Phillip Modise 
In a bold and spirited move, Johannesburg is stepping into the spotlight as the new host city for the much-anticipated 7th Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit and Challenge, set to take place from 24 to 27 June 2025. Originally slated for Nairobi, Kenya, the summit has been relocated due to unforeseen circumstances, with South Africa’s tourism capital ready to welcome Africa’s brightest young innovators in tourism.
The announcement, made by Africa Tourism Partners, in collaboration with UN Tourism and BDO, comes with an added layer of symbolic importance ‘South Africa celebrates Youth Month’ in June, a poignant time for a country that honours its history while nurturing its future. The synergy couldn’t be more fitting.
Hosted in partnership with South African Tourism and Johannesburg Tourism, the Summit promises more than just speeches and panels. It’s a full-circle ecosystem built for innovation, career development, investment opportunities, and bold discussions that will shape the next chapter of Africa’s travel and tourism landscape.
Over the course of three dynamic days, attendees can look forward to an immersive experience that goes far beyond the typical conference setting. The Summit will feature in-depth panel discussions led by industry thought leaders, youth-led innovation showcases that spotlight Africa’s next generation of tourism trailblazers, and hands-on MICE masterclasses designed to sharpen entrepreneurial skills. Participants will also benefit from tailored career guidance clinics, one-on-one mentorship sessions with seasoned professionals, and vibrant brand activation platforms that bring creativity and energy to the fore.
With themes ranging from Artificial Intelligence in tourism to financial inclusion for youth and women through tourism clusters, the 2025 summit is focused on turning bold ideas into tangible solutions. “We are reimagining how innovation can be supported and scaled across the continent,” say organisers, highlighting the importance of design thinking, tech-driven creativity, and venture capital engagement.
The Summit is also the final stage of the prestigious Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Challenge, where the top 20 finalists are already preparing for an intense bootcamp. The final top 5 will be unveiled during the Summit, adding a sense of anticipation and celebration to the event.
From energetic start-up founders to policy-makers, investors, and buyers, Johannesburg will serve as a melting pot of ambition, insight, and purpose.
Registration is now open at https://youthtourismsummit.com, with limited exhibition spaces available on a first-come-first-serve basis.
