Nominations Now Open for 8th Africa Tourism Leadership Awards in Limpopo
The African travel and hospitality community is once again invited to put forward its most distinguished professionals and groundbreaking initiatives as the 8th Africa Tourism Leadership Awards officially accepts nominations. This celebrated recognition programme honours individuals, organisations, and destinations that have made exceptional contributions to the continent's tourism sector.
The awards ceremony will form a central highlight of the 8th Africa Tourism Leadership Forum, scheduled to take place from 2 to 4 September 2026 in Polokwane, the provincial capital of Limpopo in South Africa's far north. The event brings together thought leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs committed to advancing the African travel industry through collaboration and innovation.
Nominations opened on 16 March 2026 and the organising committee continues to welcome submissions from across the continent. Both self-nominations and peer recommendations are encouraged, ensuring that deserving candidates receive the recognition they merit regardless of their profile or network reach.
The award categories span the full spectrum of the tourism value chain. Among the honours on offer are the Leading in Progressive Policies Award, which acknowledges forward-thinking governance, and the Outstanding Entrepreneurship Award, which celebrates business innovation within the sector. Media professionals and marketing strategists can be recognised through the Outstanding Africa Tourism Media and Marketing Award, while the Women in Leadership Award shines a light on female professionals driving meaningful change.
Additional categories include Championing Sustainability, honouring those who prioritise environmental responsibility, and Most Innovative Business Tourism Destination, which rewards cities and regions attracting meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions. The Outstanding Accommodation Facility or Group category recognises excellence in hospitality, while Outstanding Tourism Transportation celebrates achievements in aviation, road, and rail services. The prestigious Destination Africa Lifetime Award pays tribute to individuals whose long-term contributions have left an indelible mark on the industry.
Eligible nominees include a broad range of stakeholders. Individuals, small enterprises, national governments, heads of state, destinations, cities, hotel groups, organisations, ministers, and entrepreneurs may all be considered. The selection committee seeks candidates who demonstrate clear commitment to leadership through sustainable practices and progressive policymaking.
Speaking on behalf of the awards committee, Co-Chair Devota Mdachi emphasised the significance of the nomination window. She described the awards as a platform where the continent acknowledges those who have shaped policies, driven meaningful change, and delivered lasting impact. Mdachi encouraged professionals from both the private and public sectors to participate in celebrating the pioneers transforming African tourism.
The Africa Tourism Leadership Forum itself serves as a vital gathering point for industry stakeholders. Hosted by the Limpopo Tourism Agency in partnership with Africa Tourism Partners, the forum addresses critical themes including entrepreneurship development, women and youth empowerment, and the recognition of impactful change-makers. As a pan-African platform, the event fosters advocacy, knowledge exchange, and the creation of actionable strategies designed to stimulate growth in intra-Africa travel.
Organisers anticipate that the 2026 edition will attract more than 350 physical delegates alongside approximately 2,000 virtual participants. The programme will feature dedicated Ministerial, CEO, and Executive sessions led by renowned speakers from across the globe. Discussions will explore how to strengthen Brand Africa's competitiveness through innovative approaches to bidding for and hosting association meetings.
For travel professionals across sub-Saharan Africa, the awards represent an opportunity to gain visibility and acknowledgement on a continental stage. As the industry continues to evolve, platforms such as these play an essential role in highlighting best practices and inspiring future generations of tourism leaders. Those considering a nomination should act promptly to ensure their contributions receive the attention they deserve ahead of the September ceremony.
