The capital of Kenya, Nairobi, has been selected to host the Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit and Challenge (AYTIS) in 2025, 2026 and 2027.
This Pan-African event is dedicated to promoting and uplifting innovative entrepreneurs within the tourism sector across the continent.
The announcement follows the successful 2024 AYTIS in Windhoek, Namibia, which attracted over 500 delegates. The event gathered 300 entrepreneurs in addition to senior government officials and industry leaders across Africa to foster collaboration and showcase the continent’s burgeoning tourism potential.
Tourism Events Advisory and Management Services Africa (TEAMS Africa), a joint venture between travel industry professionals Barry Clemens, Joram Mwinamo and Håvar Bauck, will host the upcoming summits in Nairobi. The exact dates and venue for the 2025 summit will be announced later this month.
“Tourism has potential to be a leading driver of economic growth and job creation in Africa for decades to come. Our goal is to showcase and uplift the innovators that are building tomorrow’s travel industry and can transform tourism in Africa. By empowering young entrepreneurs and embracing innovation, we can reshape the narrative of African tourism,” said Bauck.
It is crucial for African destinations to build a tourism narrative that goes beyond wildlife and beaches, highlighting the continent’s rich cultural heritage, dynamic cities and diverse experiences, he pointed out.
“We also need to reach beyond traditional tourism source markets and segments to attract a new generation of global travellers and position this continent as the world’s fastest-growing tourism region. AYTIS is the forum that brings together the innovators who will make that happen.”
Clemens is upbeat about Kenya hosting AYTIS. “Having been part of AYTIS since its inception, I am thrilled to see it come home to a country that reflects the spirit of youth, innovation and entrepreneurship in tourism. Tourism is far more than hotels, tour operators and flights. It is a catalyst for transformation across the entire value chain. From technology startups to local artisans, agri-businesses and environmental conservation initiatives, tourism creates endless opportunities for African entrepreneurs to thrive.”
In addition to Namibia, AYTIS has been hosted by the governments of Rwanda, South Africa and Ghana in partnership with UN Tourism and the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat. The continuity of these partnerships underscores a shared commitment to empowering youth and fostering innovation in Africa’s tourism industry.
