The Government of the Republic of Seychelles, in collaboration with UN Tourism, will host the 69th Meeting of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa alongside a high-level thematic conference focused on strengthening human capital to accelerate Africa’s tourism growth.
Scheduled for 2–4 July 2026 in Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles, the landmark gathering will bring together Member States, Affiliate Members, development partners, and private sector stakeholders from across the continent to shape the future of Africa’s tourism industry through skills, education and institutional transformation.
Held under the theme “Strengthening Human Capital to Boost Africa’s Tourism Growth”, the conference is designed as a strategic platform to advance tourism management systems, enhance workforce competitiveness, and support long-term sectoral resilience across Africa.
At the core of the discussions will be a shared recognition that Africa’s tourism potential cannot be fully realised without investment in people. While infrastructure, air connectivity and destination marketing continue to expand, industry leaders are increasingly pointing to a skills gap that affects service quality, product innovation and global competitiveness.
The Seychelles meeting is expected to address this gap head-on by prioritising tourism education frameworks, vocational training systems, and capacity-building initiatives that align with evolving global industry standards.
According to organisers, the conference will also serve as a policy exchange platform where African governments can share best practices on tourism development, discuss regulatory reforms, and strengthen collaboration between public institutions and private sector operators.
A key focus will be on building a skilled and adaptable workforce capable of supporting Africa’s growing Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) economy, hospitality sector expansion, and emerging experience-based tourism markets.
The gathering comes at a time when destinations across Africa are increasingly positioning tourism as a key driver of inclusive economic growth, job creation, and regional integration under the African Union Agenda 2063 framework.
In addition to technical sessions, the event will feature high-level ministerial engagements, expert panels and thematic dialogues aimed at strengthening institutional capacity and improving coordination across the continent’s tourism ecosystem.
The Government of Seychelles has emphasised its commitment to ensuring a seamless hosting experience for delegates, including streamlined travel facilitation, free airport transfers, inter-hotel transport, and coordinated logistics support for all registered participants.
Entry formalities have been simplified for international delegates, with visa-free access for most visitors and a dedicated travel authorisation system to ensure smooth arrivals. Delegates will also benefit from privileges and immunities in line with United Nations protocols for specialised agency meetings.
Beyond the formal programme, participants will experience Seychelles’ signature hospitality through curated cultural and eco-tourism excursions, including Creole heritage experiences, coastal cruises, and island discovery tours designed to showcase the destination’s natural and cultural assets.
As Africa continues to reposition tourism as a pillar of economic transformation, the Seychelles meeting is expected to reinforce a central message: the future of African tourism will be determined not only by destinations, but by the people who design, manage and deliver the experience.
By placing human capital at the centre of the conversation, the 69th UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa aims to help shape a more competitive, skilled and integrated tourism sector capable of driving sustainable growth across the continent.
