Now in its fourth year, the event brought together leaders from across Southern Africa's tourism value chain to examine the opportunities and challenges shaping the industry's future, with discussions ranging from artificial intelligence and sustainability to destination marketing, industry collaboration and youth employment.
Johnny Goldberg, chairman of Global Business Solutions, opened the conference with a keynote address on artificial intelligence, innovation and hospitality transformation, telling delegates:
"AI won't replace your job, but someone using AI will."
Hosted in support of Touching Dreams, proceeds from the conference and Oracle-themed gala dinner will fund community, conservation and youth development initiatives, including Reach for a Dream, the Endangered Wildlife Trust and the Touching Dreams Think Big Academy.
The opening leadership panel, facilitated by Dimitris Manikis of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, featured Johnny Goldberg (Global Business Solutions), Mokwena Morulane (Cresta Hotels), Nick Dickson (Dream Hotels & Resorts) and Jacob Messina (Stayntouch).
Panellists agreed that organisations able to anticipate change would be better positioned than those that reacted to it. Leadership, they said, required creating hope during uncertain times while embracing Ubuntu as one of Africa's strongest competitive advantages in hospitality.
They also highlighted the importance of regional collaboration and authentic tourism experiences to unlock Africa's long-term tourism potential.
Artificial intelligence emerged as one of the conference's strongest themes.
Goldberg said artificial general intelligence may be closer than many expect, yet only a small percentage of hotels currently have an AI strategy.
The technology panel, moderated by Samantha Williams (Profitroom), together with Sarah Marron (Aven Hospitality), Janine Louw (Profitroom), Jacob Messina (Stayntouch) and Chris Snyman (Dream Hotels & Resorts), explored how AI is changing the way travellers discover and book accommodation.
Panellists warned that hotels absent from AI-generated recommendations risk being overlooked before potential guests even visit their websites.
While AI could improve efficiency and personalisation, they agreed the human element would remain central to hospitality, with trust, authentic content and seamless booking experiences continuing to drive conversions.
The technology discussion also encouraged hoteliers to move beyond room sales by creating integrated guest experiences that combine accommodation with dining, spa treatments, tours and local attractions.
Delegates heard that frictionless booking journeys, personalised experiences and effective change management would be essential as new technologies become more widely adopted.
The associations panel, facilitated by Dave Milne (Peermont Hotels and TBCSA), brought together David Frost (Satsa), Michael Hagemann (Fedhasa), Miguel Martins (SASTRA) and Shaun Lamont (VOASA).
The discussion highlighted visa reform, the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme, destination safety initiatives and international marketing campaigns as examples of what could be achieved through collaboration.
Panellists urged businesses not only to join industry associations but to actively participate by contributing expertise and serving on committees, while calling for stronger public-private partnerships and a unified message to market South Africa internationally.
The sustainability panel, facilitated by Dimitri Syrris (Baotree), featured Nick Konstandoudakis (SATIB), Deborah O'Connor (BDO), Fabio Nava (CBRE Excellerate) and Carl Coetzee (ERO).
The discussion focused on the importance of reliable ESG data, climate resilience and proactive risk management.
Delegates heard that maintenance, fire prevention and water management were among the most effective ways to reduce climate-related risks, while collaboration between neighbouring properties and local authorities would become increasingly important.
The final panel, facilitated by Chris Godenir (Touching Dreams), focused on the industry's social impact.
Nonkululeko Sithole (Dream Hotels & Resorts), Natasha-Lee Shunmugam (Touching Dreams), Sipho Claassen (Boundless Group), together with Think Big Academy learners Mureesha Smith and Lesedi Molefi, discussed how the programme is creating pathways into employment.
Following an inaugural intake of 20 learners in 2025, the Think Big Academy has expanded to place 100 learners in workplaces across South Africa during its 2026/27 programme.
Across all six discussions, delegates returned to a common theme: whether the challenge is artificial intelligence, climate change, economic uncertainty or youth unemployment, collaboration across businesses, associations and government will be essential to building a more resilient hospitality and tourism sector.
