UNWTO Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit and Challenge 2025

The Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Challenge is an exclusive platform designed to empower innovative African youth in the travel and tourism sector. It provides opportunities for funding, mentorship, partnerships, and global exposure, enabling participants to present their groundbreaking projects to an international audience and secure the necessary support to bring their ideas to life.

• Table of Content
• About World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)
• Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit and Challenge
• Aim and Benefits of Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit and Challenge
• Requirements for Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit and Challenge Qualification
• Interview date, Process and Venue for Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit and Challenge
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is the United Nations agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. As the leading international organization in the field of tourism, UNWTO promotes tourism as a driver of economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability and offers leadership and support to the sector in advancing knowledge and tourism policies worldwide. UNWTOheadquarters are based in Madrid, Spain. The Secretariat is led by the Secretary-General and organized into programmes covering issues such as sust...&nb... continue reading

Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit and Challenge

Application Deadline	28 Feb 2025
Type	Fellowship
Sponsor	World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)
Gender	Men and Women

Aim and Benefits of Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit and Challenge

Inclusive of the benefits below:

1. Complimentary enrolment for short courses provided by UN Tourism.
2. Mentorship, partnership, potential funding support and career opportunities.
3. Opportunity to be part of an established network of Africa Youth in Tourism
   Mentors and Innovators.

1st Runner Up:

• USD500 worth of prizes
• Inclusive of the benefits below:

1. Complimentary enrolment for short courses provided by UN Tourism.
2. Mentorship, partnership, potential funding support and career opportunities.
3. Opportunity to be part of an established network of Africa Youth in Tourism
   Mentors and Innovators.

2nd Runner Up:

• USD500 worth of prizes
• Inclusive of the benefits below:

1. Complimentary enrolment for short courses provided by UN Tourism.
2. Mentorship, partnership, potential funding support and career opportunities.
3. Opportunity to be part of an established network of Africa Youth in Tourism
   Mentors and Innovators.

Professional Development: Complimentary enrolment in short courses by UN
Tourism.

Career Advancement: Access to mentorship, funding, and partnership opportunities and inclusion in the Africa Youth in Tourism Mentors and Innovators Network.

Global Exposure: Present your innovation at high-profile events and connect with
industry leaders.

Requirements for Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit and Challenge Qualification

• The initiative is inclusive and welcomes participants regardless of gender, race, or physical ability.
• The challenge is open to individuals (youth aged 18-35 years and postgraduate students of all ages globally), partnerships, or corporations innovating within the tourism sector.

To participate, entrants must adhere to the following criteria to avoid disqualification:

• Project Vision and Uniqueness: Clearly outline your project’s vision, its originality,
  and authenticity. Explain the rationale behind your innovation.
• Evidence of Innovation: Demonstrate how your project addresses a challenge in travel and tourism or a related sector in Africa. Examples include technological advancements, social entrepreneurship, youth empowerment, job creation, environmental sustainability, and community development.
• Sustainability and Impact: Highlight how your project delivers long-term benefits
  to the tourism industry, local communities, or related sectors.
• Timeline: Provide a clear timeline for project implementation.
• Support Needed: Specify the type of support required, such as funding, mentorship, investment, or partnerships.
• Additional Information: Submit relevant supporting details in under 500 words.
• Demo/Minimum Viable Product (MVP): Prepare a 5-minute presentation to showcase your MVP during the competition.

Interview date, Process and Venue for Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit and Challenge

Timeline:

1. Challenge Opens: 10th December 2024
2. Closing Date: 28th February 2025
3. Top 20 Shortlist Announced: 14th March 2025
4. Bootcamp: 31st March – 4th April 2025
5. Resubmission Deadline: 11th April 2025
6. Final Judging: 18th April 2025
7. Pitch Battle: 8th May 2025
8. Top 5 Announced: 8th May 2025

Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit: 10 – 13 June 2025, Nairobi, Kenya
Winners Revealed: Africa Tourism Leadership Forum and Awards 2025 (dates to be announced)

Application Deadline

February 28, 2025

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) on aytis.wakili.space to apply

For more details, visit AYTIS program website