This year’s Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit and Challenge – held in Swakopmund, Namibia, from May 31-June 2 – has been hailed a “resounding success”, with over 600 physical and more than 1 000 virtual delegates in attendance.
Participants included youth in tourism, entrepreneurs, start-ups, and small enterprises who had the opportunity to reconnect, engage and learn.
At the official opening, the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Pohamba Shifeta, described tourism as one of the pillars of economic growth that directly contributed to poverty alleviation and economic development.
“I urge the youth of Africa and all industry players to collaborate and form partnerships to place the ‘Africa brands/destinations’ at the centre stage of the global dialogue, displaying and expressing the love and warmth of the African people, our diverse culture, abundant wildlife, natural beauty and scenery, organic food and rich history of the continent in your engagements with friends across the globe. Africa is beautiful and fascinating; there is none like Africa elsewhere,” Shifeta said.
Besides attending the Summit, international hosted buyers had the opportunity to participate in the Social Media and Digital Marketing and MICE Masterclass.
The hosted buyer programme was uniquely packaged to expose Namibia’s tourism attractions, culture, gastronomy and activities to enable the hosted buyers to craft packages and market the country from a knowledgeable angle.
Top three finalists
The Summit ended with the awards cocktails where the top three continental innovators were announced.
The shortlisted innovators were Gloria Kisilu from Kenya, Cornelius Collins Ugwunwa from Nigeria, and Ntshabo Lehong from South Africa.
The winner will be announced at the Africa Tourism Leadership Forum and Awards in Botswana in October, and will receive a seed grant of US$10 000 consisting of non-cash mentorship, marketing support, and US$1 000 in cash.
The first and second runners-up will receive US$500 cash each, plus mentorship, marketing support, and exposure to many other opportunities to the value of US$5 000.
