Story by Memory Chamisa
INCLUSION of youths and young entrepreneurs in the tourism sector has been cited as critical in digitalising the marketing of Destination Africa.
This was the rallying point at the official opening of the 5th Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit in Namibia.
Since inception in 2019 in Durban, South Africa, the event has been hosted by the governments of Ghana, Rwanda, and Namibia.
With over 38 African countries in attendance, the youth tourism event is expected to provide a platform for business networks, mentorship, and partnerships.
For the vibrant participants, the summit will not only open doors to the tourism industry ecosystem but showcase the creative minds on the continent.
“I’m from Tanzania and I’m really excited to be here and the opportunities that this summit is going to avail,” noted a participant.
Another participant said, “There is need for more of these events to ensure that us as youths we are given the platform to show the world what we can do especially Africa where there are so many places to visit.”
“COVID-19 taught us many things and digital marketing was one of the key lessons that as youth people with creative minds we have an advantage of,” added another.
United Nations World Tourism Organisation Secretary General Mr Zurab Pololikashvili implored Youths to harness the opportunities availed to them and ride on their innovative skills to drive the African Tourism agenda.
“As Youths, entrepreneurs and smart innovative minds, you must leverage on the important of partnerships and mentorship to enable you reach the global audience. As young people you have the key in driving the African Tourism economy,” said UNWTO Secretary General, Mr Zurab Pololikashvili.
“It is impressive that this is the only platform that enables that hence you also must be included in decision making process in the Tourism industry. Youths are the reflective Ambassadors of Tourism in Africa as you travel a lot than us.”
The host country’s Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism Mr Pohamba Shifeta highlighted the importance of increased capacitation towards innovations and start-ups by youths in marketing Africa.
“Tourism and Travel, you need to have young people involved, so that in the future the industry is well taken care of and significance growth is recorded. Now that we have a digital transformation, we need more of young people who are the catalysts of innovation,” he said.
“The is onus is now on youths to propel Agenda2063,Africa’s blueprint and master plan for transforming the continent into the global powerhouse of the future, catalysed by digital innovations,” he went on.
Besides being a platform for networking, innovative youths in tourism will also be rewarded for their work in leading the digital transformation of the sector.
