The 7th Africa Youth in Tourism Summit (AYTIS) 2025 was officially launched on January 29, 2025, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi. The event, organised by Africa Tourism Partners in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife Kenya, UN Tourism, AfCFTA, BDO, TEAMS Africa, and the Kenya Tourism Board, attracted over 200 delegates both in person and online, marking a successful start to the upcoming summit.
During the launch, Karanja Waigi, Director for Planning at the Cabinet Secretary’s office, delivered a speech on behalf of Hon. Rebecca Miano, EGH, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife. Hon. Miano emphasised that Kenya’s hosting of the AYTIS 2025 presents an opportunity for empowerment, innovation, and inclusion.
Scheduled to take place from June 10 to 13, 2025, in Nairobi, the summit will be a first for Kenya and will align with the country’s newly launched Youth in Tourism and Conservation initiative. This initiative, introduced in December 2024, is part of the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife’s efforts to empower young people as innovators, job creators, and leaders in both the tourism and conservation sectors.
The summit will feature desktop exhibitions of youth-led tourism businesses, business-to-business networking opportunities, career guidance, and hosted buyer programs. These activities are designed to encourage collaboration among tour operators, transport service providers, educational institutions, and technology start-ups, all while fostering partnerships and promoting the vital role of youth in driving growth within the tourism industry.
Kenya’s rich cultural heritage, dynamic cities, and diverse experiences make it an ideal destination for this landmark event, beyond its renowned wildlife and beaches. The 7th Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit and Challenge is set to provide a platform for innovation, investment, and collaboration in Africa’s tourism sector.
