1. Since winning the 2022 Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award, how has Glamping Adventures scaled?
Since receiving the Bold Woman Award, Glamping Adventures has scaled intentionally and strategically, with a clear vision for long-term impact within the tourism sector.
We began as an entry-level glamping offering, setting up 3×3 canvas tents in iconic destinations across South Africa and creating accessible, immersive outdoor experiences without compromising on comfort. What started as a passion- driven concept has since evolved into a multi tiered luxury travel brand.
Today, we operate across mid-range and high-end luxury glamping segments, offering fully curated premium experiences. We have expanded into corporate incentive travel, curated high-end bush retreats, and established partnerships with exceptional glamping stays across South Africa, strengthening both our national footprint and collaborative network.
A major milestone in our growth journey was the launch of the Glamping Expo, the first of its kind in Africa, which we successfully hosted in Johannesburg in 2025. The inaugural event brought together key players in tourism, hospitality and experiential travel, marking an important step in positioning glamping as a serious and growing sector within the industry. We are currently planning the second instalment of the Expo, building on that strong foundation.
Beyond this, we are actively working on several new projects within the tourism space, which we look forward to announcing as they develop. The vision continues to expand, and the future of Glamping Adventures is bright, bold and incredibly exciting.
2. Can you share any measurable growth across occupancy rates, locations launched, revenue growth, team
expansion or new partnerships in the tourism and hospitality space?
Over the past few years, we’ve expanded our portfolio with more luxury, bush-focused offerings, which have been particularly attractive to the incentive travel and events segment.
We’ve formed partnerships with a range of premium glamping stays across South Africa, further strengthening our network. Through robust marketing efforts, including active participation in international trade expos, we’ve also accessed key international source markets seeking high-end safari and experiential travel.
At the same time, we have grown our outbound tourism division, catering to South African groups travelling overseas for curated holidays. As a result, we’ve achieved consistent double-digit growth, with visitor numbers increasing by over 10% year-on-year alongside strong revenue performance.
We continue to scale responsibly by driving meaningful community impact through local partnerships and collaborating with environmentally responsible glamping stays that meet recognised green standards.
3. Have you had a “pinch me” moment since winning the award?
Since winning the Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award, I’ve had several “pinch me” moments, particularly when I realised what the award had prepared me for.
One that stands out is the speaking opportunities that followed. The platforms Veuve Clicquot gave me – including radio and TV interviews, curated engagements and speaking opportunities – built a level of confidence I didn’t realise I had and reignited a passion for public speaking I thought I had left behind.
Those experiences led to paid speaking engagements, invitations to tourism industry events and greater recognition as a voice within the glamping sector. Even years later, the credibility of the award is acknowledged in the rooms I enter, opening doors that continue to amplify both my platform and impact.
4. Hospitality requires resilience and reinvention. How has your leadership evolved as you’ve grown from founder to sector leader?
My leadership has evolved alongside the growth of Glamping Adventures. As a founder, I was hands-on in every detail, from guest experiences to operations. As the business expanded, my role shifted toward building strategic partnerships and shaping a broader vision for the tourism industry, which partly inspired the creation of the Glamping Expo.
Leadership has also meant empowering others, encouraging innovation and staying adaptable in an industry where guest expectations and market trends are constantly evolving.
This shift has allowed me to lead with greater purpose while contributing to the development of the wider glamping sector.
5. South Africa’s tourism landscape has shifted significantly over the past few years. How has being part of the Bold network supported your strategic growth during this time?
The Bold network has provided access to curated speaking engagements, media opportunities and valuable connections that have amplified both our visibility and credibility.
These opportunities have opened doors to new partnerships and international markets, while also providing the confidence and perspective to refine our strategy, evolve our offerings and strengthen our positioning within luxury, sustainable travel.
6. Five years into the South African programme, what does it mean to you to be part of this emerging legacy of women building experience-driven businesses?
It is both inspiring and humbling. Five years into the South African programme, I see the Bold network as a community that celebrates resilience, creativity and leadership.
Being part of this legacy highlights the growing influence of women entrepreneurs across industries. It also demonstrates how businesses built around experiences, sustainability and meaningful impact can thrive while reshaping the sectors they operate in.
