No detail was spared in bringing the theme to life. Guests wandered past a Sami Village pitched in the snow with fires and huskies, sipped shots poured from ice sculptures by Vikings, while tables glowed under atmospheric ice-cube lighting. Face painters worked the crowd and a violinist performed inside a giant bubble… as sponsors clearly pulled out all the stops for a night guests won’t forget in a hurry.

Envoyage South Africa general manager Chantal Gouws reflected on the year gone by in her address to the room. “What I see here tonight is family. It’s a community that has come together and created something so unique and so special, and that is what tonight is all about,” she said. “This has been a massive year for us. We remained focused on our top priorities: retention, growth and technology. Tonight is your night to shine, and every single one of you in this room should be incredibly proud of what you have achieved.”

Special Awards

• Top Land Rep Award – Samantha Bronkhorst and Taryn Lanjopoulos (Beachcomber)
• Top Air Rep Award – Joseph Sithole (Virgin Atlantic)
• Top 3rd Party Supplier – Beachcomber
• Top Land Support Consultant – Donne Gaylard

Envoyage congratulates all its winners and thanks its agents, agencies and partners for another outstanding year.

A proud milestone for the region, this first-of-its-kind initiative comprised five thematic categories reflecting the essence of Stellenbosch as a destination. Following an overwhelming response of over 90 submissions across three age divisions (7-18, 19-65, and 66+), official winners were announced at the official awards ceremony on 19 June, with each receiving R10,000 in prize money:

Taste 
Culinary culture, food artisans, markets, and local produce 
Amdanda Miti | Coffee Cafe Caffeine | Mixed Medium

Wine 
Vineyards, harvest, cellars, heritage estates, and wine lifestyle 
Sheulyn Raine Hobbs | Sips of Stellenbosch | Mixed Medium

Stay 
Hospitality, architecture, boutique hotels, and guesthouses 
Jared Christopher Delport | Stellenbosch Dutch | Oil Pastels

Experience 
Festivals, cycling, hiking, university life, and the arts 
Judith A Hapgood | Crag and Bone | Acrylic

Community 
The people of Stellenbosch, their diversity, heritage, and shared stories 
Beatrice de Villiers | Church Street | Mixed Medium

Considering the exceptionally high calibre of submissions, the judging panel introduced an additional award to recognise outstanding work:

Judges Award: 
Jade Lubbe | Kuluntu | Acrylic

Art of Origin Stellenbosch submissions closed on Monday, 25 May, with official judging completed on 3 June. Each submission was evaluated independently by a distinguished panel of five judges:

• Ashley Walters, Fine Arts Coordinator at Stellenbosch University’s Visual Arts Department
• Andi Norton, Strategic Management Consultant (Art and Education); Founder of KickstART; Trustee of the Stellenbosch Outdoor Sculpture Trust and Stellenbosch Art Mile
• Jett Jooste (“Theytjie”), Multidisciplinary Artist, Photographer, Filmmaker, Visual Artist and Photography Lecturer at Stellenbosch Academy of Design and Photography
• Dr Mike Mavura, Visual Arts Curator, Cultural Strategist, Educator and Director of Pamurove Foundation
• Xenia van der Meulen, Destination Marketing Manager at Spier; Art Project and Exhibition Advocate

Following the awards, Annemie Liebenberg, Chief Executive Officer of Visit Stellenbosch, highlighted the transformative power of the initiative on their community: “Beyond the competition itself, Art of Origin has fostered curiosity and connection across the town, encouraging deeper dialogue between residents and visitors from different generations and backgrounds.”

Coert Venter, Chairman of the Art Association Stellenbosch, added: “Art of Origin has achieved what we set out to do: to open the door to every generation and every corner of our community. The diversity and quality of submissions speak to the extraordinary creative heartbeat of this town. Art, at its core, invites us to slow down and look more carefully. To be present in a moment that might otherwise pass us by. This truth sits at the heart of Art of Origin, and at the heart of Stellenbosch itself.”

