{"id":32759,"date":"2025-10-22T14:22:07","date_gmt":"2025-10-22T12:22:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=32759"},"modified":"2026-03-12T09:44:46","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T07:44:46","slug":"gauteng-tourism-industry-gathers-for-round-table","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/gauteng-tourism-industry-gathers-for-round-table\/","title":{"rendered":"Gauteng Tourism Industry Gathers for Round Table on Growth, Innovation and Inclusion \u2013 24 October 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-gauteng-tourism-prepares-for-collaboration-and-renewal\">Gauteng Tourism Prepares for Collaboration and Renewal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Gauteng Department of Economic Development (GDED) and the Gauteng Tourism Authority (GTA) are hosting the Gauteng Tourism Sector Round Table. Hosted on Friday, 24 October 2025, at the Gauteng Gambling Board in Johannesburg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The full-day dialogue will run from 09:00 to 16:30. It will gather leading figures from government, academia, and business to explore how tourism can drive inclusive growth and sustainable recovery in the province.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Round Table aims to position Gauteng as Africa\u2019s top tourism and international events destination. The event had been organized by MEC for Finance and Economic Development, Lebogang Maile<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Venue:<\/strong> Gauteng Gambling Board. 125 Corlette Drive, District of Freedom. Johannesburg<br><strong>Time:<\/strong> 09:00 \u2013 16:30<br><strong>Date:<\/strong> Friday, 24 October 2025<br> <strong>Register to attend:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/forms.office.com\/pages\/responsepage.aspx?id=iXQ_AAbAMkWQ89H-rcDRr18qGHOSEh1EiEqV945plclURVJIRFNNQzk4M0dFOVoxOTQ1QURCSFVWSC4u&amp;origin=QRCode&amp;route=shorturl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Click here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-4-724x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-32783\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-a-day-of-strategy-and-action\">A Day of Strategy and Action<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The program begins with a welcome by Goitsione Motloung, Acting Deputy Director-General for Economic Development and Planning, and Motlatjo Moholwa, Head of Department at GDED. They will set the tone for the day by outlining the goals of collaboration and implementation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>MEC Maile\u2019s keynote address will focus on tourism as a driver of economic transformation and job creation. It will also touch on how it aligns with Gauteng\u2019s Economic Growth and Development Plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dr. Barbara Ziyane, Chief Director of Economic Planning, will follow with a presentation on the Gauteng City Region Economic Growth and Development Plan. Dr. Johann Kirsten from the University of Johannesburg will provide a data-driven analysis of tourism performance across the province.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>ALSO READ: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/enoch-godongwana-appointed-acting-president\/\">Ramaphosa\u2019s Asia Tour: Enoch Godongwana Appointed Acting President \u2013 22 October 2025<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-private-sector-insights-shaping-policy\">Private Sector Insights Shaping Policy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The round table will feature insights from some of the most influential leaders in South Africa\u2019s tourism industry. David Frost, CEO of the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA), will address how stronger public\u2013private partnerships can create a more inclusive and resilient tourism sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Ross Vo<\/strong>lk, Managing Director of MSC Cruises South Africa, will present key findings from the company\u2019s study: <em>\u201c10 Key Priorities for Tourism in South Africa and Africa.\u201d<\/em> The research highlights areas where innovation and regional cooperation can stimulate growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Aaron Monetsi, CEO of the Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA), will discuss the role of air connectivity in opening markets. Also touch base on how to improve accessibility, and strengthen the regional economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Building Brand Gauteng<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Brand strategist Thebe Ikalafeng, CEO of the Brand Leadership Group, will explore how Gauteng can redefine its image from being purely an economic powerhouse to becoming a destination known for its creativity, culture, and lifestyle experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>His session, <em>\u201cPositioning Brand Gauteng as a Destination of Choice,\u201d<\/em> focuses on the importance of narrative. It showcases the province as both a place of opportunity and a center of human connection and culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-infrastructure-and-township-tourism-take-center-stage\">Infrastructure and Township Tourism Take Center Stage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Two panel discussions will dominate the afternoon program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The first, \u201cInfrastructure Development as a Catalyst for Economic Growth,\u201d includes Hamza Farooqui (Millet Investment). Followed by: Ross Verney (Club Med South Africa), Kagisho Bapela (IDC), Percy Mkhosi (Datacomb), and Jerry Mabena (Motsamayi Tourism Group).<br>The panel will examine how investments in transport, broadband, and energy can enable tourism growth. It will also unpack how it can create employment and drive equitable development across Gauteng.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The second, \u201cHeritage and Township Tourism Revitalization,\u201d features Thato Mothopeng (SATOVITO), Bheki \u201cMa-Events\u201d Twala (Township Economic Commission SA), Nompumelelo Mabuza (National Heritage Council), and Dr. Thami Mazwai (Mthiya Dynamics).<br>This discussion will explore how preserving heritage and supporting community-based tourism can empower local entrepreneurs and revive township economies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-a-united-vision-for-gauteng-tourism\">A United Vision for Gauteng Tourism<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The round table forms part of Gauteng\u2019s Tourism Recovery and Growth Strategy. This strategy prioritizes digital innovation, sustainable employment, and inclusive participation across all five regional corridors. These include: Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, Sedibeng, and the West Rand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Organizers emphasize that the event\u2019s purpose is to turn dialogue into delivery. Ideas raised at the round table will contribute to refining Gauteng\u2019s Tourism and Economic Growth Framework. The ideas will inspire collaboration between public institutions and private operators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-the-round-table-matters\">Why The Round Table Matters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Tourism remains one of Gauteng\u2019s most powerful economic engines. Yet the sector continues to face challenges linked to infrastructure, safety, and transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The round table provides a chance to rethink how tourism can become more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. The discussions align with South Africa\u2019s National Development Plan (NDP) and Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP).  Both of which recognize tourism as a key pillar of national growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-lighting-the-path-forward\">Lighting the Path Forward<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As the round table draws to a close, MEC Maile will call on delegates to commit to partnerships and working groups that transform ideas into measurable results. These follow-up sessions will focus on township enterprise development, infrastructure expansion, and stronger destination marketing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The outcomes of the day are expected to influence how Gauteng defines its tourism brand, attracts investment, and promotes a culture of collaboration across the sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Gauteng Tourism Sector Round Table represents more than a conversation \u2014 it is a declaration of intent to turn vision into action. With continued effort and shared accountability, Gauteng can emerge as a destination that blends business, creativity, and community into one cohesive identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The province stands ready to lead the next chapter of South Africa\u2019s tourism story \u2014 one built on innovation, inclusivity, and pride in its people.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Gauteng Department of Economic Development (GDED) and the Gauteng Tourism Authority (GTA) are hosting the Gauteng Tourism Sector Round Table today, Friday, 24 October 2025, at the Gauteng Gambling Board in Johannesburg.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":32787,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"The Gauteng Department of Economic Development (GDED) and the Gauteng Tourism Authority (GTA) are hosting the Gauteng Tourism Sector Round Table today, Friday, 24 October 2025, at the Gauteng Gambling Board in Johannesburg.","footnotes":""},"categories":[54],"tags":[977,11376],"class_list":{"0":"post-32759","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-events","8":"tag-gauteng-events","9":"tag-upcoming-events-in-gauteng"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32759","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/23"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=32759"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32759\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":32788,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32759\/revisions\/32788"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/32787"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=32759"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=32759"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=32759"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}