The Township and Village Tourism Expo opened with impactful remarks from Lusanda Fibi, who emphasised the importance of strengthening township and village tourism enterprises across South Africa.
Speaking at the expo, Fibi highlighted the role of South African Township and Village Tourism Organisation (SATOVITO) in advocating for and empowering small and medium-sized tourism enterprises (SMEs). SATOVITO continues to position itself as a unified voice for township and village tourism businesses, working to ensure that local entrepreneurs are better represented and supported within the broader tourism economy.
Fibi stressed that the organisation’s mandate is to promote, market, and showcase authentic township and village tourism experiences to both domestic and international markets. These experiences range from cultural tours and local cuisine to heritage sites, community attractions, and emerging tourism routes that reflect the rich identity of South Africa’s communities.
A key focus of the organisation’s work has been engaging government stakeholders to strengthen the sector. SATOVITO has formally submitted proposals to the Parliament of South Africa Portfolio Committee on Tourism, calling for policy improvements that would support township and village tourism enterprises and create greater opportunities for growth.
Among the proposals is the recognition and development of township tourism routes, which would help formalise community-based tourism offerings and improve their visibility within national tourism marketing platforms. Such initiatives are expected to unlock new opportunities for local entrepreneurs by connecting them with tour operators, travel buyers, and international visitors.
The Township and Village Tourism Expo, currently taking place at The Soshanguve Hotel, forms part of SATOVITO’s broader strategy to prepare township and village tourism businesses for larger platforms such as trade shows, business events, and international tourism markets.
By bringing together tourism entrepreneurs, government stakeholders, media, and industry partners, the expo serves as a vital platform to build capacity, strengthen networks, and position township and village tourism as a key driver of inclusive economic growth in South Africa.
Fibi’s remarks set the tone for the event, reinforcing the message that local tourism products, cultural experiences, and community enterprises deserve stronger recognition, support, and access to global tourism markets.
