Kenya’s vibrant capital city, Nairobi, has been selected as the host for the prestigious Africa Youth In Tourism Innovation Summit and Challenge (AYTIS) for the years 2025, 2026, and 2027. This announcement further reinforces Kenya’s position as a hub of African tourism, as it will play host to this premier Pan-African event dedicated to youth empowerment and innovation in the tourism sector across the continent.
The selection of Nairobi follows the successful 2024 edition of AYTIS, which took place in Windhoek, Namibia, and attracted over 500 delegates. Among them were 300 young entrepreneurs, senior government officials, and industry leaders from across Africa, all collaborating to unlock the immense potential of Africa’s tourism sector.
The Africa Youth In Tourism Innovation Summit and Challenge serves as a critical platform to promote innovative solutions and entrepreneurial ventures within Africa’s tourism ecosystem. The event will be hosted in Nairobi by Tourism Events Advisory and Management Services Africa (TEAMS Africa), a joint venture spearheaded by renowned travel industry professionals Barry Clemens and Håvar Bauck. The exact dates and venue for the 2025 Summit will be announced later this month.
Uplifting African Tourism Through Innovation
Speaking about the summit’s significance, Håvar Bauck emphasized the critical role of tourism in driving Africa’s economic growth and job creation. “Tourism has the potential to be a leading driver of economic growth and job creation in Africa for decades to come. Our goal is to showcase and uplift the innovators who are building tomorrow’s travel industry and transforming tourism across the continent,” Bauck said.
He highlighted the importance of empowering young entrepreneurs and rethinking the traditional tourism narrative in Africa. While the continent is renowned for its wildlife and natural beauty, Bauck noted the need to also focus on its rich cultural heritage, dynamic cities, and diverse experiences to attract a new generation of global travelers. “AYTIS is the forum that brings together the innovators who will make that happen,” he added.
Barry Clemens, co-founder of TEAMS Africa, echoed these sentiments. He described Kenya as the ideal host for AYTIS, given the country’s pivotal role in the evolution of African tourism. Clemens emphasized that tourism extends far beyond hotels, flights, and traditional tour operations. It serves as a catalyst for transformation across various sectors, including technology startups, local artisans, agri-businesses, and environmental conservation initiatives. “Tourism creates endless opportunities for African entrepreneurs to thrive. It is essential we support and nurture the next generation, whose ideas will propel this industry into new and exciting directions,” Clemens said.
A Beacon for Youth Empowerment
As one of Africa’s leading tourism professionals, Kwakye Donkor, CEO of Africa Tourism Partners, expressed his excitement about the upcoming editions of AYTIS in Nairobi. Donkor emphasized the summit’s role in tapping into the potential of Africa’s youth, describing it as a beacon of hope for young innovators on the continent.
“We are delighted to bring AYTIS to Nairobi in partnership with TEAMS Africa. It is a city that mirrors the innovation and dynamism we strive to promote,” said Donkor. “This partnership amplifies our shared commitment to youth empowerment and innovation in the tourism sector.”
Donkor further elaborated on how AYTIS aims to drive a transformative agenda that will reshape the future of African tourism while stimulating sustainable economic growth. The event’s impact is expected to grow significantly, with organizers planning to attract over 800 participants in 2025, providing expanded opportunities for networking, learning, and collaboration.
A Platform for Youth-Led Innovation in Tourism
As AYTIS transitions to Nairobi, the summit’s goal remains clear: to empower the next generation of African tourism entrepreneurs. With previous editions held in Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, and Ghana, AYTIS has steadily built a reputation for fostering collaboration between young innovators and senior tourism leaders. By engaging in workshops, pitch competitions, and panel discussions, young African entrepreneurs have the opportunity to present their innovative ideas to stakeholders, investors, and policymakers.
The event is co-convened by UN Tourism and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, further underscoring its importance in shaping Africa’s future as a global tourism leader. With the Nairobi editions planned from 2025 to 2027, there will be continued focus on sustainable tourism and inclusive development that empowers women, youth, and local communities.
About Africa Youth In Tourism Innovation Summit and Challenge (AYTIS): AYTIS is a Pan-African platform designed to encourage youth innovation and entrepreneurship in the tourism sector. Each year, the summit brings together hundreds of young entrepreneurs, government officials, industry experts, and investors to discuss and promote innovative solutions for Africa’s growing tourism industry.
With Nairobi set to host the next three editions, AYTIS is poised to drive the continent’s tourism narrative into a new era of innovation, highlighting Africa’s cultural wealth, dynamic cities, and emerging travel experiences beyond the traditional tourism scope.
Kenya, through Nairobi’s hosting of AYTIS, will not only cement its status as a top tourism destination but also play a crucial role in shaping the future of tourism in Africa.
