Sustainable Hospitality Expo Creates Platform for SMEs to Lead Green Tourism in Africa

The Sustainable Hospitality Expo is scheduled to take place from Thursday, 18 to Saturday, 20 September at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg.

The expo is designed to unite Africa's hospitality sector with the principles of sustainability, creating a vital platform for businesses to adapt to the global shift towards eco-conscious tourism, says the expo.

The initiative has already garnered significant support, with the Gauteng Tourism Authority backing the event and facilitating the participation of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to exhibit, underscoring the regional commitment to fostering a greener, more resilient tourism industry, adds the expo.

"We are thrilled to support this groundbreaking initiative that aligns perfectly with our vision of positioning Gauteng as a leading sustainable tourism destination," says Nonnie Kubeka, Executive Director of the Gauteng Convention & Event Bureau from the Gauteng Tourism Authority. "By integrating SMEs into the value chain, we're not only fostering innovation in our hospitality sector, but also demonstrating our commitment to creating economic opportunities that benefit both our environment and our communities."

Timely Addition

The launch of the Sustainable Hospitality Expo is timely, as the continent's tourism sector demonstrates a powerful post-pandemic recovery. This resurgence is increasingly driven by a new wave of "conscious travellers" who prioritise environmental and social responsibility in their accommodation and travel choices, says the expo.

This trend is supported by compelling market data, with Grand View Research valuing the South African ecotourism market at R78-billion in 2023. This is projected to surge to R204-billion by 2030, growing at an impressive compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.8%, adds the expo.

Wide Scope

The Sustainable Hospitality Expo will cater to a wide array of businesses, including hotel groups, boutique hotels, Airbnb hosts, property developers, restaurants, spas and gyms. It will showcase a comprehensive range of products and services essential for green operations, such as renewable energy solutions, water filtration and conservation systems, sustainable building materials, waste management technologies, eco-friendly amenities and commercial kitchen equipment, says the expo.

What's more, the partnership with Hotelstuff / Greenstuff, will drive further event awareness and business reach. "As trusted platforms for eco-friendly products and suppliers, we're excited to promote this Expo where innovative, planet-friendly solutions that support conscious businesses and consumers will be showcased," says Lorraine Jenks, CEO at Hotelstuff / Greenstuff. "Our partnership with the Organic & Natural Products Expo has been exceptionally rewarding. We've witnessed firsthand their remarkable growth and success in the industry, and we're proud to have been part of their journey through multiple successful collaborations and events."

Powerful Synergy

Warren Hickinbotham, Head of Sponsorships for the Organic & Natural Products Expo Africa, highlights the powerful synergy created by the new addition. "There is a significant and natural crossover between our established exhibitors in the organic and natural products space and the rapidly growing sustainable hospitality sector," says Hickinbotham.

"By introducing the Sustainable Hospitality Expo, we are not just adding a new feature; we are creating a dynamic ecosystem. Exhibitors of organic foods, natural cleaning products and ethical textiles now have direct access to a new, highly relevant market of buyers from hotels, restaurants, and wellness centres. This adds a whole new dimension of value and opportunity for everyone involved."

Green Hospitality

The concept of "green hospitality" extends beyond environmental stewardship; it is a powerful engine for economic growth and job creation. By championing local sourcing — from farm-to-fork dining to locally produced guest amenities — the sector creates significant upstream opportunities for local farmers, artisans and suppliers, says the expo.

Downstream, the focus on sustainable practices creates new roles in areas like renewable energy management, water conservation and eco-tourism guiding. This fosters a resilient local economy and enriches the authentic African experience offered to tourists, adds the expo.

The event is supported by strategic media partnerships with Holistica Magazine, Stokvel Talk, Re-Invent health Podcast and Farmers Review Africa, concludes the expo.

For more information, visit www.organicandnaturalportal.com. You can also follow the Organic & Natural Products Expo Africa on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor