Preparations for the much-anticipated 7th edition of the Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit and Challenge have gained momentum.
Scheduled to take place from June 24 to 27, 2025, in Nairobi, Kenya, the Pan-African Summit has generated interest and partnerships from the private sector, including hotel chains such as the Radisson Blu Nairobi and Trianum Hospitality.
This year’s Summit programme will feature TED Talks, panel discussions, presentations, keynote messages, mentorship festivals, an employability clinic, an innovation pitch battle, and networking cocktails.
UN Tourism Executive Director Natalia Bayona and Elcia Grandcourt, Director for the Africa Department, will be some of the representatives from UN Tourism who have spearheaded and championed the programme since 2019 as one of the key partners. Natalia Bayona is recognised as one of the first people under 40 to reach her position as Executive Director at UN Tourism. Natalia created the Innovation, Education, and Investment Department, where UN Tourism has undertaken groundbreaking initiatives, including more than 10 global entrepreneurship competitions, numerous national challenges, and over 20 innovation and technology forums. Natalia’s intervention at the summit will be around innovation, focusing on the youth.
The organisers disclosed that registrations for the Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation summit are underway, and a few spaces for desktop exhibitions are available at affordable rates.
Participants are encouraged to register now and sign up for the exhibition to avoid a last-minute rush.
The organisers assured that “Accommodation options are available on our website, as well as pre- and post-summit tour packages.”
Other opportunities to look out for include youth and entrepreneurs MICE Masterclasses for speed marketing, one-on-one meetings, career guidance clinics and brand activation platforms as part of the Youth Summit programme 2025. The insightful and inclusive programme ensures that all age groups and stakeholders are catered to at the Summit.
The Summit is organised by Africa Tourism Partners in collaboration with UN Tourism and hosted by the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, Kenya, TEAMS Africa, and the Kenya Tourism Board.
Interested participants are encouraged to visit the programme’s website and book a seat, accommodation and exhibition space.
