The North-West University (NWU) hosted the International Tourism Week Symposium from 9 to 11 September 2025 at The Willows Garden Hotel in Potchefstroom. The symposium brought together academics, students, and industry experts from across the globe to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the future of tourism
The event opened on Tuesday, 9 September, with a welcome reception addressed by Prof Elmarie Slabbert, Director of Tourism Research in Economics, Environs and Society (TREES), and Ms Nonkqubela Silulwane, Chief Director of Research & Knowledge Management at the Department of Tourism. Guests enjoyed an evening of networking, accompanied by live entertainment.
On Wednesday, 10 September, the programme featured keynote addresses by internationally acclaimed scholars. Prof Bernd Eisenstein from Germany spoke on measuring social sustainability in tourism, Dr Aaron Tkaczynski from Australia explored how storytelling can connect tourists to sustainability actions, and Dr Elisha Woyo from the United Kingdom examined the reimagining of accessible tourism. These sessions highlighted the importance of sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation in a rapidly evolving global tourism industry
Parallel student sessions gave young researchers from across South Africa the opportunity to present studies on topics ranging from conservation partnerships in Kruger National Park to LGBTQIA+ tourism and the influence of social media on Generation Z’s travel motivations. Afternoon workshops, led by Prof Elmarie Slabbert, Prof Serena Lucrezi, and Prof Martinette Kruger, focused on publishing impactful tourism research and excelling in postgraduate studies. The day concluded with a celebratory dinner, where delegates enjoyed live performances by Red Wine Acoustics.
The final day, Thursday, 11 September, continued with international contributions. Prof Saskia de Klerk from Australia explored entrepreneurial ecosystems and innovation in tourism, while Prof Tim Harms from Germany examined how hikers are perceived in contemporary tourism marketing. Student research sessions covered themes of culture, heritage, competitiveness, innovation, and decision-making, offering insights into pressing challenges and opportunities for the sector.
According to Prof Slabbert, the symposium was a significant opportunity for South African tourism academics and practitioners to engage with international thought leaders and foster collaboration:
“Tourism is not just about destinations, but about people, sustainability, and innovation. This symposium creates a platform where ideas can be shared, challenged, and applied to real-world contexts.”
The International Tourism Week Symposium underscored NWU’s commitment to advancing tourism research and positioning South Africa as a thought leader in sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive tourism.
