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Tourism experts during one of the sessions at the Africa Tourism Leadership Forum in Gaborone, Botswana.
South Africa is set to take centre stage in continental tourism dialogue as Johannesburg prepares to host the 7th Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit and Challenge during the country’s annual Youth Month celebrations.
In a statement, the African Tourism Partners confirmed the relocation of the event from its original venue in Nairobi, Kenya, to Gauteng, citing that the decision was made “due to unforeseen circumstances”.
The three-day summit will bring together young African change-makers, government representatives from tourism, ICT and hospitality sectors, policymakers, venture capitalists, international buyers and investors. The goal is to foster meaningful engagement aimed at advancing tourism development across the continent.
The platform will also offer participants networking opportunities, career guidance, business development support and collaboration prospects through a curated exhibition space.
According to the statement, following the success of last year’s 6th edition held in Windhoek, Namibia, this year’s summit will focus on, “Bridging the Start-Up Divide: Redefining the pathways for capital raising by leveraging the needs of national and international venture capital networks; Artificial Intelligence Adoption: Navigating AI disruptions and promising business prospects for youth and start-ups in the future of Africa’s tourism ecosystem; and Tech-driven Future: Utilising Design Thinking as a strategic tool for powering innovation and creativity in travel, tourism and hospitality entrepreneurship.”
The 7th Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit and Challenge will take place in Johannesburg from the 25th to the 27th of June. #SABCNews #ATLF2025 pic.twitter.com/adtaysY4ZE
— Sipho King K Kekana (@KingKAzania) May 14, 2025
The Innovation Challenge, which forms part of the summit, has already completed its first round.
“The first round of the Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Challenge has been completed. The judges have identified the top 20 finalists who will be immersed in the bootcamp prior to the selection of the top 5 finalists. The top 5 candidates will be announced at the Summit in Johannesburg,” reads the statement in part.
Delegates are scheduled to arrive on the 23rd of June, with training sessions and a masterclass planned for the following day. The main programme will run from the 25th to the 27th of June, where youth innovators will engage directly with key industry players to explore strategies for growing Africa’s tourism sector.
