Key players in the tourism sector will convene on July 12 for the second annual Hospitality Industry Think Tank, at the Maslow Hotel in Johannesburg.

The event is an opportunity for thought leaders to discuss the most pressing issues affecting hospitality and tourism in the country and to develop new solutions and innovations to move these sectors forward.

Spearheaded by Dream Hotels & Resorts –  as part of its new Business Unit ‘Art of Creation’ – the event will be held in collaboration with other major industry players, including Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, Sun International, Valor, Beekman Group, Club Mykonos, Sondela, TBCSA, Infrateq and Profitroom.

The Art of Creation collective was initially established to bolster risk prevention management and planning post-COVID, but over time has expanded as a support structure for all business units within Dream Hotels & Resorts.

Led by Chris Godenir, long-time Custodian of The Peninsula All-Suite Hotel, Art of Creation sits at the heart of Dream Hotels & Resorts’ business operations. The initiative ensures employee wellness while steering impactful initiatives reaching beyond the realm of hospitality – including job creation, industry collaboration and community upliftment programmes.

“After the success of last year’s event, the Think Tank has quickly become a highlight on the hospitality and tourism calendar,” said Nick Dickson, CEO of Dream Hotels.

“The day dismantles any sense of competition between the organisations present, reminding us that collaborating to make the entire country a world-class tourism destination, is in everyone’s best interest. “

He added: “The Think Tank presents an opportunity for delegates to nurture a culture of trust and empowerment, to share perspectives on common challenges, and to problem-solve our way to meaningful, sustainable answers.”

Key topics of discussion include:

• The latest trends in the hospitality industry — not just in South Africa, but worldwide.
• How to engage with government officials on industry challenges, including visas and service delivery issues like transport, road safety, electricity, water, and waste.
• The ways in which the changing technological landscape is affecting hospitality and tourism in terms of hardware solutions, connectivity, and customer service.
• Property insurance, disaster management, cyber-crime and POPIA, including questions around insuring against loss and managing risk.
• The importance of sustainability and positive workforce dynamics, and how the industry can collaborate with local communities to address South Africa’s unemployment crisis.

The event will also see the launch of the Think Big Academy — an industry-wide initiative that will seek to train and upskill school leavers in remote areas, preparing them for employment in the tourism industry.

“At this year's Africa Travel Indaba, the Deputy Minister of Tourism emphasised the need for collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity in shaping the future of Africa's tourism industry,” highlighted Godenir.

“The point of this Think Tank is to do just that. We look forward to seeing our industry peers come together to discuss key learnings so that we can grow the country’s entire tourism ecosystem.”

The Think Tank will be inviting and welcoming prominent leaders such as the Ministers of Tourism, Home Affairs, and Employment and Labour, and is being held in association with SATSA, TBCSA, FEDHASA and VOASA.

The day’s events will conclude with a gala dinner, where funds will be raised for the Reach for a Dream Foundation, with which Dream Hotels partners through its Touching Dreams initiative. Under the theme, “The Spirit of the Great Heart”, celebrating young performing artists, guests will be treated to a live show by Jesse Clegg, as well performances by the Wits music department, the Wits drama department, and the non-profit organisation Moving Into Dance.

Email touchingdreams@dreamresorts.co.za for more information and to register.