Date

25-26 September 2025

Location

Gold Reef City Theme Park
Johannesburg, South Africa.

Limited Seats Available

Speakers

Top Expert Speakers

About AfrikaHeritage / what is AfrikaHeritage?

The AfrikaHeritage Forum on African Heritage, Cultural, and Indigenous Tourism is a groundbreaking event that celebrates and promotes Africa’s rich cultural tapestry and diverse heritage. The forum recognises the significant role of heritage, cultural, and indigenous tourism in the socio-economic development of the continent.

Heritage, cultural, and indigenous tourism is a powerful catalyst for economic growth, social inclusion, and cultural preservation. AfrikaHeritage Forum provides a platform for stakeholders from across Africa to showcase unique traditions, art, history, and lifestyles while fostering greater appreciation and understanding among diverse populations. The forum also serves as a call to action for sustainable tourism practices that empower local communities and protect Africa’s cultural heritage for future generations.

By reshaping narratives and highlighting Africa’s contributions to global heritage, AfrikaHeritage Forum aims to position indigenous tourism as a key driver of conservation, cultural exchange, and community resilience.

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Why AfrikaHeritage Forum?

Heritage, cultural, and indigenous tourism enable communities to showcase their unique traditions, art, history, and lifestyles to the world, fostering greater appreciation and understanding among diverse populations. They also provide a sustainable source of income for local communities, empowering them to protect and preserve their cultural heritage for future generations. In the African context, where the continent’s rich history and diverse cultures are often underrepresented on the global stage, heritage, cultural, and indigenous tourism offer a unique opportunity to reshape narratives and highlight the continent’s contributions to global heritage. Also, by promoting authentic experiences and responsible travel, this sector supports conservation efforts, promotes cultural exchange, and enhances community resilience.

The AfrikaHeritage Forum will deliberate on these and related matters with a view to mapping out pathways to further catalysing heritage, cultural and indigenous tourism and unlocking its economic power across the continent.

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Why Attend AfrikaHeritage?

Attending the AfrikaHeritage Forum on African Heritage, Cultural, and Indigenous Tourism offers a unique opportunity to engage with leaders, innovators, and practitioners in the fields of cultural heritage and indigenous tourism.

Participants will benefit from a rich programme designed to foster knowledge sharing, networking, and collaboration. The forum will provide insights into the latest trends, strategies, and opportunities in indigenous tourism, showcasing its transformative impact on economic growth, cultural preservation, and sustainable development.

Delegates will experience Johannesburg’s vibrant cultural heritage scene through immersive tours that highlight the city’s historical and cultural significance. The forum also provides a platform to connect with policymakers, community leaders, tourism professionals and entrepreneurs, and academics, creating pathways for impactful partnerships and collaborations.

By attending AfrikaHeritage Forum, you will be part of a movement to celebrate Africa’s cultural richness, empower local communities, and shape the future of indigenous tourism on the continent.

Format and Schedule / high-level schedule (subject to amendment)

Taking place over 2 full days, 25-26 September 2025, the forum will comprise a half day of immersive cultural, heritage, and history experiences in and around Johannesburg and 1.5 days of deliberations in plenaries and breakaways.

Forum Partners / more partners to come

/ What People Say About AfrikaHeritage

Event Speakers

Leading cultural heritage and indigenous tourism practitioners from various parts of the world will take the stage at the forum to share their insights and experiences.

Hotels / Where to stay

Stay At South Africa’s Favourite Theme Park

Just 8 kilometres from the centre of Johannesburg lies the world famous – yet uniquely South African – Gold Reef City. Here, a magnificent Theme Park and Casino offers the widest range of attractions, fun and entertainment for the whole family. And what better way to experience the thrills of Gold Reef City, than to spend some time at one of our two Gold Reef City hotels.

City Lodge Newtown: Culture and convenience in Jozi

City Lodge Hotel Newtown offers 148 comfortable rooms in Johannesburg’s vibrant CBD, with dining at #Café restaurant, two boardrooms, free WiFi, a fitness room, and a pool with sundowner bar. Conveniently located near Newtown Junction Mall, cultural attractions, and with easy access to highways and Gautrain, it’s the perfect base for a city adventure.

Gold Reef City: Stay, Play, Dine, Shine!

At Gold Reef City Hotel, you’ll enjoy stylish rooms with all the comforts you need, plus free Wi-Fi and easy access to non-stop entertainment. From thrilling rides and live shows at The Lyric Theatre to a wide choice of restaurants and cafés, everything is right on your doorstep. Whether you’re here for fun, food, or business, Gold Reef City has it all in one unforgettable destination.

🌍 Explore Our Signature #AfrikaHeritage Experiences

Mining Heritage

⛏️ Mining Heritage

Trace Johannesburg’s gold rush history through immersive tours at Gold Reef City and the Workers’ Museum. Discover the lives, hardships, and communities of migrant miners who shaped the city’s economic foundations.

 

Archaeological Heritage

🪨 Archaeological Heritage

Journey into humanity’s origins and explore San rock art at the Origins Centre located at the University of Witwatersrand, and discover fossils and ancient iron-age furnaces telling the stories of the indigenous SeTswana-speaking people who were the early inhabitants of the Koppies.

Event Details

Gold Reef City Theme Park, Johannesburg, South Africa.

info@heritagetourism.africa