Liebenberg urges the public to view the exhibition, comprising over 90 artworks, at the PJ Olivier Art Centre until 25 June. “Go experience it for yourself. This is just the beginning of what we hope will become a cherished annual tradition that continues to elevate and celebrate Stellenbosch’s artists,” she concluded.

The winning artworks will feature in the 2027 Visit Stellenbosch Visitors Guide, sharing the essence of Stellenbosch with travellers across the globe and positioning the town as a destination brimming with unexpected firsts and unforgettable moments. For those wishing to acquire any of the exhibited pieces (excluding the winning artworks), please contact the Stellenbosch Art Association at admin@stellenboschkuns.co.za.

The recognition in Indaba’s Inspirational Awards rounds off a landmark 12 months for the EcoTraining team.

In the past year, EcoTraining became the first and only field guidetraining provider in South Africa to offer university-level NQF5 qualifications accredited by the Council on Higher Education.

In September, it was named Best Education Study Abroad Provider at the 2025 Global Youth Travel Awards in Lisbon.

Now, South African Tourism has recognised the organisation for innovation in conservation education through its Inspirational Awards.

Bringing the bush to a global audience

Over 33 years, EcoTraining has trained more than 17,000 people from 33 countries at its immersive, unfenced camps in South Africa, Botswana and Kenya. Its graduates lead safaris across the continent. Close to a thousand have come from China alone, returning home as guides and guardians of the African wilderness.

The Indaba judges recognised the way EcoTraining is opening the world of conservation to people who can’t always reach the bush. In 2023, it launched the Online Field & Trails Guide Programme, making FGASA-accredited training available anywhere through virtual classrooms, live lectures and field videos, with the option to follow up with an immersive in-camp practical.

Other online courses, including the newly launched Inside the Pride, which explores the evolution, ecology and behaviour of lions, allow guides, wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists to broaden their knowledge and safeguard Africa’s vulnerable species and natural heritage – alongside courses in ecology, wildlife photography, birding and tracking, designed for travellers who want to add more onto a traditional Big-5 safari.

Recognition with a wider message

The Indaba Inspirational Awards honour innovation, inspiration, empowerment, and excellence across African tourism, and the recognition means a great deal to the entire team.

“Three achievements in a single year tell us something bigger is happening,” says EcoTraining’s MD, Anton Lategan. “People want travel that means something. They want to understand the places they visit and leave them better than they found them. Our job is to keep building the courses, camps, guides and advocates that make that possible.”

EcoTraining has delivered guide training in eight countries over the last year and is honoured to train the safari guides of A&K Sanctuary, Londolozi, Great Plains Botswana, the Female Nature Guide Training Programme of African Bush Camps Foundation, and many other top safari organisations. Alongside this, EcoTraining’s wider course range continues to grow, with career courses for school leavers, guides, career-changers, gap year students, mature learners and lifelong conservationists, online and in the bush.

“The expansion of these awards categories was deliberate, driven by what we were hearing from the industry – that talent across every discipline deserves to be seen. Hospitality is one of the most significant contributors to employment and economic activity in this country. A single tourism job typically supports up to seven people, meaning the ripple effect extends across entire households and communities. The people powering that contribution are too often invisible,” said FEDHASA Cape Chair and organiser of the event, Lee-Anne Singer.

“Recognition is not ceremonial. It’s a retention tool and a statement to the next generation that this is an industry worth dedicating a career to,” she added.

Guests were welcomed with signature cocktails from Motsamayi Tourism Group, while the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra provided an evening of entertainment befitting the occasion. Comedian Dalin Oliver served as master of ceremonies, bringing warmth and energy to a room that needed little encouragement to celebrate.

Rashid Toefy of the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism (EDAT) and Tracy Mkhize of Cape Town Tourism were also in attendance, serving as a reminder that the health of South Africa’s hospitality industry is not a private sector concern alone, but a matter of economic and social consequence for the country at large.

