South Africa is set to host Africa's first-ever Glamping Expo on June 20-21 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre.
Spearheaded by Gugu Sithole, Expo Lead and founder of Glamping Adventures, this event aims to bring together a diverse spectrum of stakeholders in the glamping industry, creating a cohesive platform for collaboration, innovation, and future growth.
As glamping continues to gain traction, Sithole believes a unified stage was necessary to showcase the potential of this unique and niche sub-sector.
“After running Glamping Adventures for a couple of years we realised that the glamping sector needed a cohesive platform that brings everyone within the value chain under one roof to chart the course for this unique and niche sub-sector. We realised that Glamping was becoming popular and individual glamping brands were popping up in farms, game reserves, beaches but there was no single space where they can showcase innovations, network and collaborate. We decided why don’t we create a stage for the entire glamping industry as well as travellers to connect. We are talking architects, landowners, manufacturers of unique structures, SMEs, retail, travel agents etc.”
Panoramic Glamping. Picture: Supplied.
Image: File pic
She details that the ambitious expo is not just about attractions it's also about advocating for a cultural shift in travel behaviour, both locally and globally.
“We are already seeing a shift in travel trends with more travellers wanting meaningful, sustainable, and Instagram-worthy experiences,” states Sithole.
“Traditional hotel stays are losing their appeal as glamping offers a luxurious experience firmly rooted in nature.”
Sithole's vision for the Expo goes beyond mere accommodation as she highlights its role in fostering nature-based and experiential travel, with a strong emphasis on eco-conscious choices that resonate with modern-day travellers.
“The Expo will influence the rise of nature-based experiences and encourage operators and travellers alike to think differently about tourism – not just where we go, but how we go.”
This perspective is amplified by the growing interest among travellers in supporting local communities and conservation efforts and connecting with diverse cultures.
Glossed as “glamorous camping”, glamping elevates the traditional camping experience, providing ready-made, comfortable accommodations such as safari tents, treehouses, and luxury domes equipped with beds and Wi-Fi – all without sacrificing the beauty of the natural environment.
Sithole emphasises that “at its core, glamping is about designing low-impact, high-value travel experiences that honour both the people and the planet.”
“The event also aims to spotlight innovations in off-grid living, eco-friendly construction, solar power, and water efficiency, aligning with the G20's commitment to green innovation and regenerative tourism. It's about creating travel experiences that empower local landowners and promote sustainable practices, ensuring that tourism gives back more than it takes.”
“We are opening the door for a wider audience by showcasing luxury domes to budget-friendly farm stays,” Sithole asserts, hoping to attract younger audiences and first-time domestic travellers to explore the great outdoors.
Glamping Expo prepares to kick off, and anticipation builds around its potential to not only elevate South Africa's travel scene but also contribute to a broader global dialogue on sustainable tourism practices. With an emphasis on community engagement and a commitment to ecological integrity, she explains that this expo is set to be a turning point for tourism in the region and beyond.
“Visitors can look forward to innovative glamping structures , exploring cutting-edge accommodations, including eco-friendly modular buildings, varied glamping destinations from entry level to premium. They can look forward to panel discussions addressing key topics in the glamping industry such as Green Dreams, Tech Under the Star, Industry Trends and Intelligence, Investments opportunities Navigating Red tape and overcoming regulatory challenges among others.”
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za
Saturday Star
