The 8th Africa Tourism Leadership Forum (ATLF) 2026 is underway at the Meropa Casino and Entertainment World in Polokwane City, Limpopo, South Africa.
Running from 2–4 September under the theme “The Business of Tourism and Conservation”, the forum brings together tourism delegates from over 35 African countries. The event serves as a strategic platform to discuss tourism policy, cross-border investment, and intra-African travel, while uncovering new avenues to drive sustainable growth across the continent.
In his opening address, the Board Chairperson of Limpopo Tourism Agency, South Africa, Mr Freddy Greaver highlighted Limpopo’s strategic position as South Africa’s northern gateway- bordering Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, making it a natural hub for continental integration. He emphasized that Africa already possesses world-class attractions; the primary challenge lies in organizing infrastructure, removing border barriers, and fostering intra-African travel.
Greaver stressed that tourism must move beyond mere showcase events to deliver inclusive economic value, specifically targeting local enterprise development, job creation, and community ownership in townships and villages. He called for a unified continent where capital, ideas, and visitors move freely across borders.
“The tourism economy cannot grow on conversation alone. We need conversations that lead to relationships, relationships that lead to opportunities and opportunities that ultimately lead to investment, enterprise development, jobs and sustainable livelihood.” he added.
The opening day featured a dynamic “Training and Trading” programme, integrating MICE masterclasses, B2B speed marketing sessions, destination showcases, targeted networking, and a high-level Investment Roundtable designed to convert dialogue into commercial action. The evening programme included the launch of the Tourism Country Fact Sheets by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), as well as the launch of the Creatives Connect Afrika (CCA) 2026 Roadshow, which will take place in Accra, Ghana, from November 30 to December 3, 2026.