“FEDHASA is here to ensure that the professionals and businesses making up this industry have the advocacy and support they need to do what they do best. South Africa’s hospitality sector is projected to contribute more than R554.6 billion to our GDP and support nearly two million jobs by 2032. Realising that potential requires investment in people and policy that enables rather than constrains, and in an association that fights for this industry every single day. That’s what FEDHASA is here to do, and evenings like Wednesday’s are a reminder of exactly why it matters,” said FEDHASA National Chair, Brett Tungay.

The 2nd FEDHASA Hospitality Awards Winners:

• Hospitality Consultant of the Year: Theresa Prins, Revenue Resolutions
• Revenue & Distribution Manager of the Year: Eddie Venter, Kievits Kroon Gauteng Wine Estate
• Sales & Marketing Professional of the Year: Tricia Wood, Profitroom
• Front Office Manager of the Year: Jason Powell, Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa
• Concierge of the Year: Masood Sadulla, Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa
• Executive Housekeeper of the Year: Enara Muza, The Silo Hotel
• Beverage Professional of the Year: Bekithemba Moyo, Blue Wave Mobile Bar
• Meetings & Event Manager of the Year: Deidre Raubenheimer, University of Cape Town
• Chef of the Year: Christo Pretorius, The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa
• Digital Innovation & Technology Professional of the Year: José Soares, The Capital Hotels & Apartments
• Finance Professional of the Year: Louise Waddicor, The Silo Hotel
• Talent Manager of the Year: Lee-Anne Burrows, Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel
• Sustainability & ESG Professional of the Year: Sonica Matthee, Kievits Kroon Gauteng Wine Estate
• Spa & Wellness Manager of the Year: Joanne Lyons, The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa
• Rising Star of the Year: Thanaa Norodien, Singer Group
• Trailblazer Award: Lance Gibbons, SA Chef Media
• General Manager of the Year: Yuri De Villiers, Shamwari Private Game Reserve
• Leader of the Year: George Cohen, Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa

The 2nd FEDHASA Hospitality Awards were made possible through the generous support of:

Motsamayi Tourism Group, Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Access Group, TBCSA, Bryte Insurance, Ankerdata, RoomPriceGenie, StayNTouch, Smart Operator, HotelTime, Santam, FNB, the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, and Fuel.

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Cape Town: The WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards 2026 were presented today at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, recognising 22 organisations across 13 countries who are delivering measurable impact for people, places and nature.

The ceremony was MC-ed by Rachel Nxele, board member of SANParks, with special guest speaker Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth at the City of Cape Town. The awards span five categories – Championing Cultural Diversity; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Local Economic Benefit; Nature Positive; and Regenerative Tourism – and are run in partnership with the International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT).

“These awards are both celebration and evidence – recognising those organisations that are building dignity, protecting nature and honouring heritage.” – Rachel Nxele, board member, SANParks; MC, WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards 2026

Nxele framed the awards around a single, challenging question: can you prove it? “The awards recognise real work, real commitment and real impact,” she said. “The work that happens when no-one is watching.”

Alderman James Vos echoed that emphasis on demonstrable outcomes. The awards, he said, are “about showing impact” – because if you cannot show impact, it means “nothing to no-one”.

Vos described the awards as an important showcase of “how it can be done and how it should be done” and called on the industry to build more “tourism-preneurs” – to create greater longevity and broader economic opportunity.

THE TROPHIES

This year’s winners received trophies that are, in themselves, a statement of intent.

Gold and silver winners received handmade protea trophies crafted by Cape Gypsea, each one unique. The delicate inner petals are formed from the pages of recycled books; the bold outer petals from vibrant Shweshwe fabric, locally sourced with a focus on eco-conscious biodegradability. Together, they bring past and present into a single object – forgotten stories and living African tradition, side by side.

