Exhibitor registration is officially open for the Ngwathe Tourism Expo 2026, taking place on September 4 Parys Airfield, and presented by the Edgar Legoale Foundation.

The Expo will bring together tourism businesses, SMMEs, entrepreneurs, creatives, hospitality establishments, local producers, community-based enterprises and other exhibitors to showcase their products, services and tourism offerings.

Limited stalls

Interested exhibitors are encouraged to register as soon as possible, as the number of available exhibition stalls is limited and spaces will be allocated subject to the Expo’s arrangements and requirements.

To register follow the link https://forms.gle/3U5fWAvZ85EFdgL46

Please ensure that all required information is completed accurately when submitting your registration.

For enquiries phone Penny Tshabalala on 0658943842 or send email to penny@edgarlegoale.com

Interested exhibitors should register early to secure their opportunity to be part of the Ngwathe Tourism Expo 2026.

Tourism, business and opportunity

Various tourism exhibitions and destinations showcased at the expo will highlight attractions and opportunities in Ngwathe and the surrounding region, demonstrating that tourism extends beyond accommodation and attractions, and instead connects heritage, business, culture, entrepreneurship, hospitality, sport, entertainment and community development.

Business networking and stakeholder engagements will provide opportunities for tourism operators, entrepreneurs, businesses, government institutions and other organisations to connect and explore possible partnerships.

A key feature will be the Tourism Panel Discussion, focusing on the future of tourism, local economic development, investment, destination marketing, entrepreneurship and opportunities within Ngwathe.

The event will also showcase the region’s creative and cultural identity through arts and cultural performances, food and lifestyle experiences, local SMMEs, a craft market and live entertainment.

Making tourism everyone’s business

“When visitors come to Ngwathe, the economic benefit should reach as many local hands as possible,” the foundation said The Ngwathe Experience will highlight tourism-related opportunities and encourage residents to explore their own surroundings, support local establishments and recognise the economic value of tourism.

“Tourism must be everyone’s business – from accommodation providers, restaurants and tour operators to artists, artisans, taxi operators, informal traders, photographers, event organisers, farmers, guides and young entrepreneurs.

Stakeholder support

The Expo is being developed in collaboration with a range of stakeholders involved in tourism, economic development, education and business. Participating stakeholders include the Parys Chamber of Commerce, Parys Info & Tourism, Vredefort Dome Tourism Association, Ngwathe Local Municipality, Parys Vlieg Klub/Parys Flying Club, The Savannah Africa, Sedibeng Business Solutions (Pty) Ltd, S.U. & A, Parys Community Chamber, Department of Education, Free State Gambling, Liquor and Tourism Authority (FSGLTA), Parys Gazette, Parys 150 and PI & T.

The Edgar Legoale foundation emphasised that sustainable tourism development requires cooperation between government, businesses, tourism establishments, community organisations, educational institutions, civil society, the media and private-sector partners.

MEC Makume to attend

Free State MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism Ketso Makume will attend the expo to strengthen discussions around tourism, economic development and opportunities within Ngwathe and the broader Free State.