Six industry leaders will help Hostex celebrate 40 years of opening doors when the show returns to the Sandton Convention Centre from 8 to 10 March 2026.

Announced during a lively webinar that explored how South Africa can showcase its hospitality and tourism strengths to the world during the upcoming G20 Summit, the ambassadors bring insight, energy, and first-hand experience from across the sectors that keep this industry moving – tourism, hospitality, culinary, beverage, retail, SME development, and local industry.

“We’re privileged to have ambassadors of this calibre – people who are shaping the industry and who are deeply invested in Hostex, ensuring it continues to meet the needs of the sectors it serves now and into the future,” says Lerato Nako, Event Manager of Hostex.

Meet the Hostex 2026 ambassadors:

Lindiwe Sangweni-Siddo — tourism: Chief Operating Officer at City Lodge Hotels, Lindiwe is a widely respected leader with a career spanning both public and private sector tourism. She has served on several industry boards, including South African Tourism, and played a central role in advancing transformation within hospitality. Lindiwe combines hands-on operational knowledge with visionary leadership, offering a broad perspective on how tourism can adapt to meet new traveller expectations while continuing to grow local opportunity.

Trevor Boyd — culinary: A chef by training and now Operations General Manager: Food & Beverage at City Lodge Hotels, Trevor has built a distinguished career developing people, menus and hospitality standards that balance creativity and commercial success. A former national culinary team member and manager, Trevor has represented South Africa on the global stage and remains passionate about nurturing young talent in professional kitchens. His leadership bridges the artistry of food with the business of hospitality.

Read the full article in Tourism News Africa here: https://tourismnewsafrica.com/hostex-2026-unveils-ambassadors-leading/

Pictured above is the new Atlantic Social outside patio with canal view at refurbished City Lodge Hotel V&A Waterfront.