Organisations recognised as “One-to-Watch” received a bottle of Painted Wolf Wines, which is this year celebrating 20 years of wines for conservation. The company takes its name from Lycaon pictus – the scientific name for the African wild dog – and has donated 4% of sales to conservation since it was founded. By supporting African wild dogs, that support flows throughout the ecosystems and communities that share wild spaces across the continent.

THE 2026 RESPONSIBLE TOURISM WINNERS

The 2026 WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Award Gold winners are:

Ele Collection Zimbabwe – Nature Positive
Plastic waste is transformed into construction grade aggregate, reducing extraction pressure on natural systems while providing income to community collectors and educating visitors through factory tours. The judges praised the circular model for turning a major environmental threat into longterm infrastructure value while strengthening community livelihoods.

RuralRevive Namibia – Regenerative Tourism
RuralRevive’s “Building a Desert Based Economy Initiative” is conceptualised and driven by the Wolwedans Foundation. It is transforming the tourism economy around Maltahöhe through climate appropriate horticulture, local enterprise development and systems that reconnect tourism with community livelihoods. The judges recognised Rural Revive for addressing deep-rooted structural challenges by rebuilding local food systems, restoring dignity through work and creating a resilient desert based economy.

Saruni Basecamp Kenya – Regenerative Tourism
A community conservancy model has generated more than 1.5 million dollars for 6,605 landowners, conserved more than 414,000 hectares and embedded regenerative food systems and women’s economic empowerment across 13 camps. The judges commended Saruni Basecamp for demonstrating how long-term lease agreements and bed night fees can secure large and connected landscapes for wildlife, while strengthening local livelihoods.

Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company South Africa – Local Economic Benefit
Local procurement has increased from 29 percent in 2017 to 89 percent today, supporting more than 150 small businesses and providing mentorship and certification support to 67 SMMEs. The judges highlighted TMACC’s commitment to developing suppliers beyond the Cableway itself, helping entrepreneurs strengthen operations and access wider tourism markets.

Traditional African Homestays Southern Africa – Championing Cultural Diversity
A fast-growing network of heritage homestays enables visitors to become part of village life while ensuring most fee income stays within communities, with expansion now reaching Eswatini and Botswana. The judges noted the remarkable year-on-year growth, with more than R6 million generated and 70–80 percent of income remaining in host communities, demonstrating a scalable model of cultural preservation and community empowerment.

V&A Waterfront Academy Cape Town – Local Economic Benefit
Since 2023, 315 young people have been placed into employment, with 90 percent securing fulltime jobs for the first time and 15 small businesses supported through the Watershed craft market. The Academy’s model addresses a critical gap by supporting both young workers and the businesses that hire them during the fragile first six months of employment.

The 2026 WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Award silver winners are:

Elephant Human Relations Aid Namibia – Regenerative Tourism
Human elephant conflict incidents have fallen from 92 in 2023 to just 12 so far in 2026, with no elephants shot as problem animals in 2025, across more than 2 million hectares.

Graskop Gorge Lift Company South Africa – Nature Positive
A zero impact access system protects critically endangered species such as the Graskop cliff aloe while sourcing most procurement within 100 kilometres.

Green Planet & TUI Care Foundation Egypt– Championing Cultural Diversity
The Colourful Cultures programme supports artists, artisans and community hosts through training in hospitality, storytelling and entrepreneurship, connecting them to tourism markets through hotel, tour operator and online partnerships.

Imvelo Safari Lodges – Regenerative Tourism
Longterm coexistence work includes water management, antipoaching deterrence and the successful reintroduction of white rhinos.

LUX Marijani Zanzibar – Local Economic Benefit
Local suppliers are embedded into the resort’s value chain, generating consistent income for fishers, farmers, transport providers and women’s cooperatives.

Saruni Wild Kenya – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
A structured internship programme has shifted staff representation from an allmale team in 2015 to nearly one third women today, including a female Assistant Manager and equal gender representation among interns.

