The Limpopo Provincial Government, through the Limpopo Tourism Agency, in partnership with Africa Tourism Partners (ATP), has officially launched the Africa Tourism Leadership Forum (ATLF) & Awards 2026, positioning the province as a rising continental tourism and business events leader.
The media launch was held in Polokwane at Meropa Casino, with in-person and virtual participation from industry stakeholders, policymakers and media across Africa and beyond. The event marked the first formal milestone towards the eighth edition of ATLF, scheduled to take place in Limpopo from 2 to 4 September 2026.
Addressing the gathering, Tshitereke Matibe, Member of the Executive Council for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, said Limpopo is firmly focused on claiming the number one position in South Africa’s national tourism rankings. While the province currently ranks second overall, he noted that its performance as an inland destination effectively places it at the top of its category nationally.
The MEC said Limpopo is no longer content with second place and is strategically positioning itself to become the country’s leading tourism destination. He added that hosting ATLF 2026 aligns with broader provincial objectives to strengthen tourism infrastructure, improve air access and leverage tourism as a catalyst for inclusive economic growth.
ATLF 2026 is expected to host approximately 750 delegates from 60 countries, who will spend three days in Limpopo engaging on deals, policy direction and Africa’s shared tourism ambitions. The forum brings together ministers, senior government officials, CEOs of tourism organisations, private sector leaders and development partners.
Speaking at the launch, Kwakye Donkor, Chief Executive Officer of Africa Tourism Partners, commended the Limpopo Provincial Government and the Limpopo Tourism Agency for accepting to host the 2026 edition of ATLF. He described the decision as timely and strategic, noting that Limpopo’s commitment reflects growing confidence among African destinations to take ownership of continental platforms that shape tourism leadership, policy and investment conversations.
Since its founding in Accra in 2018, ATLF has evolved into a continental centre for tourism policy formulation and industry dialogue. Early editions attracted more than 500 delegates from over 30 countries, including ministers, tourism CEOs and senior executives.
The forum has since expanded significantly, having been hosted in Durban, Kigali, and three times in Gaborone. The 2024 edition welcomed nearly 800 physical delegates and more than 2,000 virtual participants from 95 countries, consolidating ATLF’s position as one of Africa’s most influential tourism leadership platforms.
The Polokwane launch brought together senior government officials, municipal leaders and tourism industry executives, including Andrew Dipela, Board Chairperson of the Limpopo Tourism Agency, Mamedupi Teffo, Executive Mayor of Capricorn District Municipality, Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, Chief Executive Officer of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa, Moses Ngobeni, Chief Executive Officer of the Limpopo Tourism Agency, Keleabetswe Tlouane, Deputy Director-General for Environment and Tourism in Limpopo, and John Makoro Mpe, Executive Mayor of Polokwane Local Municipality.
Organisers said a comprehensive press release outlining the programme, themes and strategic outcomes of ATLF 2026 will be released in due course as preparations for the continental forum continue.
