The Hospitality Industry Think Tank was created and spearheaded by Dream Hotels & Resorts in 2023 and has become a flagship event on South Africa’s hospitality calendar.

The Think Tank brings together leading industry stakeholders to address the most pressing challenges affecting tourism and hospitality, and to collaboratively develop practical, forward-thinking solutions. It encourages participation from all industry members, with the goal of advancing South Africa’s tourism industry for the benefit of all.

Importantly, all proceeds from the Hospitality Industry Think Tank directly support Touching Dreams initiatives.

This year's Hospitality Industry Think Tank is taking place on 31 July 2026

The success of the Think Tanks is made possible through the support and collaboration of key industry
bodies and partners. The initiative is held in association with: Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA), Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA), Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (FEDHASA), Vacation Ownership Association of South Africa (VOASA).

Previous events have been
a collaboration with:

National Collaborators Provincial Collaborators
Wyndham Hotels and Resorts
Sun International, Valor Africa
Beekman Group
Club Mykonos
Sondela
Infrateq Africa
Profit Room
HTI and Heineken
Assa Abloy
Sabre
Legacy Hotel Group
Dream Hotels & Resorts
Peermont DGB
Painted Wolf Wines		 SATIB Insurance Brokers
Red Carnation
Sun International
First Resorts
Beekman Group
ANEW Hotels
African Sky Hotels
Resorts Champagne Sports Resort
Dream Hotels & Resorts

Become a Collaborator

All Think Tank proceeds support youth development and conservation initiatives across South Africa.

The Hospitality Industry Think Tank dismantles any sense of competition between the organisations present, reminding us that collaborating to make the entire country a world-class tourism destination, is in everyone’s best interest.

The KZN Tourism and Hospitality Think Tank is not meant to be a talkshop—it’s about driving meaningful action and measurable change. We urgently need to shift the narrative from one that focuses on KZN’s challenges, to one that highlights its successes and immense potential.

Bringing sharp tourism minds together at the Think Tank gives us a rare chance to move from isolated ideas to collective, actionable solutions that strengthen every link in the visitor economy. I’m keen to challenge assumptions and explore how smart collaboration — especially around AI‑driven customer experience and funding models — can unlock new growth, jobs and community impact across Southern Africa.

The Think Tank is a crucial space to explore how AI is not only transforming industries but also redefining how we attract, understand, and serve guests within our industry. As CX leaders, we have a responsibility to harness this power with intention and I’m here to both share and learn how we can unlock meaningful human impact through technology.

The Think Tank brings a valuable audience together. Sharing cutting edge perspectives rooted in data driven analysis, is the appropriate manner to advance thought leadership in the sector.