Our Story

Thabo Modise, founder and CEO of Toura Travel Therapy, known more popularly as Thabo the Tourist, is exceptionally well-versed in art and tourism. Having honed his entrepreneurial career on one of South Africa’s most prominent tourist destinations, Soweto’s Vilakazi Street, he has established himself as an art tourism thought leader trusted by reputable galleries, art and tourism institutions and tourists alike. With extensive knowledge of the arts Thabo the Tourist has facilitated over 300 art tours across South Africa hosting international and local guests, offering them insight into the vibrant artscape of Africa’s artists. 

The Early Years 

I have always been an entrepreneur at heart. 

Born in Zeerust North West and raised in Soweto, a township infamous for South Africa’s apartheid era and home to the country’s struggle heroes, music icons and art extraordinaires warrants one to become a dreamer. So very early on I started dreaming beyond the constraints of my surroundings and leaning into the possibility that came from being in Johannesburg, Africa’s most vibrant Art City. 

Amongst my early business ventures, Shova Lifestyle Origin ( Shova – a colloquial term which means; to move forward), was an award-winning creative hub rooted in capacitating artists to propel the narrative of African stories which lays the foundation of what now has evolved into an art tourism movement, Toura Travel Therapy.  

Historically western ideology has been at the forefront of telling African stories often manipulating the narrative to benefit the global north. Toura Travel Therapy acts as a vehicle of exporting authentic African narratives and gives artists agency to tell truthful stories that reflect the lived experiences of people in Africa.  ‘Toura’ a correlation for “tour-around” encourages us to #BeTheTourist, to stay curious and in pursuit of an experience. 
Our philosophy is deeply rooted in continuous learning, a diligent commitment to our clients, and collaboration with key stakeholders.

Embedded in our core values is good health, ownership and simplicity. Our intention is to invest in enriching our communities’ wellbeing by engaging them through a fulfilling process of observing art within the art gallery environments, and to set art gallery hopping as a lifestyle trend in the art-city of Johannesburg and South Africa.

Toura Travel Therapy offers first-of-its-kind art tours that include gallery-hopping, studio visits, exploration of artistic street experiences and art advisory services focused on connecting people to art and people to their communities.

Mission

To make sure that South Africa is well known for art-tourism by building a solid bridge between art and tourism in real-time.