TUI Futureshapers North Africa – Local Economic Benefit
The programme supports more than 180 young entrepreneurs across Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia, strengthens local value chains and creates jobs through locally led tourism businesses.

Unexplored Cape Town – Championing Cultural Diversity
Inclusive, community rooted food tours take guests into neighbourhood kitchens and markets, supporting small vendors and welcoming travellers with disabilities while showcasing diverse African and diaspora food cultures.

The 2026 WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Award one-to-watch winners are:

AgroTourism Park by Eco Terra Vista Tours Rwanda – Local Economic Benefit
A grassroots model integrating smallholder farming, cultural heritage and tourism ensures revenue stays in rural communities historically excluded from tourism value chains.

Cape Tourist Guides Association South Africa – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Recognised for strengthening representation by ensuring guides reflect South Africa’s cultural, linguistic and socioeconomic diversity.

Desert & Delta Safaris Botswana – Championing Cultural Diversity
The Okavango Marathon Project offers an immersive cultural journey through remote communities along the Okavango Panhandle, meeting fishermen, travelling by mokoro with community guides and engaging with the San community at Tsodilo.

Green Safaris Zambia and Malawi – Regenerative Tourism
Mukuni Organic Farm and hydrological restoration using cascading check dams demonstrate a regenerative approach to restoring degraded land.

Jacada Travel Zimbabwe – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
A Female Guides of the Future initiative supports women to access high-level guiding roles through training, mentorship and career pathways in partnership with the Wilderness Trust.

Spekboom Southern Africa – Nature Positive
A tour company offering an automated split payment model channels 2.5 per cent of every booking directly to conservation or community causes at no extra cost to guests.

TUI Care Foundation Field to Fork Tanzania – Regenerative Tourism
Strengthens regenerative food systems, supports local farmers and links sustainable agriculture with tourism markets. One of nine projects worldwide.

TUI Turtle Aid and Project Diversity, Cape Verde – Nature Positive

More than 1.2 million endangered turtle hatchlings have been protected  since 2017 by TUI with local partner Project Biodiversity.

THE JUDGES

The judges of the WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards were chaired by Emeritus Professor Harold Goodwin, managing director of the Responsible Tourism Partnership and founder ICRT global and included Glynn O’ Leary Transfrontier Parks Destinations and ICRT Southern Africa, Ruth Crichton regional head Southern Africa the Long Run and ICRT Southern Africa, Adama Bah, Institute of Travel and Tourism of The Gambia (ITTOG) and ICRT West Africa, Martin Brackenbury formerly IFTO and UN Advisor, Kerry Carmichael founder of Echo and Tiomóid Foley, net zero tourism manager, business development and intermediary marketing at Visit Scotland

Debbie Hindle, chair of the International Centre for Responsible Tourism Global, closed the proceedings by congratulating all the winners –and in particular the gold winners, who now have the opportunity to compete in the Global Responsible Tourism Awards and take their stories to the international stage.

Olivia Gradidge, marketing manager WTM Africa and ILTM Africa said: “At WTM Africa, we’re proud to shine a light on these inspiring organisations. It’s truly an honour to recognise the outstanding work of the winners and witness the innovative strides our industry is making every year. This highlight on our events calendar reflects our commitment to championing responsible tourism that benefits people, places, and nature.”  

Full citations for all winners are available at www.icrt.global.

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STELLENBOSCH, SOUTH AFRICA – Stellenbosch has launched Art of Origin Stellenbosch, a town-wide art competition and exhibition bringing together every generation and creative community in the region for the very first time. Organised by Visit Stellenbosch in partnership with the Art Association Stellenbosch, the initiative is open to all: primary and high school learners, university students, emerging and established artists, township collectives, community groups, and creatives from the town’s senior living communities. Submissions are accepted across all mediums and across three age divisions: 7 to 18, 19 to 65, and 66 and above.

