Kenya is solidifying its position as a tourism hub in East Africa. Nairobi has been selected to host the African Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit (AYTIS) for the years 2025, 2026, and 2027. The summit, which attracts hundreds of innovators, government leaders, and tourism experts, aims to revitalize the tourism industry in the region post-COVID. Organized by TEAMS Africa, this event highlights Nairobi’s growing importance on the global tourism stage following a successful edition in Namibia.
Kenya : Hub of the tourism industry in East Africa
Kenya, a key player in the travel and tourism industry of East Africa, has once again strengthened its position by being chosen to host the African Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit (AYTIS) for 2025, 2026, and 2027. This achievement further solidifies Kenya’s status as a prime tourism destination as the industry continues to recover from the economic impact of COVID-19.
AYTIS is a platform designed to promote and encourage innovative investors within Africa’s dynamic tourism sector. The global conference will be held in Nairobi, following the success of the 2024 edition in Windhoek, Namibia, which welcomed over 500 participants. The event attracted more than 300 entrepreneurs, key government officials, and industry leaders, focusing on promoting partnerships and showcasing a wide range of tourism offerings.
Tourism : Driver of economic growth in Africa
Tourism Events Advisory and Management Services Africa (TEAMS Africa), a joint venture between esteemed travel industry professionals Barry Clemens and Håvar Bauck, will host the upcoming summits in Nairobi, with the exact dates and venue to be announced later this month.
« Tourism has the potential to become a major driver of economic growth and job creation in Africa for decades to come. Our goal is to showcase and empower the innovators shaping the travel industry of tomorrow and to transform tourism in Africa. By empowering young entrepreneurs and embracing innovation, we can reshape the narrative of African tourism », said Håvar Bauck, founder and CEO of HotelOnline.
He added, « It is essential for African destinations to build a tourism narrative that goes beyond wildlife and beaches, highlighting the continent’s rich cultural heritage, vibrant cities, and diverse experiences. We must also tap into new markets and segments to attract a new generation of international travelers and position Africa as the fastest-growing tourism region in the world. AYTIS is the forum where innovators will drive this transformation ».
AYTIS empowering future tourism entrepreneurs
AYTIS is an annual Pan-African showcase aimed at empowering future entrepreneurs within the tourism industry. It provides a platform for innovation, networking, and exploring emerging investment opportunities in the sector. Each year, AYTIS brings together stakeholders from across the continent to collaborate on advancing the potential of Africa’s tourism industry.
Africa Tourism Partners, led by seasoned travel sector expert Kwakye Donkor, will continue to organize the event. Aiming to expand the summit’s impact, the hosts plan to attract 800 participants in 2025, offering more opportunities for networking, learning, and collaboration.
« The African Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit is an example of the untapped potential of the youth on our continent. We are excited to host AYTIS in Nairobi in partnership with TEAMS Africa. This city reflects the innovation and dynamism we aim to promote, and this partnership amplifies our shared commitment to youth empowerment and innovation in the tourism sector », said Kwakye Donkor.
Potential of Africa’s tourism industry
Previously, the summit has been hosted in Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, and Ghana, thanks to partnerships between the governments of host countries, the UN Tourism organization, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat.
Barry Clemens, CEO of Hospitality EQ, remarked, « It is with immense pride that I welcome the African Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit (AYTIS) to Kenya, a nation at the heart of Africa’s tourism evolution. Having been part of AYTIS since its inception, I am thrilled to see it return to a country that embodies youth, innovation, and entrepreneurship in tourism».
According to a study by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and visa processing firm VFS Global, Africa’s travel and tourism sector has the potential to grow by an average of 6.5 % annually over the next decade, contributing approximately 350 billion USD to the continent’s economy. This growth is expected to create more than 18 million new jobs, helping economies tackle unemployment, one of the most persistent challenges for policymakers today.
Exciting opportunities for entrepreneurs
Tourism extends beyond hotels, tour operators, and flights; it catalyzes transformation across the entire value chain. From tech start-ups to local artisans, agri-businesses, and environmental preservation initiatives, tourism offers African entrepreneurs endless opportunities to thrive.
« It is essential that we support and mentor the next generation, whose ideas will lead this industry into new and exciting directions, ultimately fostering economic growth and inclusive development across the continent », said Barry Clemens.
Before the economic impact of COVID-19, Africa’s travel and tourism industry contributed more than 186 billion USD to the continent, attracting 84 million international visitors. In African countries, the travel and tourism industry is crucial for job creation, especially for the youth, who make up the majority of the continent’s population.
