• By Jeanine
• 14/04/202514/04/2025
• Amapiano Music Business Tourism Cultural Tourism G20 Summit Gauteng at WTM Africa Gauteng Entrepreneurs Gauteng Showcase Gauteng Tourism Local Business Empowerment SMMEs Sports Tourism Tourism Activations Tourism Marketing WTM Africa 2025
• With 1 comment

The 2025 World Travel Market (WTM) Africa has come to a close, and Gauteng’s participation has proven to be an extraordinary success. Held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) from April 9–11, this prestigious event brought together global industry leaders, tourism professionals, and media representatives, all eager to explore new destinations and business opportunities. As South Africa’s economic powerhouse, Gauteng made sure to stand out, showcasing its diverse tourism offerings, robust business opportunities, and the vibrancy of local entrepreneurship.

This year’s event allowed the Gauteng Tourism Authority (GTA) to shine a spotlight on the province’s dynamic mix of culture, sports, and business, while empowering Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) through participation at the GTA stand. By combining world-class tourism experiences with locally-driven business initiatives, Gauteng has positioned itself as a premier destination for both business and leisure travelers.

Celebrating Gauteng’s Unique Tourism Offerings

Gauteng’s participation in WTM Africa 2025 was focused on promoting the province’s distinctive combination of business tourism, sports tourism, and cultural experiences. With a blend of engaging activations and strategic marketing, the GTA emphasized why Gauteng is a must-visit destination for global travelers.

• Music and Amapiano: As the global home of Amapiano music, Gauteng proudly celebrated its cultural influence at the event. With live performances and interactive experiences, attendees were immersed in the vibrant sounds of this genre that originated in the heart of the province. The Amapiano activation featured DJ Kabza De Small and offered visitors the chance to explore how Gauteng’s music scene has gone from local phenomenon to global sensation.
• Sports Tourism: From FNB Stadium (Soccer City) to Loftus Versfeld, Gauteng is home to some of Africa’s most iconic sports venues. The Gauteng Sporting Showcase at WTM Africa highlighted the province’s world-class sports infrastructure, with immersive activations like the Golf Virtual Reality Experience, which allowed visitors to virtually tour top golf courses in Gauteng. The province’s significant role in sports tourism was highlighted, and these activations piqued the interest of sports enthusiasts and event organizers looking for top-tier venues to host international events.
• G20 Summit: The GTA also spotlighted Gauteng’s role as the host province for the upcoming G20 summit in 2025, positioning the province as a major global business hub. This prestigious event will bring together world leaders and key decision-makers, providing a significant platform to showcase Gauteng’s modern infrastructure and business capabilities to the international community.

Supporting Local Entrepreneurs: SMMEs at the GTA Stand

A key highlight of Gauteng’s WTM Africa 2025 participation was its commitment to empowering local businesses through the inclusion of SMMEs in the GTA stand. This initiative was part of the GTA’s strategy to ensure that the benefits of tourism are felt by local entrepreneurs and communities. Participating SMMEs, including tour operators, artisans, and local service providers, gained invaluable exposure by engaging with global buyers, media, and tourism professionals.

The SMMEs benefited from:

• Networking opportunities with international stakeholders
• Exposure to new markets and potential partnerships
• Direct engagement with key tourism industry decision-makers
• Opportunities to showcase unique local products and services to a global audience

The GTA’s commitment to supporting these businesses highlights its long-term goal of fostering inclusive growth in the tourism industry, ensuring that local entrepreneurs benefit from the increasing international interest in Gauteng.

Impressive Visitor Engagement and Positive Feedback

The Gauteng stand was a key attraction at WTM Africa, with thousands of visitors exploring the province’s diverse offerings. From the interactive Strength Tester Machine to the exciting Gautrain Experience and prize draws for exclusive tours of Constitution Hill and safaris, the stand kept visitors engaged throughout the event. The province’s vibrant music, cultural heritage, and sporting infrastructure were celebrated through these immersive experiences.

The feedback from visitors was overwhelmingly positive. Attendees were impressed by Gauteng’s unique combination of business, culture, and sports tourism. Many visitors expressed interest in exploring Gauteng further, with several international buyers already planning to include the province in their future travel itineraries.

Gauteng’s Football Success: A Key Pillar for Tourism Marketing

In a related win for Gauteng, the province recently celebrated its CAF Champions League victories, with Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns delivering stellar performances on the continental football stage. This success reinforces Gauteng’s position as “The Home of Champions” and Africa’s leading sports entertainment destination.

The GTA’s sports tourism strategy took full advantage of this success by highlighting #SportingGP, a tourism route that includes major sports venues and landmarks such as Orlando Stadium and FNB Stadium. This route forms a key part of Gauteng’s tourism product, encouraging sports fans to visit the province and explore its rich football and sports heritage. The inclusion of sports legends and former players as part of this marketing initiative will also create employment opportunities and promote economic growth in the region.

Learn more: Gauteng’s CAF Champions League Dominance Doubles as a Marketing Win for South Africa

Gauteng’s Bright Future

With WTM Africa 2025 behind us, Gauteng is now looking ahead to the G20 summit and beyond. The exposure garnered at WTM Africa has positioned Gauteng as a top-tier destination for business, culture, and sports tourism. The connections made with international buyers and media will help drive sustained growth in the province’s tourism industry.

Gauteng’s strategy of integrating local businesses into its tourism offerings will continue to be a priority, ensuring that the benefits of tourism are shared equitably. The province’s role as a sports and cultural hub will only continue to grow, with more global visitors and investors keen to explore all that Gauteng has to offer.

For more information on tourism experiences in Gauteng, visit the official website: www.gauteng.net or follow the Gauteng Tourism Authority on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.