Winning artworks will be featured in the 2027 Visit Stellenbosch Visitors Guide, distributed to over one million prospective visitors worldwide, giving Stellenbosch’s artists international exposure on a scale rarely accessible to emerging or community-based creatives. Five thematic category winners will each receive R10,000 in prize money, with one artwork selected for the front cover of the guide. Submitted works will be exhibited at the PJ Olivier Art Centre, and the official opening and winners’ celebration will take place on 4 June 2026, followed by a public exhibition running from 4 to 25 June 2026.

“Stellenbosch has always been a creative town. But Art of Origin is something we have never done before, an open invitation to every artist, school, community collective, and resident of our senior living communities in our town to tell its story in their own voice. More than an art competition, this is a cultural movement,” said Annemie Liebenberg, CEO of Visit Stellenbosch

“This is a moment that belongs to every artist in Stellenbosch, not just the established ones,” agreed Mr Coert Venter, Chairman of the Art Association Stellenbosch. “Art of Origin is the first initiative of its kind in this town, one that genuinely opens the door to every generation and community. We’re bringing our community together by inviting a child from a Stellenbosch school, a township artist, and a painter from a senior home to all hang their work in the same exhibition.  That is the Stellenbosch we want the world to see.”

A Creative First for Stellenbosch

Art of Origin Stellenbosch is one of the most tangible expressions of Visit Stellenbosch’s new destination-wide brand positioning, Unexpected Firsts. Unforgettable Moments, and forms part of this expansive initiative celebrating innovation and milestone moments across the town. While rooted in this broader vision, Art of Origin stands as a distinctive cultural initiative in its own right, designed to leave a permanent creative and tourism legacy for Stellenbosch and the artists who call it home.

Artists are invited to submit original works across five thematic categories that reflect the heart of Stellenbosch:

• Taste: Culinary culture, food artisans, markets, and local produce
• Wine: Vineyards, harvest, cellars, heritage estates, and wine lifestyle
• Stay: Hospitality, architecture, boutique hotels, and guesthouses
• Experience: Festivals, cycling, hiking, university life, and the arts
• Community: The people of Stellenbosch and their diversity, heritage, and shared stories

Artists may enter across more than one theme, with each submission judged independently. All mediums are welcome, including painting, drawing, mixed media, digital art, and collage.

Important Dates

• Judging Session: Wednesday, 3 June 2026 | 14:00 – 18:00
• Location: PJ Olivier Art Centre, 3 Blom Road, Stellenbosch
• Soft Opening (First Thursdays): Thursday, 4 June 2026 | 17:00 – 20:00
• Exhibition Dates: 4 June – 25 June 2026 (Open to the public)
• Awards Evening (Winners Announced): Thursday, 18 June 2026

For submission guidelines, entry forms, and further information, contact: admin@stellenboschkuns.co.za or 079 084 6183

Free to enter and open to companies of all sizes, including emerging startups and individual entrepreneurs, the awards spotlight initiatives solving real challenges and shaping the future of tourism in Africa. Winners will be announced on 14 April in the Host City of Cape Town at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) during WTM Africa 2026.

“Established in 2004, these prestigious annual awards remain a leading platform for championing responsible tourism businesses that are not just talking about sustainability, but driving it,” says Megan De Jager, Portfolio Director at RX Africa. “It’s a celebration of those inspiring action, and paving the way for a more inclusive and transformative industry.”

“We are very excited for the upcoming World Travel Market Africa Responsible Tourism Awards, and I am looking forward to seeing the range of entries representing the travel and tourism practitioners who are making a positive difference in our country, and particularly here in Cape Town,” says Geordin Hill-Lewis, Executive Mayor of Cape Town.

