As tourism stakeholders and would-be participants countdown to the 7th edition of the Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit (AYTIS), this June in Johannesburg, South Africa, the organisers have announced that registration for in-person attendance at the summit has closed due to limited space.
However, interested participants from across the continent are encouraged to register for virtual attendance.
The summit will also be streamed on various social media platforms, allowing stakeholders worldwide who have not yet been accredited to participate virtually from June 24 to 27, 2025. Some of the prominent international speakers include: Leid Zejnilovic, assistant professor at Nova Business and Economics in Portugal; Rukssana Saide, founder, Dream Agrobusiness LDA in Mozambique; Linda Pereira, president, Advantage Consultant Group, Portugal; and Safiyya Akoojee, director, Fortunatus, UAE.
Regionally and locally, attendees will hear from Bongiwe Nzeku, head, Business Development & Support Services, South Africa Tourism; Keotshepile Chiisana Mphusu, tourism development manager, Botswana Tourism Organisation; Septi Bukula, CEO of Rendzo Network, South Africa; Lebo Mpye, executive manager, Cathsseta, South Africa; and many others.
Key sessions will cover an entrepreneurship and start-ups masterclass aimed at equipping start-ups and entrepreneurs with knowledge about the latest tourism trends and strategies for business growth. Key thematic areas will include the adoption of Artificial Intelligence, bridging the startup divide, fintech and travel tech opportunities, blockchain, design and critical thinking and agri-tourism.
Hosted by Africa Tourism Partners in collaboration with UN Tourism, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), BDO, and South African Tourism, this year’s summit features a variety of networking opportunities, including B2B sessions, an employability clinic, and brand activations. The initiatives aim to promote international business synergies and foster regional integration for all participants.
