Cllr Unathi Hlathuka, JGDM Member of the Mayoral Committee for Finance.
Nqanqarhu
The Joe Gqabi District Municipality hosted its 2026 Tourism Conference in Nqanqarhu, Elundini Local Municipality, marking a significant shift in positioning tourism as a central pillar of the district’s economic growth. The conference, themed “A Competitive, Innovation-Driven, Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism Future,” brought together stakeholders to align efforts around a unified tourism growth strategy.
The district, blessed with natural beauty and rich heritage, is poised to become a top tourist destination. “Tourism retains and circulates wealth within local communities,” said JGDM Municipal Manager, Mr Mcebisi Nonjola. The conference focused on identifying bankable projects, investment opportunities, and integrating SMMEs and cooperatives into the tourism value chain.
Key highlights include the recent proclamation of the Grasslands National Park, elevating Joe Gqabi’s tourism profile. The district offers world-class opportunities for hiking, trail running, mountain biking, and eco-tourism, among others.
The conference concluded with a call for concrete commitments, funded projects, and signed agreements to transform the district’s tourism potential into reality. Investors are encouraged to tap into Joe Gqabi’s unique value proposition: high-value tourism experiences in a low-congestion environment.
Targeted key focus areas includes:
– Developing a refreshed tourism development and marketing programme
– Skills development initiatives for local communities
– Strengthened partnerships across government and the private sector
– Supporting local guides, homestays, and village experiences
– Reviving the mountain ski resort in Senqu Local Municipality
The Joe Gqabi District Municipality said it is committed to making tourism a driver of inclusive and sustainable growth. Cllr Unathi Hlathuka, JGDM Member of the Mayoral Committee for Finance, highlighted the municipality’s commitment to developing an actionable implementation programme with measurable results, shifting the focus from discussion to delivery. “Tourism growth must be community-centred, ensuring that benefits extend broadly across society. Plans include supporting trained and accredited local guides, homestays and village experiences, township and heritage routes, youth-owned adventure enterprises and women-led craft and cultural markets,” she remarked.
