Clevenard to Honour Philisiwe Gumede at the Clevenard Open Project 2026 and Clevenard Global Awards – 3rd Edition in Alicante, Spain

ALICANTE, SPAIN – Clevenard SL is delighted to announce that renowned South African hospitality executive, tourism leader, and transformational business strategist Philisiwe Gumede will be honoured with a prestigious Honorary Global Leadership Award at the Clevenard Open Project 2026 – 5th Edition, taking place from 27–30 August 2026 at the Palacio de Congresos Alicante, Spain.

The distinguished recognition will be presented on Sunday, 30 August 2026, during the highly anticipated Clevenard Global Awards – 3rd Edition 2026, the flagship awards ceremony of the Clevenard Open Project. Held alongside the prestigious International Fashion Runway, the ceremony celebrates exceptional global leaders whose influence, achievements, and contributions transcend industries, borders, and generations.

As part of her participation in the international forum, Philisiwe Gumede will also deliver a keynote address on Day 2, sharing insights on leadership, transformation, tourism growth, and the future of global hospitality.

A Transformational Leader Shaping the Future of Hospitality

Philisiwe Gumede is one of Africa's most respected hospitality executives and tourism advocates, bringing more than 25 years of executive leadership experience across hospitality, tourism, healthcare, gaming, retail, and diversified service sectors.

She currently serves as General Manager of The Oyster Box Hotel, South Africa's most iconic luxury seaside hotel, where she made history as the first Black woman to lead the property in its 78-year history. Her appointment marked a significant milestone for transformation within luxury hospitality, symbolising progress, representation, and inclusive leadership at the highest level.

Born and raised in Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal, Philisiwe's journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of Africa's most influential hospitality leaders is a remarkable story of determination, resilience, excellence, and visionary leadership.

Throughout her distinguished career, she has successfully led complex multi-site operations, managed workforces exceeding 1,200 employees, overseen enterprises generating more than R700 million in annual revenues, and consistently delivered sustainable commercial growth while cultivating high-performance, people-centred organisational cultures.

Her impressive executive portfolio includes leadership roles with internationally recognised organisations such as Peermont Global, Clinix Healthcare Group, Bidvest Prestige, Sun International, the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa, and hospitality operations in the United Arab Emirates. These diverse experiences have positioned her as a leading authority on business transformation, governance, stakeholder engagement, operational excellence, and sustainable growth.

Elevating The Oyster Box to New Heights of Excellence

Since assuming leadership of The Oyster Box in April 2025, Philisiwe has continued to strengthen the hotel's reputation as one of the world's most celebrated luxury hospitality destinations.

Under her stewardship, The Oyster Box achieved 5-Star Premium Status, South Africa's highest grading recognition, reflecting exceptional standards in luxury hospitality, guest experience, and operational excellence.

The hotel also secured the 2026 Durban Tourism Business Award in the Accommodation – Hotel and MICE category, reinforcing its position as a leader within the regional tourism sector.

On the global stage, The Oyster Box earned multiple honours at the 2026 Haute Grandeur Global Awards, including:

• Global Winner – Most Luxurious Experience
• Best Coastal Hotel in South Africa
• Best View Hotel in South Africa
• Best Rooftop View Hotel in South Africa

These achievements demonstrate Philisiwe's ability to inspire excellence, develop high-performing teams, and elevate hospitality experiences to internationally acclaimed standards.

Championing Tourism, Economic Development, and Women's Empowerment

Beyond her executive responsibilities, Philisiwe is a highly respected advocate for tourism development, economic growth, transformation, and women's empowerment.

Her leadership extends across several influential industry platforms, including:

• Board Member, FEDHASA KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape
• Board Member, SheWorxZA
• Deputy Tourism Lead, Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry
• Former Provincial Master Assessor, Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape)
• Mentor and contributor to tourism SMME development and leadership programmes

In her role as Deputy Tourism Lead for the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, she works closely with public and private sector stakeholders to strengthen destination competitiveness, stimulate tourism-led economic growth, and promote sustainable development throughout the region.

Her exceptional contribution to business and tourism was recently recognised through the prestigious KZN Top Business Women Award, celebrating her impact on leadership excellence, tourism advancement, economic development, and women's empowerment.

Global Recognition and Academic Excellence

Philisiwe's pioneering leadership has attracted widespread recognition from both national and international media. Her achievements have been featured by leading publications including AFAR Magazine (New York), Business Events Africa, The South African, SA People, TPDEL Media, ATW Connect, Herterlier Magazine, and numerous other respected industry platforms.

Adding to her impressive professional accomplishments, she recently completed a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Suffolk, United Kingdom, further strengthening her expertise in strategic leadership, organisational development, and global business management.

Why Philisiwe Gumede Merits International Recognition

Philisiwe Gumede's achievements extend far beyond personal success.

As the first Black woman to lead one of Africa's most iconic luxury hotels, she has become a powerful symbol of transformation, inclusion, and possibility within the global hospitality industry.

Her leadership has generated measurable business results while simultaneously creating opportunities for women, mentoring future leaders, supporting community development, advancing tourism growth, and contributing significantly to South Africa's economic progress.

Through her unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, diversity, and empowerment, she continues to inspire a new generation of leaders across Africa and beyond.

The Clevenard Global Awards recognises Philisiwe Gumede not only for her extraordinary professional accomplishments but also for her enduring contribution to society, her transformative influence on the tourism industry, and her commitment to shaping a more inclusive and prosperous future.

About the Clevenard Open Project 2026

The Clevenard Open Project 2026 – 5th Edition is a four-day international flagship forum held under the theme:

“A Global Celebration of Business, Culture, Creativity & Human Connection”

The event brings together global leaders, policymakers, diplomats, investors, entrepreneurs, creatives, tourism stakeholders, and development partners from Africa, Europe, the Caribbean, and beyond to foster collaboration, innovation, cultural exchange, and sustainable economic growth.

Event Programme Highlights

• Day 1 – 27 August 2026

Global Authors' Recognition & Education Summit

• Day 2 – 28 August 2026

Global Economy, Trade, Solid Minerals, Agriculture & Investment Summit

• Day 3 – 29 August 2026

Global Tourism & International Film Celebration

• Day 4 – 30 August 2026

Clevenard Global Awards – 3rd Edition 2026 & International Fashion Runway

Event Details

Dates: 27–30 August 2026

Venue: Palacio de Congresos Alicante Avinguda de Dénia 47–49, 03013 Alicante, Spain

Media & Partnership Enquiries

Phone: +34 631 279 811 | +34 672 93 12 16

About Clevenard

Clevenard is a global platform dedicated to connecting people, cultures, businesses, and opportunities worldwide. Through media, technology, international events, and strategic partnerships, Clevenard amplifies voices, builds bridges, and drives cultural, social, and economic development across continents.

Mission: To connect the world, amplify voices, and create opportunities that transform lives.

Category:

Press release 

Oganisation:

Clevenard

Writer:

Tolu Osindero

Phone:

+34 631 27 98 11