As South Africa celebrates Women’s Month, a leading academic in the travel and events sector, the Tshwane University of Technology’s Dr Lisa Welthagen, is being recognised for her remarkable contributions to education, industry innovation and women’s empowerment. With more than 26 years of professional experience and a PhD in Tourism Management, she has become a driving force in shaping the country’s tourism and events landscape - ensuring it is both locally sustainable and globally competitive.
Dr Welthagen’s academic journey is rooted in the belief that education extends far beyond the classroom. She has dedicated her career to preparing students to make a meaningful impact in the real world by fostering cross-sector collaboration and advancing industry standards. Many of her graduates now hold leadership positions in tourism and events, while others have launched their own businesses, a testament to her mentorship and influence.
Among her proudest milestones are leading the re-curriculation of the Event Management qualification, serving on the CEPA Council, and being elected Vice Chair of the SACIA Event Safety Council (2023–2025). She has also contributed to updating national standards (SANS10366) through the SABS technical committee and played a key role in National Department of Tourism research projects. These achievements highlight her commitment to bridging academia, policy and practice.
Dr Welthagen’s journey has not been without challenges. Like many women in academia, balancing professional demands with personal responsibilities required resilience. She overcame this by focusing on competence, consistency and collaboration, allowing her results to speak louder than assumptions. She also cultivated strong professional networks that value expertise over gender - a strategy that not only strengthened her career but also positioned her as an advocate for inclusive academic and professional spaces.
Reflecting on her impact, she emphasises that her work benefits students, the industry and communities alike. By aligning education with practice, she promotes safer, more sustainable and inclusive events that serve society at large. “Knowing that my contributions have helped shape both people and practice is what makes this work deeply fulfilling,” she says.
To young women aspiring to enter academia, her advice is clear: “Go into every room knowing that your voice and thoughts are heard. Don’t be afraid to step beyond your comfort zone. The opportunities you create for yourself - and those you embrace - will shape your path. Above all, remember that academics are about changing the world for your students, your field and your community.”
Dr Lisa Welthagen, a leading academic in the travel and events sector in South Africa