By Frans Sello waga Machate | Polokwane, South Africa
POLOKWANE – The City of Stars came alive tonight as the Limpopo Holiday Fair officially commenced its highly anticipated programme with a glittering Buyers’ Networking Evening at the Park Inn by Radisson in Polokwane. The ceremony served as a vibrant curtain-raiser for the main three-day consumer trade show, set to officially open tomorrow, 01 October 2026, at the Savannah Mall.
The evening brought together a prestigious gathering of hosted buyers, tourism product owners, industry stakeholders, and government dignitaries, marking a significant moment for the province’s tourism sector. With over 4,000 event participants expected and more than 150 exhibitors ready to showcase their offerings, the Fair underscores its growing stature as a premier platform for business-to-business marketing and tourism recovery.
In a powerful keynote address delivered on behalf of the Limpopo Tourism Agency (LTA), Deputy Director-General for Environment and Tourism at the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET), Ms Keleabetswe Clementine Tlouane, extended a warm welcome to international and domestic buyers alike.
“As the Limpopo Tourism Agency, our responsibility goes beyond promoting a destination. We are committed to positioning Limpopo as a competitive, distinctive and sustainable tourism destination.” She added.
Addressing a delegation of buyers from Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Canada, Malawi, as well as domestic buyers from Gauteng, North West, and Mpumalanga, Ms Tlouane emphasized that Limpopo’s diverse offerings; ranging from iconic wildlife and rich cultural heritage to adventure and culinary experiences, provide a compelling proposition for global travellers.
Echoing this sentiment of collaboration and growth, the Chairperson of the Polokwane Tourism Association (PTA), Ms Lerato Sekgobela, highlighted the crucial role of relationship-building in the tourism economy.
“At the Polokwane Tourism Association, we believe that when we connect people, we connect opportunities; and when we connect opportunities, we grow tourism.” Added Ms Sekgobela.
Established in 2016 and now in its 11th edition, the Limpopo Holiday Fair is a flagship project organized by the Polokwane Tourism Association in partnership with the Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, the Limpopo Tourism Agency, the Polokwane Local Municipality, and the Capricorn District Municipality.
The Fair is a critical driver for the province’s integrated development plans, providing strategic inputs and facilitating knowledge exchange within the industry. It specifically advocates for the development of new entrants and promotes business linkages, aligning with UNWTO’s advocacy for travel facilitation as a faster tool for tourism development and job creation.
The programme for the coming days promises a robust mix of business, culture, and leisure. Tomorrow, 01 October, will see the Official Opening at Savannah Mall, including a dignitaries’ walkabout and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the PTA, the Moses Kotane Tourism Association, and The Small Tourism Enterprise Association. The afternoon will feature a Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) Stakeholder Engagement and Speed Marketing session, where 30 tourism product owners will pitch their unique selling points to hosted buyers.
The day will culminate in the prestigious Polokwane Star Awards at the Jack Botes Hall, celebrating excellence within the local tourism industry.
The Fair will conclude on Saturday, 03 October, with a 2nd Limpopo Holiday Fair Fun Walk, a Polokwane Explorer Race Tour, and a dedicated Kid’s Entertainment Program, ensuring that the event appeals to both the trade and the general public.
With a reach of over 1 million viewers across digital platforms, the Limpopo Holiday Fair 2026 stands as a testament to the province’s resilience and its readiness for business. As Ms Tlouane concluded, “Limpopo is ready for business. We value your partnership, we welcome your business and we look forward to working with you to take Limpopo to the world.”The stage is set for the next three days, where the City of Stars will not only showcase its vibrant tourism offerings but also forge the partnerships that will drive economic growth and position Limpopo as a must-visit destination for years to come.
