Africa’s inaugural Africa Golf Tourism Convention (AGTC) will take place in Gauteng from 18 to 21 August 2026, bringing together tourism leaders, investors, golf industry professionals and hospitality businesses from across the continent. Hosted at the Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre in Ekurhuleni, with the Golf and Demonstration Day taking place at Serengeti Estates, the four day convention aims to position Africa as a leading golf tourism destination while creating new trade and investment opportunities. For delegates travelling to Gauteng, the event also provides an opportunity to explore nearby accommodation, restaurants and attractions around OR Tambo International Airport.
What Is the Africa Golf Tourism Convention?
The Africa Golf Tourism Convention is the continent’s first dedicated business to business platform focused exclusively on golf tourism.
Owned and managed by Zawadi Concepts, the convention has been created to connect tourism authorities, golf estates, hospitality brands, airlines, investors, destination marketing organisations and international buyers through one continental marketplace. Its theme for 2026 is One Continent. Many Fairways. One Marketplace.
According to the organisers, the convention aims to strengthen collaboration across Africa’s tourism industry while showcasing the continent’s golf destinations to international markets.
Event Details
Dates: 18 to 21 August 2026
Conference Venue: Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre, Boksburg, Ekurhuleni
Golf and Demonstration Day: Serengeti Estates, Kempton Park
The convention programme includes keynote presentations, investment forums, destination showcases, exhibitions, hosted buyer meetings, networking sessions and a championship golf experience at Serengeti Estates.
Programme Highlights
During the first three days, delegates can expect:
- Keynote presentations
- Tourism investment discussions
- Destination showcases
- Business to business networking
- Trade exhibitions
- Hosted buyer meetings
The final day shifts to Serengeti Estates, where delegates will experience one of Gauteng’s leading championship golf courses during the Golf and Demonstration Day.
Featured Speakers
The convention will feature leaders from tourism, government and business, including:
- Crezelda Venter, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Gauteng Tourism Authority
- Barba Gaoganediwe, Chief Destination Marketing Evangelist at Visit Gauteng
- Nonnie Kubeka, Head of the Gauteng Convention and Events Bureau
- Dr Sindiswa Mzamo, Global President of Circle of Global Business Women
- Patrick Makamure, Director of Golf Africa Safaris
The programme brings together stakeholders from across the tourism, golf and investment sectors to discuss opportunities for growing golf tourism across Africa.
Where to Stay Near the Convention
Delegates will find accommodation to suit a range of budgets within a short drive of the conference venue.
Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre
Estimated price: R1,250 to R1,900 per night
As the host venue, Birchwood offers delegates the convenience of staying on site, with conference facilities, restaurants and airport shuttle services.
Protea Hotel by Marriott O.R. Tambo Airport
Estimated price: R1,700 to R2,600 per night
Located just minutes from OR Tambo International Airport, this hotel is popular with business travellers and convention delegates.
InterContinental Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport
Estimated price: R4,500 to R6,500 per night
Ideal for delegates seeking premium accommodation with direct airport access and luxury amenities.
Where to Eat
The Hussar Grill
Estimated spend: R200 to R700 per person
Known for premium steaks and classic South African dining, making it a popular choice for business dinners.
The Deck Restaurant
Estimated spend: R150 to R400 per person
Located at Serengeti Estates, the restaurant serves casual lunches, pizzas and bistro style meals overlooking the golf course.
Piatto
Estimated spend: R120 to R350 per person
A Mediterranean inspired restaurant offering pasta, seafood and pizza in a relaxed setting.
Things to Do Around the Venue
Delegates with free time can explore several attractions within the Ekurhuleni region.
Serengeti Estates
Visitor green fees: Approximately R920 to R1,450
One of South Africa’s leading championship golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus.
Emperors Palace
Entry: Free
Dining, entertainment, casino facilities and theatre performances are available, with show tickets generally ranging from R150 to R500 depending on the production.
O.R. Tambo Cultural Precinct
Entry: Free to approximately R50 donation
Visitors can explore exhibitions celebrating the life and legacy of Oliver Reginald Tambo while learning more about South Africa’s political history.
Why the Convention Matters for Gauteng
Golf tourism is recognised internationally as one of the highest value segments within the travel industry.
According to the organisers, AGTC has been created to position Africa as a stronger competitor in the global golf tourism market while encouraging investment, destination marketing and cross border collaboration.
Hosting the inaugural convention in Gauteng reinforces the province’s position as South Africa’s leading business events destination and provides an opportunity to showcase local hospitality, accommodation, transport and tourism experiences to international buyers.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
The Africa Golf Tourism Convention is expected to bring tourism professionals, investors and international buyers to Gauteng, supporting local hotels, restaurants, transport providers and attractions.
Beyond the convention itself, the event highlights Ekurhuleni’s growing role in business tourism while showcasing the province’s golf courses, hospitality sector and visitor experiences to a global audience.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Africa Golf Tourism Convention?
The convention takes place from 18 to 21 August 2026.
Where is the event being held?
The conference sessions will be hosted at Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre, while the Golf and Demonstration Day takes place at Serengeti Estates.
Who should attend?
The event is aimed at tourism professionals, golf industry leaders, investors, hospitality businesses, destination marketing organisations, airlines and international buyers.
Who owns the Africa Golf Tourism Convention?
The convention is owned and managed by Zawadi Concepts.
How far is the venue from OR Tambo International Airport?
Birchwood Hotel is located approximately 10 minutes from OR Tambo International Airport, making it convenient for both domestic and international delegates.
Africa Golf Tourism Convention 2026 places Gauteng at the centre of a new continental initiative focused on golf tourism, investment and business events. By bringing together industry leaders from across Africa and beyond, the convention provides a platform to showcase the province’s tourism infrastructure while creating opportunities for collaboration, trade and future growth within one of the world’s fastest growing tourism segments.
