The 2021 Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit and Challenge started on a high note with the youth challenged to embrace and keep up with the ever dynamic tourism, hospitality, and aviation industry.
In doing so, digitization, mentorship, and maximizing opportunities are some of the key tools that have been identified as necessary to unlocking the full potential of tourism to the African youth.
The general consensus among the many speakers and discussants was that the youth needs to be empowered to take on the responsibility of advancing the continent’s tourism to its utmost height.
This calls for the formulation of youth-centered policies that encourage domestic and cross-border travel. Such policies are also to help bridge the gap between academia and industry while prioritizing women and people with disabilities.
Speakers were drawn from a broad spectrum of the tourism landscape from destination marketing experts, academia, youth group leaders and private individuals blazing the trail in Africa’s tourism and beyond.
Moderated by Ivorian Culinary Content Creator and Tourism Consultant, Yasmine Fofana, sessions for the day one event were predominantly virtual with speakers connecting from Kenya, Rwanda, Italy, South Africa, Ghana, the UK among others.
The Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit and Challenge continues to till 30th July as a platform for key stakeholders, innovators and industry players to connect, engage, learn, innovate and grow with African and start-ups in tourism.
Click here to view more pictures from Day 1 of the event
Story by Samuel Obeng Appah