“As a city that has built such a strong global reputation as a travel destination, we understand very well the value that tourism holds for our economy. But it is equally important that this tourism is managed sustainably, that local communities benefit, that we celebrate the full spectrum of our cultural diversity, and that we preserve our natural resources for generations to come. That’s why these awards are so important to us, and I have no doubt we will see some very deserving winners next year,” concludes Hill-Lewis.

Registrants can apply for the following six categories:

1. Local Economic Benefits – Supporting local businesses and keeping tourism spend in local hands
2. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion – Empowering underrepresented voices in tourism
3. Nature Positive – Protecting biodiversity and natural heritage
4. Championing Cultural Diversity – Promoting dignity, pride and understanding in communities
5. Adapting to Climate Change – Building resilience through innovation and preparedness
6. Regenerative Tourism – Restoring and renewing communities and ecosystems

Entries will be judged by a panel of respected industry leaders, including travel professionals, association heads, government representatives and independent media. Gold and Silver awards will be presented, along with a special ‘One to Watch’ accolade recognising innovative concepts already demonstrating early impact.

“Each year we ‘discover’ businesses and destinations making tourism better, and we promote them,” says Professor Harold Goodwin, WTM Responsible Tourism Advisor.

“If you don’t enter, you can’t be recognised! Gold winners announced at WTM Africa 2026 are automatically entered into the Global Awards, placing Africa’s leading changemakers on the world stage alongside peers from Latin America, Europe, the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia.”

Winners can also link directly to their citation on the ICRT.global website, providing credible third-party validation and powerful marketing collateral.

“Don’t miss your chance to be seen,” adds De Jager. “Winning, or even being named a finalist, delivers more than global recognition. It strengthens your brand credibility and connects you with industry leaders from around the world.”

With the deadline fast approaching, now is the time to act. Apply before 20 March to showcase your impact, gain international recognition and position your business at the forefront of responsible tourism. Nomination forms and full category details are available on the WTM Africa website. All completed applications must be submitted online here.

Entries for the 2026 ATW Media Awards are now open, with submissions sought from travel writers, bloggers, videographers, and photographers who produce outstanding content related to the African continent.

Building on the success of previous years, the 2026 awards feature an exceptional judging panel of global heavyweights, including Ellie Rothnie (wildlife photographer, tour leader and Canon ambassador), Kojo Bentum-Williams (Founder and Publisher, VoyagesAfriq), Barry Nield (Global Editor, CNN Travel), Divia Thani (Global Editorial Director, Condé Nast Traveller) and Tom Hall (Vice President, Lonely Planet).

“Once again, we’ve assembled a fantastic panel of judges who represent the very best in travel journalism and photography,” says Megan De Jager, Portfolio Director of Africa Travel Week. “Their expertise will ensure we recognise the most compelling storytellers who bring Africa’s extraordinary travel experiences to new audiences.”

The 2026 awards cover five categories:

• Sustainability Feature Award: Recognising stories that put the spotlight on regenerative tourism, community tourism, women-led initiatives, conservation, responsible practices and the African innovators protecting people and planet.

• Visual Tourism Award: Honouring photographers and visual artists whose exceptional work showcases Africa’s natural heritage, culture and character in extraordinary ways.

• Tourism News Award: Celebrating incisive, analytical reporting of developments, patterns, obstacles and innovations impacting the industry today.

• Destination Feature Award: Rewarding rich, layered features that explore a destination’s natural wonders, cultural traditions and communities – inspiring people to travel with deeper intention and curiosity.

• Young Talent Award: Spotlighting emerging writers and creators under 25 who are shaping how the world sees the continent.

The awards are open to all media practitioners at no cost, with entries accepted for content published between 1 January 2025 and 31 December 2025.

“ATW’s Media Awards recognise excellence in travel journalism, honouring those who inspire wanderlust, champion responsible tourism and showcase the authentic spirit of different African destinations,” adds de Jager. “Entries close on 16 January 2026 and winners will be announced during Africa Travel Week 2026.”

Full submission criteria as well as submission and nomination forms are available on our website: The 2026 ATW Media Awards.

