South African Tourism has announced a new digital trade series that will form part of Sho’t Left Travel Week 2026, introducing a refreshed online learning experience for tourism businesses across South Africa. The first live session will take place on Tuesday, 21 July 2026, giving tourism operators, marketers and industry stakeholders practical insights into digital marketing, branding, artificial intelligence and demand generation.
The initiative replaces South African Tourism’s traditional webinar format with a combination of a live online discussion and an on demand video series. According to the organisation, the new approach is designed to make industry knowledge more accessible while helping tourism businesses adapt to changing consumer behaviour and digital trends.
For Gauteng’s tourism sector, where accommodation providers, attractions, tour operators and hospitality businesses continue competing for domestic travellers, the session offers an opportunity to learn from industry leaders without leaving the office.
New Digital Format Replaces Traditional Webinar
The digital trade series has been redesigned to better suit the way businesses consume information today.
Instead of relying on a single webinar, the programme combines a live Microsoft Teams discussion with a series of on demand videos that participants can watch after the event.
Officials said the new format aims to provide practical, flexible learning that businesses can revisit whenever they need it.
The digital series is built around the theme Leveraging Digital: Turning Deals into Demand, focusing on practical ways tourism businesses can increase visibility and encourage more bookings.
Industry Experts to Share Real World Experience
The programme brings together tourism professionals, entrepreneurs and marketing specialists who will share lessons from their own businesses and careers.
Speakers include:
- Mariëtte du Toit Helmbold, international destination marketing specialist
- Sheldon Tatchell, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Legends Barber Corporation
- Thootse Lengolo Langa, Founder and Managing Director of Nokulunga Consulting
- Jeroen van Rootselaar and Manou Bleumink, Co Founders of AfriCamps
- Ayandamantombazane Mhlongo, marketing consultant and founder
The presentations will focus on understanding traveller behaviour, building stronger tourism brands, using digital marketing more effectively, and applying artificial intelligence within small businesses.
Live Discussion to Feature South African Tourism Leaders
The live online discussion will also include representatives from South African Tourism who work directly with the domestic tourism sector.
Panel members include:
- Mashoto Mokgethi, Hub Head for South African Tourism Domestic Marketing
- Melanie Leloup, Trade Relations Manager
- Vongani Sambo, Insights Specialist
- Mariëtte du Toit Helmbold
- Sheldon Tatchell
- Thootse Lengolo Langa
Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions during the live question and answer session.
Digital Skills Becoming Increasingly Important
The tourism industry continues to rely heavily on digital platforms to reach travellers researching destinations, accommodation and experiences online.
The sessions will explore how businesses can improve their online presence, create content that connects with travellers and use emerging technology to support business growth.
Topics expected to be covered include:
- Digital marketing strategies
- Building recognisable tourism brands
- Artificial intelligence for small businesses
- Creating engaging tourism content
- Developing travel packages that encourage direct bookings
- Understanding what South African travellers are looking for in 2026
The organisation said the programme is intended to provide practical guidance that businesses can apply immediately.
Why It Matters for Gauteng
Gauteng remains South Africa’s main gateway for both domestic and international travellers.
The province is home to hotels, guest houses, conference venues, restaurants, attractions and tour operators that increasingly depend on digital platforms to attract visitors.
As competition within the tourism industry grows, understanding how travellers discover destinations online has become increasingly important.
The Sho’t Left Digital Trade Series offers Gauteng tourism businesses access to national and international industry expertise without the cost of attending an in person conference.
Event Details
The live digital discussion will take place on:
- Date: Tuesday, 21 July 2026
- Time: 10:00
- Platform: Microsoft Teams
- Cost: Free
Participants who register for the live discussion will also receive access to the accompanying on-demand video series after the event.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
While the programme is designed primarily for tourism trade partners, it also reflects the growing emphasis on digital skills within South Africa’s visitor economy.
For Gauteng businesses operating in tourism, hospitality and travel, the sessions provide access to current industry thinking on digital marketing, artificial intelligence and changing traveller expectations.
The online format also allows businesses from across the province to participate without travelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Should Attend the Digital Trade Series?
The programme is intended for tourism businesses, destination marketers, accommodation providers, attractions, tour operators and other travel industry stakeholders.
When Is the Live Session?
The live digital discussion takes place on Tuesday, 21 July 2026, at 10:00.
Where Will the Event Be Hosted?
The session will be hosted online through Microsoft Teams.
Is There a Cost to Participate?
No. South African Tourism has confirmed that participation is free, but advance registration is required.
Will the Content Be Available Afterwards?
Yes. Registered participants will receive access to an on demand video series featuring presentations from the speakers.
South African Tourism said the new digital trade series is intended to help tourism businesses respond to changing consumer behaviour by making better use of digital tools, branding and content. As Sho’t Left Travel Week 2026 approaches, the programme provides tourism operators with an opportunity to hear directly from industry experts and explore practical strategies for attracting more travellers and strengthening demand.
