategy.
For prospective applicants, the most important requirements include a postgraduate qualification, at least 10 years of strategic management experience and substantial experience at senior and executive management level.
The closing date is also earlier than several of the other GTA vacancies currently being advertised. Candidates for this position have until 11 September 2026 to apply.
The successful candidate will take responsibility for an organisation whose mandate includes positioning Gauteng as a tourism destination and coordinating aspects of the province’s tourism sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do applications for the GTA CEO vacancy close?
Applications close on 11 September 2026.
Is the GTA CEO position permanent?
No. The Chief Executive Officer will be appointed on a three year fixed term employment contract.
What qualification is required?
Applicants need a postgraduate degree. GTA states that a Master’s Degree in Business Leadership, Tourism or a related field is preferred.
How much experience is required?
Applicants need at least 10 years of strategic management experience. This must include at least six years at senior management level and four years at executive or, preferably, CEO level.
Where should applications be sent?
Applications must be emailed to [email protected] and addressed to Mr Baliwinile Kwankwa.
CEO applications close this week
Experienced executives interested in leading the Gauteng Tourism Authority have until 11 September 2026 to submit their applications.
Candidates should ensure their updated CV and cover letter clearly demonstrate the strategic leadership, tourism or economic development, governance and executive management experience required for the position.
