Tourism leaders, corporate executives and media personalities gathered in Accra last week as South African Tourism and Marriott International hosted a high-level corporate engagement evening aimed at strengthening tourism, trade and business travel between Ghana and South Africa.
The event, held at the poolside of Accra Marriott Hotel on Ghana’s Independence Day, brought together stakeholders from the tourism, hospitality and corporate sectors for an evening of presentations, culinary storytelling and networking focused on positioning South Africa as a leading destination for Ghanaian leisure and business travellers.
The programme was moderated by Ghanaian media personality Kafui Dey, who welcomed guests and emphasised the importance of strengthening economic and cultural ties within the continent.
A Growing Ghana–South Africa Tourism Partnership
The Acting High Commissioner of South Africa to Ghana, Mpshiri Setlhare, delivered the keynote remarks, highlighting the growing partnership between the two countries and the role tourism continues to play in strengthening economic diplomacy.
She noted that cooperation between Ghana and South Africa is expanding through bilateral agreements coordinated under the Binational Commission framework, which brings together government leaders and business delegations from both countries.
“Ghana is important to South Africa,” she said. “Our relationship goes beyond tourism; it is about building a future where Africa stands united — where we explore each other’s lands, cultures and opportunities.”
Setlhare pointed to the introduction of the visa waiver between the two countries in November 2023 as a major catalyst for travel growth.
“The numbers tell a powerful story,” she noted. “From January to December 2024, visitor numbers from Ghana to South Africa grew by an impressive 149 percent compared with the same period in 2023. This is a clear sign that our collaboration is bearing fruit.”
She thanked Ghanaian travel partners, corporate organisations and the media for helping promote South Africa as a destination and encouraged even deeper collaboration.
“This gathering is about strengthening partnerships and driving mutual business growth,” she said. “More importantly, it is about listening with a clear intention of carving a mutually beneficial approach.”
She also highlighted South Africa’s potential as a destination for conferences, incentives and major corporate gatherings.
“South Africa offers world-class infrastructure, cutting-edge conference facilities and unique venues set against breathtaking landscapes,” she said. “It is the ideal location for hosting business events that inspire creativity, foster collaboration and leave a lasting impression.”
Discovering South Africa Beyond the Familiar
A major highlight of the evening was a destination presentation by Thekiso Rakolojane, West Africa Regional Manager of South African Tourism.
Rakolojane encouraged Ghanaian travellers to explore the full breadth of experiences the country offers beyond the well-known cities of Cape Town and Johannesburg.
He spoke about the diversity of South Africa’s nine provinces and the cultural richness of its more than 60 million citizens, noting that every region offers unique experiences ranging from wildlife and adventure to culture, cuisine and heritage.
He also extended a special invitation to Ghanaian travellers planning holiday getaways this year.
“With the Easter holidays approaching, this is the perfect time to visit,” he said. “South Africa awaits — come find your joy.”
The invitation echoed South African Tourism’s global campaign encouraging travellers to rediscover the country’s vibrant culture, natural beauty and warm hospitality.
A Destination Ready for Meetings and Business Events
Complementing the leisure tourism pitch was a presentation by Sakhile Ndlovu, National Convention Bureau Business Development Coordinator at South African Tourism.
Ndlovu highlighted South Africa’s strong credentials as a destination for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE), noting that the country has invested significantly in infrastructure designed to host world-class business events.
He explained that South Africa’s convention centres, conference facilities and hospitality sector are well-equipped to host gatherings ranging from corporate retreats to large international conventions.
He encouraged Ghanaian corporates, associations and institutions to consider South Africa for conferences, incentive travel and executive retreats.
Hospitality Partnerships Driving Travel
Hospitality leader Marriott International also used the event to reinforce the role hotels play in enabling tourism growth across Africa.
Jeanette Moloto, Director of Global Sales for South and Sub-Saharan Africa at the company, highlighted Marriott’s growing footprint across the continent and its commitment to supporting tourism partnerships.
She noted that hotel brands work closely with tourism boards and travel partners to ensure visitors enjoy seamless and memorable travel experiences.
“Our role is to ensure that every traveller arriving for business or leisure experiences the very best of hospitality,” she said.
Luxury Experiences and Culinary Diplomacy
Adding a lifestyle dimension to the evening, Ghanaian entrepreneur Harold Awuah-Darko presented the African Polistas Polo Experience through his company Polistas Hospitality.
The concept combines sport, fashion and luxury lifestyle experiences, showcasing the growing appeal of experiential tourism across Africa.
Guests were also treated to a specially curated culinary experience by renowned South African chef Wandile Mabaso, who introduced a four-course menu celebrating the culinary traditions of both Ghana and South Africa.
The chef explained how the dishes were designed to reflect a fusion of flavours from the two countries, using food as a form of cultural storytelling.
In a celebratory moment, Chef Mabaso toasted the evening with his own branded champagne, raising a glass to African creativity, hospitality and shared cultural pride.
A Shared Vision for African Travel
As the evening concluded with networking among corporate leaders, tourism operators and media representatives, the message from organisers was clear: the future of African tourism will depend heavily on stronger partnerships between African countries.
With growing air connectivity, improved visa policies and rising interest in intra-African travel, both Ghana and South Africa are positioning themselves as key players in the continent’s tourism growth story.
And as guests departed the Accra Marriott Hotel, the invitation extended during the evening remained simple and compelling: South Africa awaits — come and find your joy.
