Johannesburg to Host 7th Africa Tourism Summit
Story By: Rebecca Okine
In a strategic move underscoring its commitment to youth development and innovation, Johannesburg, South Africa, has been confirmed as the new host city for the 7th Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit and Challenge, scheduled for 24–26 June 2025.
The relocation from Nairobi, Kenya, follows unforeseen logistical changes, but offers a timely opportunity to align the Summit with South Africa’s Youth Month, a nationally significant period dedicated to youth empowerment.
Backed by Africa Tourism Partners, UN Tourism, and BDO, and now co-hosted with South African Tourism and Johannesburg Tourism, the Summit is expected to draw a diverse audience of emerging tourism leaders, investors, and policymakers focused on reshaping the continent’s tourism future through technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
More than just a conference, the Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit has evolved into a platform where vision meets action. Delegates will explore how African youth can become central players in the continent’s tourism renaissance, with a strong emphasis on innovation, inclusivity, and economic resilience.
Summit Schedule:
- 24 June – Arrival & Registration
- 25–26 June – Full Summit Days
- 27 June – Day at Leisure / Departures
With Africa’s tourism sector rebounding and transforming post-pandemic, the 2025 Summit will spotlight forward-looking themes such as:
- AI in Tourism – Exploring opportunities and challenges for AI integration in hospitality and travel
- Bridging the Start-Up Divide – Connecting youth-led enterprises with venture capital ecosystems
- Design Thinking for Tourism – Driving creativity and sustainable business models in tourism innovation
- Inclusive Tourism Models – Fostering tourism clusters to empower women and youth economically
- The AI Revolution – Leveraging intelligent systems for business efficiency and market growth
A key highlight of the Summit is the Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Challenge, which has already shortlisted 20 semi-finalists. These rising innovators will undergo an intensive bootcamp in the lead-up to the event. The top five finalists, selected for their breakthrough ideas and scalable projects, will be revealed live during the Summit.
