The recently launched Social Media Marketing Institute (SMMI) has announced that the inaugural TourismX Social Media Awards is taking place in Johannesburg on 26 September 2025, and it will recognise outstanding achievements in social media engagement within the tourism sector.
The Awards will celebrate the digital excellence of tourism brands and travel services that excel in creating meaningful, authentic online connections with their audiences.
TourismX aims to honour the most engaging tourism brands across various categories, showcasing the power of social media in the evolving tourism landscape.
The focus will be on genuine interaction on social media, measuring engagement through likes, shares, comments, and community-building rather than just follower numbers.
“Social media is transforming the way businesses and brands communicate with their customers, and these awards aim to highlight those leading the charge in creating authentic, impactful digital content,” said Gerrit Davids, Head of the SMMI.
“Through the TourismX Social Media Awards, we want to celebrate creativity, innovation, and the power of digital storytelling in the tourism sector.”
Social Media Champion of the Year Categories:
– Game Lodges
– Local Tourism Association (LTAs) – Destinations
– District Destinations
– Tourism Heritage Sites
– Tourist Attractions
– National Hotel Chains
– Airlines x 2 Categories: (South African and other African airlines flying to South Africa)
– Airports
– Industry Associations
– City Destinations
– Provincial Destinations
– Travel Media Publications (Digital/Online/Print)
– Tourism Promotion Events: B2B & B2C
– Government Tourism Agencies (National Entities)
Grand Prix Award
– Social Media Brand of the Year
Tourism entities are encouraged to simply email their public page Facebook profile to tourismx@gerommedia.co.za, and there is no cost attached to enter the awards
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