Gugu Sithole, CEO of Glamping Adventures and founder of the Glamping Expo
By Siyanda Hlatshwayo
The Glamping Expo – themed ‘Reimagining Innovation and Regenerative Tourism’ – took centre stage this past weekend at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg, attracting exhibitors, industry leaders, and camping enthusiasts eager to explore the rising trend of glamorous camping, also known as ‘glamping’.
The event brought together key players within the glamping sector, offering a unique platform for showcasing innovative luxury camping solutions, eco-friendly accommodation, and outdoor lifestyle products that are reshaping traditional camping experiences. The expo showcased how glamping is transforming the way South Africans and international tourists interact with nature, blending the beauty of the outdoors with the comforts of modern amenities.
The founding director of the Glamping Expo took to the stage to share insights on the sector’s rapid growth, its potential to boost local tourism, and the opportunities it presents for entrepreneurs, property developers, and travel businesses. Their presentations emphasised the importance of sustainable tourism and the need for unique, off-the-grid experiences that appealed to the evolving preferences of travellers.
“This is a first for Africa and a proud moment for our tourism industry,” says Gugu Sithole, CEO of Glamping Adventures and founder of the event.
“As the world turns to South Africa during its G20 leadership, the Glamping Expo offers a powerful platform to showcase sustainable tourism that benefits both people and the planet.” Sithole echoed.
SA Tourism’s Chief Marketing Officer, Thembisile Sehloho, during her keynote at the Glamping Expo held this past weekend, shared her excitement for the sector, as this kind of offering attracts people who weren’t necessarily keen on camping, but glamping brings luxury to the experience.
“We’re standing in the middle of history. Together, we are co-creating a new narrative — one that celebrates collaboration, creates jobs, and reshapes the world’s experience of South Africa. I’ve never been about camping, but glamping speaks to me because it caters to every market and captures the spirit of a modern travel experience that blends luxury with the outdoors,” said Sehloho at the opening of the expo.
The expo featured a line-up of distinguished speakers, including
– Jillian Blackbeard, CEO of Africa’s Eden Tourism Association;
– Faith Meyer, the brains behind the geodesic dome company Geodesic Forests;
– Siphelele Luthuli, Senior Marketing Manager at Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife;
– Miller Matola of Millvest Advisory and convener of the Tourism Investment Forum Africa;
– Nonhlanhla Seoe of Tshwane Tourism, a PhD Candidate exploring new models of financing;
– Glamping researchers Yananayi Davu and Mitchell Malovha; and
– Town Planner Charles Zwane unpacked the intricacies and explained how to navigate municipal hurdles in setting up novel glamping structures.
The Glamping Expo not only showcased cutting-edge tents, mobile units, and eco-lodges but also sparked crucial discussions about promoting responsible tourism and supporting local communities through innovative hospitality solutions.
This groundbreaking event shined a spotlight on glamping—the fusion of glamour and camping—as a fast-growing, eco-conscious travel trend that aligns with the G20’s key priorities: climate action, innovation, and inclusive economic growth.
