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Industry Think Tank to Chart the Future of Tourism in KwaZulu-Natal
20 October 2025
Tourism and hospitality leaders from across KwaZulu-Natal will gather at The Oyster Box Hotel on 6 November 2025, for the inaugural KZN Tourism and Hospitality Think Tank. Held under the theme “Changing the Narrative Through Collaboration”, the event will bring together people working within the province’s hospitality and tourism ecosystem to explore opportunities, address challenges, and co-create practical solutions for the sector’s growth.
While the event is spearheaded by major industry players such as Red Carnation, Sun International, First Resorts, Beekman Group, ANEW Hotels, African Sky Hotels and Resorts, Champagne Sports Resort, and Dream Hotels & Resorts, participation is open to all who are passionate about rebuilding and promoting tourism in KZN.
The initiative follows the success of the third Hospitality Industry Think Tank in Johannesburg in August 2025, where tourism professionals from across South Africa gathered to share ideas, innovations, and strategies for sustainable growth. In addition to raising R180K for the non-profit organisation Touching Dreams, the Johannesburg session identified several national priorities for collective action.
One of the strongest themes to emerge was the need to position South Africa as more than a “two-pot” destination. Delegates emphasised that tourism growth depends on showcasing the country’s diversity beyond Cape Town and Kruger National Park. KwaZulu-Natal was identified as a natural focus area, with its unique combination of beach, berg, and bush experiences.
“KZN is the full package and the obvious place to focus our efforts for an immediate impact,”
says Chris Godenir, Touching Dreams ambassador and creator of the annual Hospitality Industry Think Tank.
“A lot has been done over the past two years to improve tourism in the province, but much of that work has happened in silos and progress has been slow. Our goal is to unite all KZN players so that we can move in the same direction, pool our resources, and maximise our collective impact,” added Godenir.
Held in association with FEDHASA, SATSA, and VOASA, the Think Tank will focus on five core themes:
- Collaboration - Aligning public and private sectors for integrated development to strategise the new narrative and rebrand KZN.
- Fixing the foundations - Addressing infrastructure challenges and inefficient municipalities.
- Reviving state-owned assets – Unlocking the potential of environmental and cultural attractions.
- Promoting economic growth – With tourism as a catalyst for job creation, sustainability and social stability.
- Promoting heritage and culture - Respectfully navigating governance in the Zulu Kingdom.
Each theme will be explored by a panel of industry experts, with active audience participation encouraged. Discussions will culminate in a summarised action plan outlining tangible outcomes and specific follow-up responsibilities. As a first port of call, the key findings will be presented to the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs at the Provincial Tourism Conference, which has been proposed for 7 November 2025. This will ensure that insights and recommendations reach key decision makers immediately.
“The KZN Tourism and Hospitality Think Tank is not meant to be a talkshop—it’s about driving meaningful action and measurable change,” says Roger Macquet, Director, Champagne Sports Resort.
“We urgently need to shift the narrative from one that focuses on KZN’s challenges, to one that highlights its successes and immense potential. The province has everything to offer both local and international travellers, and is a year-round destination. After a few tough years, it’s time to put KZN back on the map.”
Proceeds will once again benefit Touching Dreams, specifically the Think Big Academy in KZN, an initiative dedicated to creating youth employment opportunities within the tourism sector.
The headline sponsor of the event is SATIB Insurance Brokers, who offer specialist insurance cover for the tourism, hospitality, and leisure industries of Africa.
“As a specialist broker focused on understanding the evolving needs of the tourism and hospitality industries, collaboration is at the heart of what we do,” says Kevin Watson, Executive Head, SATIB Insurance Brokers.
“Finding solutions that help reduce risk and strengthen these vital sectors is something we care deeply about. The Think Tank provides an important platform to address some of the province’s most pressing challenges, and we are pleased to be part of this collective effort,” adds Watson.
Reserve your space at this industry-leading event:
Sponsor the event or a become a Touching Dreams donor: https://touchingdreams.co.za/get-involved
