SA showed up and showed out at the 2026 WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards, winning three golds, two silvers, and a one-to-watch!
Cape Town, South Africa (19 April 2026) – The WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards were handed out in Cape Town this April, recognising 22 organisations across 13 countries in Africa for measurable impact in the tourism sector.
South Africa landed three gold awards, two silvers, and a one-to-watch!
The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company took gold in Local Economic Benefit. In 2017, 29% of their procurement was sourced locally. Today, that figure sits at 89%, supporting more than 150 small businesses. Sixty-seven SMMEs have received mentorship and certification support not just to supply the Cableway, but to build the capacity to compete in wider tourism markets.
Also taking gold was Traditional African Homestays Southern Africa, recognised for Championing Cultural Diversity. Their model connects visitors with genuine village life through experience, while keeping 70-80% of income in the actual host communities. More than R6 million has been generated so far, and the network is expanding into Eswatini and Botswana.
The V&A Waterfront Academy picked up the third South African gold, again in Local Economic Benefit. Since 2023, 315 young people have been placed into employment, with 90% securing a full-time job for the first time. The Academy also supports 15 small businesses through the Watershed craft market.
On the silver side, the Graskop Gorge Lift Company was recognised in Nature Positive for a zero-impact access system that protects critically endangered species, including the Graskop cliff aloe! The organisation also sources most procurement within 100 kilometres.
Unexplored Cape Town took the second silver in Championing Cultural Diversity, running inclusive food tours through neighbourhood kitchens and markets. The tours support small vendors, welcome travellers with disabilities, and showcase the full range of African and diaspora food cultures that don’t usually make it onto a tourist itinerary.
Rounding out the South African wins, the Cape Tourist Guides Association received a One to Watch recognition for its work ensuring guides truly reflect South Africa’s cultural, linguistic and socio-economic diversity.
“This year’s winners demonstrate the depth of innovation emerging across the continent and show how African destinations are shaping the global future of responsible tourism by placing communities and ecosystems at the heart of their work.” said Rachel Nxele, board member of South Africa National Parks who presented the awards.
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