Global conference honours TUT’s tourism research excellence

Dr Njabulo Ndlovu, Postdoctoral Research Fellow from the Tshwane University of Technology’s (TUT) Department of Tourism Management, has received a Best Paper Award at 13th Advances in Hospitality and Tourism Marketing and Management (AHTMM) Conference in Macau, China. This international recognition celebrates innovative research that explores how digital innovation can drive sustainable transformation in South Africa's small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs).

Dr Ndlovu, was recognised for his paper, The Catalytic Role of Ambidextrous Digital Innovation in Connecting Digital Leadership and Sustainable Transformation in South African SMMEs.

His research examines how digital innovation connects digital leadership with sustainable transformation in South Africa's small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs), offering valuable insights into one of today's most important areas of tourism and business research.

Dr Ndlovu's achievement highlights his commitment to academic excellence, innovation and impactful research while demonstrating the Faculty of Management Sciences' dedication to producing research that addresses contemporary challenges and supports sustainable development.

According to Dr Portia Sifolo, Manager of Centre for Sustainable Tourism and Innovation (CSTI), this international recognition will inspire researchers, academics, students and industry partners to pursue research that creates meaningful and transformative impact.

The University and Department of Tourism Management congratulates Dr Ndlovu on this prestigious international achievement and wishes him continued success in his research career.