Award-Winning Author Amb. Fikile Hlatshwayo to Headline Global Tourism & International Film Celebration 2026

Landmark Lecture: Women as Africa’s Tourism Diplomats – How South Africa and Africa’s Travel Indaba Are Shaping the Continent’s Global Travel Future

Alicante, Spain – August 2026

The Clevenard Open Project 2026 is proud to announce Ambassador Fikile Hlatshwayo, award-winning South African author, tourism thought leader, and development finance specialist, as a headline speaker at the Global Tourism & International Film Celebration on Saturday, 29 August 2026, in Alicante, Spain.

Amb. Hlatshwayo, internationally celebrated for her bestselling books Blacks Do Caravan and Born to Travel: Ultimate Luxury Destinations in Mzansi, will deliver a powerful, forward-looking lecture on the transformative role of women as Africa’s tourism diplomats, and how South Africa’s tourism ecosystem—particularly Africa’s Travel Indaba—is shaping the continent’s global travel narrative.

A Visionary Leader Redefining Africa’s Travel Narrative

Amb. Fikile Hlatshwayo is a visionary whose work continues to redefine African tourism as a vehicle for economic liberation, cultural pride, gender equality, and youth empowerment. Her impact spans policy, literature, community development, and global advocacy.

Recognised by the KwaZulu-Natal Chamber of Commerce for excellence in tourism literature, her books challenge historical stereotypes, promote inclusivity, and affirm that tourism belongs to all. Through storytelling, research, and lived experience, she positions travel as a unifying force for Africa’s people and economies.

Distinguished Author & Advocate

Her award-winning publications include:

Born to Travel – Ultimate Luxury Destinations in Mzansi (2023)

A pioneering contribution to African tourism literature, showcasing South Africa’s luxury destinations while promoting sustainable, culturally grounded travel and economic growth.

Blacks Do Caravan (2016) – Bestselling Travel Book

A groundbreaking work that dismantles racial and social barriers to travel in South Africa, advocating unity, accessibility, and shared ownership of the country’s tourism landscape.

Export Growth Opportunities in Africa (2005)

A comprehensive business and trade publication profiling over 35 African countries, promoting intra-African trade and sustainable economic development.

She also served as Editor of Africagrowth Agenda Magazine, a respected continental publication focused on African capital markets, development finance, and trade.

Global Experience, Strategic Depth

With over 20 years of senior leadership experience, Amb. Hlatshwayo brings rare strategic depth across sectors:

Private Sector: Allan Gray, Old Mutual

Public Sector: Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Treasury (Deputy Director-General level), National Treasury

Academia & Research: University of Cape Town, Stellenbosch University Business School

Her academic credentials include:

Master’s in Development Finance – Stellenbosch University Business School

BCom Honours in Statistics – University of Cape Town

(Both achieved with distinction)

She is fluent in Setswana, isiZulu, English, Afrikaans, Sotho, Pedi, and French, and is an accomplished public speaker, motivational leader, and cultural ambassador.

Founder of Africa Rise Youth Indaba

Amb. Hlatshwayo is the Founder and Chairperson of the Africa Rise Youth Indaba, a high-impact continental platform uniting African youth, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and global partners. The Indaba champions leadership, entrepreneurship, and economic transformation, reflecting her unwavering vision for a united, purpose-driven Africa.

Champion of Responsible Tourism & Community Development

A strong advocate for ethical and community-driven tourism, Amb. Hlatshwayo actively opposes exploitative practices that reduce communities to spectacles. Her work emphasizes dignity, sustainability, and legacy-driven engagement, ensuring tourism delivers long-term benefits to local people.

Her community initiatives include:

Promotion of the Ribola Art Route (Limpopo), supporting local artists and cultural preservation

Advocacy for a community swimming pool at iSimangaliso Wetland Park, addressing drowning risks through safety, skills development, and partnerships

Launch of the Masibambane Anti-Gender-Based Violence & Femicide Initiative (2023), using sport and self-defence training to empower women and children while engaging men as allies

Women & Youth Empowerment Advocate

A passionate advocate for women in tourism, Amb. Hlatshwayo regularly addresses global platforms including the BRICS Summit, Africa’s Travel Indaba, Women in Tourism Summits, and international literary festivals. She also prioritises grassroots engagement—schools, churches, and youth sports clubs—believing empowerment begins at community level.

Her work promotes literacy, leadership, sports development, and faith-based inspiration, reflecting a holistic commitment to social transformation.

About the Clevenard Open Project 2026

The Clevenard Open Project 2026 is a prestigious four-day international flagship event, bringing together global leaders, creatives, entrepreneurs, educators, policymakers, and innovators across multiple industries.

Hosted in Alicante, Spain, the event seamlessly merges business, culture, education, tourism, film, music, fashion, and social impact, positioning Alicante as a rising global hub for world-class events.

More than a conference or festival, the Clevenard Open Project is a global movement promoting collaboration, cultural exchange, visibility, and sustainable development.

Event Programme Highlights

Day 1 – Thursday, 27 August 2026

Global Authors’ Recognition & Education Summit

Day 2 – Friday, 28 August 2026

Global Economy Summit & Clevenard Radio Music Awards (2nd Edition)

Day 3 – Saturday, 29 August 2026

Global Tourism & International Film Celebration

Featuring Headline Lecture by Amb. Fikile Hlatshwayo

Day 4 – Sunday, 30 August 2026

Clevenard Fashion & Beauty Summit & International Fashion Runway 2026

Contact & Registration

• Phone: +34 631 279 811 | +34 672 93 12 16
• Website: www.clevenard.com
• Venue: Palau de Congressos d’Alicante,
• Avinguda de Dénia, 47–49, 03013 Alicante, Spain
• Organised by: Clevenard SL (NIF: B75809574)

Category:

Press release 

Oganisation:

Clevenard

Writer:

Tolu Osindero

Phone:

+34631279811