Postgraduate students, emerging researchers, academics and industry professionals from across Africa and beyond are invited to participate in the 2nd Tourism and Hospitality Postgraduate Conference, which will take place from 21–25 September 2026 at the Champagne Sports Resort in the Drakensberg region of South Africa. The conference is being organized by the University of Zululand (UNIZULU) in partnership with Tourism Educators South Africa (TESA) and the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).

Held under the theme “Reimagining Tourism and Hospitality through African Perspectives: Innovations, Sustainability, and Cultural Resilience,” the conference aims to provide a platform for postgraduate students and early-career scholars to present research, exchange ideas and engage with tourism and hospitality experts from different countries.

According to the organizers, the conference seeks to establish an annual interdisciplinary forum dedicated to tourism and hospitality research while promoting innovation, community engagement and African-centered scholarship. The event will encourage participants to explore how African perspectives can contribute to the future development of tourism and hospitality in an increasingly dynamic global environment.

The five-day program is expected to include research presentations, panel discussions, networking activities and interactive sessions designed to foster collaboration among students, academics and industry leaders. Organizers emphasize that the conference will provide valuable opportunities for participants to share knowledge, build professional networks and contribute to the advancement of tourism and hospitality studies.

Abstract submissions opened on 15 April 2026, and researchers are invited to submit abstracts of 250–300 words. The deadline for abstract submissions is 2 August 2026. Organizers encourage contributions that showcase innovative research, practical solutions and community engagement initiatives related to tourism and hospitality.

Conference Chair Prof. Ikechukwu O. Ezeuduji noted that the event aims to bring together delegates, students and industry stakeholders for a week of collaboration, learning and knowledge exchange. The conference also reflects the University of Zululand’s commitment to quality, innovation and societal impact through research and education.

Set against the backdrop of the scenic Drakensberg Mountains, the conference is expected to provide a stimulating environment for discussing contemporary tourism and hospitality challenges, sustainability strategies and opportunities for innovation across the African continent. Organizers believe the event will contribute to strengthening postgraduate research capacity and fostering greater international collaboration within the tourism and hospitality community.

Conference at a Glance

• Event: 2nd Tourism and Hospitality Postgraduate Conference
• Theme: Reimagining Tourism and Hospitality through African Perspectives: Innovations, Sustainability, and Cultural Resilience
• Dates: 21–25 September 2026
• Venue: Champagne Sports Resort
• Location: Drakensberg, South Africa
• Organizers: University of Zululand (UNIZULU), Tourism Educators South Africa (TESA), National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)
• Abstract Submission Deadline: 2 August 2026
• Participants: Postgraduate students, researchers, academics and industry professionals
• Main Focus: Tourism innovation, sustainability, cultural resilience, community engagement and African-centered tourism scholarship.