African Tourism Leaders to Tackle Visa Barriers, Policy Reform at Sun City Summit

The Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) will host the 2025 Tourism Leadership Conference this September at the Sun City resort. The pivotal event will bring together industry leaders to forge actionable strategies for Africa’s tourism sector at a critical juncture.

Against a backdrop of a rapidly evolving global industry, the conference will address pressing challenges facing the continent, including infrastructure gaps, accessibility issues, and policy misalignment. The goal is to develop concrete solutions to strengthen Africa’s position in the competitive international market.

The conference will kick off on September 17 with a marketing workshop hosted in collaboration with South African Tourism. The session will focus on positioning Africa as a unified destination, emphasising cooperation among nations to expand the continent’s share of the global tourism market.

A key focus will be sustaining the growth in intra-African travel, currently fuelled by a rise in visitors from countries like Zimbabwe, Kenya, Mozambique, and Nigeria. The agenda will prioritise streamlining travel within the continent by tackling visa barriers, simplifying border processes, and improving air connectivity. Harmonised policies are seen as crucial to marketing Africa as an accessible and interconnected destination.

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The second day will broaden the discussion to critical topics such as air access, safety, digital transformation, and policy evolution. In a move toward transparency, the TBCSA will present a progress report on the past year’s achievements, highlighting both successes and areas requiring further attention to drive continued reforms.

This year’s conference will also tackle previously overlooked issues, including the regulation of short-term rentals and strategies for attracting investment to smaller towns and rural areas. These discussions are aimed at fostering a more inclusive and equitable tourism economy that benefits diverse communities across the continent.

Organisers emphasise that the conference is a catalyst for change, not just a forum for discussion. As global competition intensifies, the outcomes from Sun City are expected to shape Africa’s strategy on collaboration, innovation, and policy, creating a more resilient and inclusive tourism sector.

The ultimate measure of the conference’s success will be its tangible outcomes. The focus is firmly on moving beyond speeches to achieve measurable progress through investments in digital tools, new air routes, and streamlined regulations. The Sun City summit is an urgent call for bold, collective action, as the continent’s tourism sector stands at a critical juncture.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Answers

What is the 2025 Tourism Leadership Conference?

The 2025 Tourism Leadership Conference, hosted by the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) in Sun City, is a gathering of tourism industry leaders to discuss strategies for growth, collaboration, and innovation in Africa’s tourism sector.

When and where is the conference taking place?

The conference is scheduled for September 2025 at the Sun City resort in South Africa, with a key tourism marketing workshop on 17 September.

What are the main topics of the 2025 conference?

The conference will cover tourism marketing, intra-African travel, air access, safety, digital transformation, policy evolution, short-term rental regulation, and investment in rural tourism.

Why is intra-African travel a focus of the conference?

Intra-African travel is vital for boosting tourism numbers and fostering cultural and economic ties. The conference will address barriers like visa restrictions and connectivity to promote seamless travel across the continent.

Who should attend the 2025 Tourism Leadership Conference?

Tourism industry professionals, policymakers, marketers, and stakeholders interested in advancing Africa’s tourism sector through collaboration and innovation should attend.

How will the conference impact Africa’s tourism future?

The conference aims to catalyse actionable change by fostering partnerships, shaping policies, and driving investments that enhance Africa’s competitiveness in the global tourism market.

What makes this year’s conference different from previous ones?

The 2025 conference tackles overlooked issues like short-term rental regulations and rural tourism investment, emphasising practical solutions and inclusive growth.

How can I learn more about attending or participating in the conference?

For details on registration and participation, visit the official Tourism Business Council of South Africa website or contact their team directly.