Skills Summit Fuels Growth Prospects for African Travel Agents
A major tourism education summit recently concluded in Lusaka, Zambia, igniting a renewed focus on workforce development and its potential to transform Africa’s travel industry. The 3rd Travel, Hospitality & Tourism Education Summit, held from April 7th to 9th, brought together key stakeholders to address the pressing need for enhanced skills and training within the sector, creating exciting new opportunities for African travel agents.
The summit, organized by the Zambia Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Studies (ZITHS) in partnership with the UN Tourism Organisation (UN Tourism), emphasized the critical link between education and the socio-economic transformation of communities through tourism. UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili highlighted the immense potential of Africa’s young population, with 60% under the age of 25, to drive the growth of the tourism sector. He stressed the importance of investing in education pathways that lead to sustainable opportunities, empowering young people and driving economic development across the continent.
Pololikashvili noted that travel and tourism currently account for just 4.9% of employment across Africa. However, he emphasized that this figure could grow significantly through targeted educational reforms and strategic skills development. The summit’s theme, “Understanding the Knowledge and Skills Gaps in Africa’s Trade in Services Industry: Empowering Africa’s Workforce in the AfCFTA Era,” aligned perfectly with the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to boost intra-African trade, with tourism identified as a key growth sector.
For African travel agents, this focus on education translates into a more skilled and professional workforce. Improved training programs, aligned with industry needs, will enhance service quality, client satisfaction, and the overall competitiveness of African travel businesses. The summit highlighted the Mukuni International Academy for Tourism and Hospitality, a collaborative initiative between UN Tourism and ZITHS, as a model for locally anchored, globally informed capacity-building. This initiative promises to equip both new entrants and existing tourism workers with the skills needed to excel in a dynamic and evolving industry.
The summit featured high-level contributions from Zambian government officials, including the Ministers of Tourism and Education, as well as representatives from the Dominican Republic, the European Union, the International Labour Organisation (ILO), and private sector leaders. This diverse representation underscored the collaborative spirit and shared commitment to advancing tourism education across Africa.
A series of panels, plenaries, and workshops addressed critical issues such as workforce development, academia-industry partnerships, and competency-based learning. Key sessions focused on building the tourism workforce pipeline, the role of industry in education, and approaches to tourism education tailored for African destinations. These discussions provided valuable insights and practical strategies for enhancing skills development and bridging the gap between education and industry needs.
The summit’s outcomes have significant implications for African travel agents. A more skilled workforce will enhance the quality of service, improve customer experiences, and boost the overall competitiveness of African travel businesses. By embracing the principles of lifelong learning and investing in professional development, travel agents can position themselves at the forefront of a rapidly evolving industry.
Pololikashvili’s closing remarks urged delegates to translate dialogue into action, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in ensuring that tourism remains a powerful driver of progress, dignity, and opportunity across Africa. This call to action resonates deeply with the aspirations of African travel professionals, who are eager to leverage the transformative power of tourism to create a more prosperous and sustainable future for the continent.
The projected growth scenarios, based on varying levels of investment in education and training, paint a promising picture for the future of African tourism. Even under conservative growth estimates, the sector’s contribution to employment could see a noticeable increase, creating new jobs and boosting economic activity. Under more aggressive growth scenarios, the potential for job creation is even more significant, highlighting the transformative impact that strategic investment in education can have on the African travel industry.
The visualization of African population demographics underscores the importance of engaging the youth in tourism development. With a significant portion of the population under 25, investing in education and training for young people is crucial for unlocking the full potential of the tourism sector. By equipping young Africans with the skills they need to succeed in the travel industry, we can create a more sustainable and inclusive future for the continent.
The Lusaka summit served as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of education in African tourism. By prioritizing skills development, fostering collaboration, and embracing innovation, African travel agents can unlock new opportunities, enhance their service offerings, and contribute to the continued growth and prosperity of the African travel industry.
