The Namibia Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism will hold the fourth Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit from July 27-29. It will run concurrently with its accompanying exhibition and youth challenge.
Both the summit and exhibition aim to restore confidence and re-activate the tourism sector to rebuild a more resilient tourism economy. The exhibition will be held in collaboration with the World Tourism Organisation and BDO – which offers a range of business advisory services – and be facilitated by Africa Tourism Partners.
Over 250 physical and 1 000 virtual delegates are expected to attend the summit from over 35 countries. Delegates and the faculty of speakers include youth in tourism, entrepreneurs, start-ups, and small enterprises, all ready to reconnect, engage, learn and do business.
“The pandemic had a massively negative impact on business, the MICE sector and economic growth. It is therefore prudent to join exhibitions and events now that the world has opened exhibitions and trade shows, which are economic drivers and accelerators for a rapid return to business growth,” says MICE Expert and MD of CPL Events Portugal, Linda Pereira, who commends organisers for including the exhibition as part of the summit.
“An exhibition during the Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit will be a primary window to customers; a showcase to the offering that Namibia can show the world. Participation in the exhibition will demonstrate that the industry is alive in Namibia and drive sales, attract investment, and accelerate promotion.”
There has been an overwhelming response from innovators entering the Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Challenge, with 95% more applicants than at last year’s event, from a total of 15 African countries.
“As we are pleased with the quantity, so we are with the quality of the ideas of the youth out there. There are some brilliant minds out there that really can make a difference in our industry. However, some entries, as brilliant as the idea may be, have shown that there is a big need for support of these minds, as there seems to be a lack of understanding of how a business works and needs to be presented in a pitch deck or business plan,” explains the Chairperson of the Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Challenge Committee, Barry Clemens.
“Specifically, understanding commercial principles needs support. But this is exactly what our challenge is there for – to bring out and raise awareness of these items and support the start-ups so they can be a success and become sustainable drivers in the economy,” Clemens concludes.
