Joburg Tourism is excited to participate in the much-loved 947 Joburg Day, taking place on Saturday, 5 September at Crocodile Creek Polo Club – and invites residents and visitors alike to celebrate everything that makes Johannesburg one of Africa’s most colourful, lively, diverse and exciting destinations.
As Johannesburg welcomes the arrival of Spring, and South Africa celebrates both Heritage Month and Tourism Month, Joburg Tourism’s activation will showcase the city’s rich cultural creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, visitor experiences and world-class attractions.
Visitors to the Joburg Tourism stand can look forward to a dynamic and interactive experience, including:
- Eight arts and crafts SMMEs showcasing and selling unique, locally made products, highlighting the creativity and talent that thrives across Johannesburg’s communities.
- A Spin & Win Competition offering exciting prizes and giveaways throughout the day.
- The Mobile Visitor Information Centre, where visitors can discover new attractions, events, experiences, restaurants, accommodation options and seasonal activities to enjoy in Johannesburg this Spring.
- Special appearances by Gauteng Lions cricketers, who will engage with fans, take photographs and create exciting social media moments throughout the day.
Joburg Tourism’s participation forms part of broader efforts to celebrate Tourism Month and encourage residents to become ambassadors for their city by exploring the many hidden gems, cultural attractions, entertainment precincts, heritage sites and outdoor experiences available across Johannesburg.
“Spring is one of the most exciting times to experience Johannesburg. The city comes alive with colour, energy, outdoor events and cultural celebrations, making it the perfect season for residents and visitors to rediscover everything that Joburg has to offer,” says Belu Mabandla, Executive Head: Destination Marketing and Events at Joburg Tourism.
“Heritage Month and Tourism Month provide an important opportunity for us to celebrate our people, our stories and our diverse cultural identity while encouraging local tourism and supporting small businesses. Through our activation at 947 Joburg Day, we aim to inspire visitors to explore Johannesburg’s world-class tourism offering, support local entrepreneurs and experience the unique spirit that makes our city truly unforgettable.”
The inclusion of local SMMEs reflects Joburg Tourism’s commitment to supporting township and community-based enterprises, creating opportunities for local businesses to connect with thousands of event attendees while showcasing authentic Johannesburg-made products.
As South Africa prepares to celebrate World Tourism Day on 27 September, Joburg Tourism joins the global tourism community in recognising this year’s theme: “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism.” The theme highlights how digital innovation and artificial intelligence are helping to create smarter, more inclusive and sustainable tourism experiences by making it easier for travellers to discover destinations, plan journeys and access information.
Johannesburg continues to embrace innovation while showcasing the authentic experiences, vibrant culture and warm hospitality that make the city a destination worth exploring. Through digital platforms and visitor services, travellers can seamlessly discover new attractions, curate personalised itineraries and unlock memorable experiences across the city.
“As the world marks World Tourism Day 2026 under the theme ‘Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism’, Johannesburg is embracing innovation to help visitors discover more of what our city has to offer,” says Mabandla. “Technology is becoming an important exploration partner, helping travellers uncover experiences, plan their journeys and navigate our destination with greater ease. However, it is the authentic connections, vibrant culture, rich heritage and unforgettable experiences on the ground that truly define Johannesburg. AI may be your exploration partner, but Joburg is your fulfilment partner. This World Tourism Day, we invite residents and visitors alike to tick their bucket lists in Africa’s playground and discover why there’s always more to explore and more to experience in Johannesburg.”
Johannesburg. More to explore. More to experience. Visit visit.joburg.
Visitors attending 947 Joburg Day are encouraged to stop by the Joburg Tourism stand to shop local, connect with Gauteng Lions players, win prizes and gather inspiration for their next Johannesburg adventure.
