South of Africa (SOA) has been on the road, strengthening relationships and showcasing the Waterberg to the travel trade across Southern Africa.
Over the past few weeks, the SOA team has been actively participating in a number of important tourism trade events, connecting with travel agents, tour operators, booking agents and industry partners while showcasing our portfolio of properties in the Waterberg.
Most recently, SOA is exhibiting at the Africa Tourism Leadership Forum (ATLF) 2026 in Polokwane, where Limpopo is taking centre stage as a destination for the continent and beyond. The eighth edition of ATLF, taking place from 2–4 September at Meropa Casino & Entertainment World, brings together tourism leaders, policymakers, investors and industry professionals from across Africa under the theme “Africa Connects™”.
SOA is proudly represented in the Waterberg exhibition section, showcasing Elephant Springs Hotel & Apartments, Shangri-La Country Hotel & Spa and Grafiti Boutique Hotel and highlighting the diverse accommodation and hospitality experiences available in the region.
At the forefront of SOA’s trade engagement are Sales Executives Thabo Mashao and Marcia Manale, who have become familiar faces to tourism operators and booking agents throughout the region. Their continued presence at industry events plays an important role in building relationships, creating awareness and keeping the SOA portfolio firmly connected to the travel trade.
SOA also recently joined the celebrations marking Travel With Flair’s 30-year milestone. Travel With Flair was established in 1996 and has grown into a prominent Southern African travel company spanning leisure, corporate, incentive, wholesale and inbound travel. The occasion provided an opportunity for SOA to celebrate alongside valued industry partners and present prizes to our esteemed portfolio, together with members of the Travel With Flair board, including renowned South African businesswoman and former Miss South Africa Basetsana Kumalo, who joined Travel With Flair as a director in 2001.
The busy trade calendar has also included SOA’s participation in the TME Limpopo Tourism Workshop at The Park in Polokwane, an event listed as part of the 2026 tourism industry calendar, as well as the Gaborone Travel Workshop in Botswana, hosted by C&L Travel Collection. C&L is known for its face-to-face, product-focused workshops that bring tourism suppliers together with travel professionals for networking, sales and education.
For SOA, these events are about more than simply exhibiting. They are an opportunity to tell the story of the Waterberg, strengthen valuable industry relationships and ensure that our three properties remain front of mind with the travel professionals who connect visitors with Southern Africa’s destinations.
From Bela-Bela to Botswana and across the broader African tourism landscape, SOA is continuing to connect, collaborate and showcase the Waterberg.
