The 4th Annual Soweto Tourism Awards 2026 is set to take place on Thursday, 26 February 2026, at the prestigious Orlando Amstel Arena – Mayoral Suite. The event will bring together tourism leaders, entrepreneurs, creatives, hospitality professionals, and strategic partners to celebrate excellence within Soweto’s vibrant tourism sector.
Now firmly established as a flagship event on the Soweto tourism calendar, the awards recognise businesses and individuals whose innovation, service excellence, and commitment continue to elevate Soweto as a world-class township tourism destination.
Strong Industry Participation Reflects Sector Growth
The 2026 edition has generated exceptional industry interest, receiving more than 500 nominations from tourism-related enterprises operating across Soweto. After a rigorous adjudication process, 200 businesses have been confirmed as official nominees.
These nominees will compete across 16 publicly voted categories, alongside Special Achievement and Honorary Awards that recognise long-standing contributions and leadership within the industry.
This impressive participation highlights the resilience, competitiveness, and growing diversity of Soweto’s tourism economy. It also signals increasing investor and industry confidence in township tourism as a sustainable and investable sector within Gauteng and South Africa at large.
Strategic Alignment with Meetings Africa
The Soweto Tourism Awards are strategically positioned as a post-tour experience aligned with Meetings Africa. This alignment offers international and local buyers an authentic township tourism immersion experience.
By connecting business events, heritage tourism, culture, and local enterprise development, the awards strengthen Soweto’s role within South Africa’s broader business events ecosystem. The initiative showcases how conferencing and cultural tourism can work together to stimulate economic inclusion and destination growth.
Building on Excellence: A Legacy of Achievement
The 2026 edition builds on the high standards set by the 2025 award recipients, whose contributions continue to inspire excellence across hospitality, attractions, tour operations, creative industries, and township-based enterprises.
This year’s ceremony also takes place in the lead-up to the 50th Commemoration of the 1976 Youth Uprising, reinforcing tourism’s role as a powerful platform for storytelling, remembrance, and economic empowerment.
Tourism in Soweto continues to serve as both a custodian of heritage and a catalyst for sustainable community development — creating jobs, supporting SMMEs, and reshaping global perceptions of township destinations.
Celebrating Township Excellence
The Soweto Tourism Awards remain a proud celebration of local excellence — honouring the individuals and enterprises shaping Soweto’s narrative through tourism, culture, hospitality, and innovation.
As the township continues to grow as a globally recognised tourism destination, the 2026 Awards promise to be a defining moment for the industry — spotlighting the businesses that drive impact, inspire change, and contribute to Soweto’s dynamic tourism story.
