The Africa Coastal Marine Tourism Trade Market 2026 continues to attract leading voices in tourism, sustainability, and research, with Mihlali Mbangeni confirmed as one of the event’s featured speakers.
The event will take place from 17–20 March 2026 at the renowned Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, bringing together tourism leaders, academics, investors, policymakers, and entrepreneurs focused on growing Africa’s coastal and marine tourism sector.
Mbangeni’s participation highlights the important role of academic research in shaping sustainable tourism practices and guiding the future of the industry.
Academic Leadership in Sustainable Tourism
Mihlali Mbangeni holds a Master of Philosophy in Tourism Management and is currently a PhD candidate at Nelson Mandela University.
Her doctoral research focuses on sustainable water usage in star-graded hotels, an increasingly important topic as tourism destinations adapt to climate pressures and resource management challenges.
Through her work, Mbangeni explores how the hospitality sector can reduce environmental impact while maintaining high-quality visitor experiences.
Her key research interests include:
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Coastal and marine tourism
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Tourism-related water management
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Environmental responsibility in hospitality
Bridging Industry and Academia
With more than five years of experience in the tourism industry, Mbangeni brings both practical insight and academic expertise to her work. She is steadily establishing herself as an emerging voice in tourism research and sustainability in Africa.
At the Africa Coastal Marine Tourism Trade Market 2026, she is expected to share perspectives on how tourism businesses, researchers, and policymakers can collaborate to develop more resilient and environmentally responsible tourism models.
Advancing Sustainable Coastal Tourism in Africa
As coastal destinations across Africa continue to grow in popularity, issues such as water conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable resource management are becoming central to the tourism conversation.
Speakers like Mihlali Mbangeni are helping to shape solutions that support long-term tourism growth while protecting the natural environments that attract visitors in the first place.
Her contribution to the event reinforces the importance of research-driven strategies in building a sustainable future for Africa’s coastal and marine tourism economy.
For more information about the event and to register to attend go to https://marinetourism.co.za
