The event will bring together a select group of innovators, tourism experts, influencers, change makers and policymakers.
The event will unpack how travel and technology can drive a more inclusive and sustainable tourism future in Africa.
Image: Swara Ranch by Maiyan
The Airbnb Africa Travel Summit is set to take place at Victoria Yards in Johannesburg from October 23 to 24.
This is the second time the Summit will be hosted by Airbnb and the event will bring together a select group of innovators, tourism experts, influencers, change makers, policymakers and hosts from across the continent.
The event will unpack how travel and technology can drive a more inclusive and sustainable tourism future in Africa.
Airbnb business rise in Kenya has seen exponential growth in major towns and in the country, giving hotels and lodgings a competitive edge with a significant drop in room prices and occupancy rates.
Its popularity in the country has revolutionised the hospitality industry by offering an affordable and unique accommodation option to travelers.
It has become the top choice for people traveling in groups or individuals with accommodations ranging from apartments and houses to lodging options like treehouses or even castles.
“The Africa Travel Summit will bring together the leading thinkers from across the continent to discuss how we can leverage technology and innovation to empower more local families and their communities to benefit from African travel,” Regional Lead Middle East Africa at Airbnb Velma Corcoran said.
“We look forward to facilitating important discussions amongst industry, policymakers and changemakers to collaboratively build a sustainable and inclusive tourism model that benefits everyone,” she added.
South Africa Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille will open the conference with actress Zozibini Tunzi presenting the final keynote.
Moderated by She Leads Africa co-founder Afua Osei, the event is expected to hold discussions around the role of tourism and technology in driving continued inclusive and sustainable economic empowerment and growth across the continent.
Other leaders who will be present include Airbnb’s Director of Public Policy and Campaigns for Europe, the Middle East and Africa Juliette Langlais and the Global Strategic Advisor on Tourism & Development Anita Mendiratta.
They will be joined by representatives from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), as well as change-makers in inclusivity, sustainability and tech regulation.
Speakers and delegates will share their lived experience, research findings and thoughts on best practices around how travel and technology can drive a more inclusive and sustainable future and help support the recovery of tourism post-pandemic.
The programme will include interactive participation and experiential elements through curated panel discussions, Change Maker sessions and case study presentations.