One of the world’s most remote inhabited islands has triumphed on the global stage as St Helena Tourism’s breathtaking film Come and Find Me won the Gold Award in the Tourism Destination (International) category at the prestigious International Tourism Film Festival Africa (ITFFA) in Sandton on 6 June.

This achievement follows the film’s earlier success in Japan, where it received a Director’s Choice special award at the Japan World’s Tourism Film Festival (JWTFF).

Jonathan Passaportis, Head of Tourism for St Helena, said: “Winning gold at ITFFA was a special moment for everyone involved in the production – and well-deserved recognition for the director Darren Peens, who attended the ceremony with actress Katie-Raye Williams. We’re thrilled!”

For Passaportis, Come and Find Me showcases what makes St Helena Island so special, including its unique natural heritage, adventurous activities, and bucket-list appeal.

“The film represents a bold departure from traditional tourism marketing, using narrative-driven storytelling to captivate audiences and celebrate the wonders of St Helena, for example, the rugged coastline, stunning landscapes, marine life – including the island’s famous whale sharks, known locally as “bone sharks” – history, and cultural appeal,” says Passaportis. “We hope this award will introduce St Helena Island to new audiences, eco-conscious travellers, and those looking for an adventure unlike any other.”

ITFFA, now in its 7th year, has established itself as the premier tourism film festival in Africa, receiving over 4,000 film entries from 94 countries since its inception. The festival celebrates how film tourism drives economic growth and destination appeal, with a focus on how high-profile productions contribute to job creation and increased tourism arrivals.

For St Helena, an island of just 47 square miles in the South Atlantic with a population of approximately 4,000 locals, this victory over entries from much larger (and more accessible) destinations reinforces its growing reputation for off-the-beaten-path journeys and remarkable natural wonders.

“This gold award shows that St Helena‘s unique character and location are exactly what makes us shine on the global stage,” added Passaportis. “We invite travellers to come and find us – and experience what St Helena Island has to offer.”

Video link Come and Find Me: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATenzRrnCJc

For more information about the award or St Helena Island, or to explore interview opportunities, please contact sthelena@bigambitions.co.za.

Cape Town – Entries for the Africa Travel Week (ATW) 2025 Media Awards are now open!

Following on the success of the inaugural awards in 2024, ATW is calling on travel writers, bloggers, videographers, and photographers who produce content related to African tourism to submit their entry – as the ATW team prepare to celebrate excellence in travel journalism.

Once again, the awards are open to all media practitioners at no cost.

“Now in its second year, ATW’s Media Awards recognise and celebrate the top-tier storytellers who shape Africa’s tourism narrative,” says Megan De Jager, Portfolio Director – Travel, Tourism & RX Africa Marketing. “The categories cover hard news, destination features, sustainability, and visual storytelling, and, for the first time, a ‘Young Talent’ category which hopes to uncover new talent – those up-and-coming writers, photojournalists or digital content creators who are ready to make their mark in the tourism industry!”

All entries must have appeared in print or online between 1 January 2024 and 30 January 2025. Winners will be announced during Africa Travel Week, which runs from 9 to 11 April 2025 . The judges and exact date and location of the announcement will be communicated well in advance.

“We have outstanding journalists working in the African travel and tourism space,” says Natalia Rosa, CEO of Big Ambitions, ATW’s PR partner. “This is our chance to recognise talent, and celebrate those writers, journalists, photographers and filmmakers who connect Africa’s remarkable destinations – and compelling stories – with global audiences.”

The categories for the Africa Travel Week Media Awards are:

• Sustainability Feature Award
• Visual Tourism Award
• Destination Feature Award
• Tourism News Award
• Young Talent Award

More information on each award, including submission criteria can be found here: https://atwconnect.com/the-2025-atw-media-awards/

Entries close on 30 January 2025. Interested participants can submit their applications or nominate via the ATWConnect website.