ATLF2026: Tourism industry players honoured at event in Limpopo, South Africa
Ubuntu Aquatics CC in Namibia has emerged as the winner of the 2025 Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Challenge, with the award presented at the 2026 Africa Tourism Leadership Awards (ATLA) held in Polokwane in South Africa’s Limpopo Province.
In Limpopo, South Africa, a ceremony honoured several tourism industry leaders, organisations, and destinations at the 2026 Africa Tourism Leadership Awards (ATLA). Ubuntu Aquatics CC in Namibia claimed victory in the 2025 Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Challenge, with Fano Nefali receiving the 2026 Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Challenge Award.
The Hafeni Afrika Tourism Group was named the Champion of Sustainability, and Gugu Sitole from Glamping Adventures was awarded first runner-up. Ethiopian Airlines won the Outstanding Tourism Transportation Award, while Kenya Airways was second runner-up. Nairobi received the Most Innovative Business Tourism Destination Award, and VistaVoyage Travel Group secured the Outstanding Entrepreneurship Award.
The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara was recognized as the Most Outstanding Accommodation Facility. The Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife of Kenya and Rwanda Development Board were named the Most Progressive Policies Award winners and first runner-up, respectively. Kenya and Rwanda also earned Destination Africa Lifetime and Women in Leadership Awards.
Dr Tsitereke Matibe, the MEC for Limpopo’s Department of Economic Development, Environment, and Tourism, expressed readiness to host the Africa Tourism Leadership Forum again. Givemore Chidzidzi, Co-Chairperson of the Africa Tourism Awards, emphasized the fierce competition and the awards' role in recognizing African changemakers.
ATLA is a pan-African initiative celebrating significant contributions to Africa's travel, tourism, hospitality, and aviation sectors. The Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit and Challenge spotlights young entrepreneurs and start-ups developing innovative ideas for the sector.
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