About ATHC
At the Africa Tourism and Hospitality Congress (ATHC 2027), we are redefining the future of African tourism. Our mission is to unite industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders to unlock Africa’s vast tourism potential through sustainable growth and collaboration.
Date: 26th-27th March 2026 | Venue: Kigali Rwanda
Who We Are
Welcome to the First Africa Tourism and Hospitality Congress (ATHC 2027)—a landmark gathering organised in partnership with the Africa Tourism Board.
With the theme “Sustainable Growth, Innovation & Market Connection: Bridging Tour Operators, Buyers & Travelers in Africa,” ATHC 2027 is set to be the continent’s most influential platform for shaping the future of tourism and hospitality.
Africa is emerging as one of the world’s most exciting tourism frontiers, blessed with unparalleled cultural heritage, breathtaking natural landscapes, and a vibrant hospitality sector. The growing global demand for responsible, experience-driven travel places Africa in a prime position to captivate and inspire the next generation of travellers.
Over two dynamic days in Nairobi, Kenya, ATHC 2027 will bring together tour operators, destination managers, buyers, travel industry leaders, government officials, investors, and innovators. This unique platform will:
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Showcase pioneering solutions and sustainable practices.
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Foster partnerships between tour operators, buyers, and travellers.
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Unlock new market opportunities across Africa’s tourism value chain.
By uniting diverse voices, ideas, and expertise, ATHC 2027 will drive a shared vision for a tourism and hospitality sector that is inclusive, competitive, and sustainable—building stronger connections between Africa and the global travel market.
Objectives
- Enhance Collaboration: Foster strong relationships among governments, private sector players, and academia to promote tourism development.
- Connect Markets: Create a functional B2B platform where African tour operators can directly engage with international buyers and travelers.
- Maximize Impact: Align the congress with the broader goals of sustainable tourism growth in Africa.
- Ensure Sustainability: Strengthen partnerships that will support future editions of the congress in Africa.
Expected Outcomes
- A comprehensive report summarizing discussions and recommendations.
- Establishment of a collaborative network for ongoing dialogue and partnership.
- Development of a strategic framework for sustainable tourism initiatives across Africa.
Target Audience
- Government officials and policymakers
- Tourism and hospitality industry professionals.
- Investors in Tourism and Hospitality
- Academics and researchers
- NGOs and community representatives
- Media and influencers in the tourism sector
Proposed Agenda
Day 1 – March 24, 2027
KEY Theme 1: Positioning Africa as a Competitive and Sustainable Tourism Destination
08:30 – 09:00 | Registration & Welcome Coffee
09:00 – 10:00 | Opening Ceremony – Welcome by Host Country & Organizers
10:00 – 10:10 | Opening remarks by Guest of Honor
10:15 – 11:00 | SESSION 1: Africa’s Tourism Policy and Investment Agenda
11:00 – 11:30 | Coffee Break & Networking
11:30 – 12:15 | SESSION 2: Government & Inter-Ministerial Collaboration in Tourism Development
12:15 – 13:00 | SESSION 3: Destination Marketing: National and Regional Tourism Boards
13:00 – 14:30 | Lunch & Networking
14:30 – 15:15 | SESSION 4: Unlocking Private Sector Investment in Tourism and Hospitality
15:15 – 16:00 | SESSION 5: Travel Media, Influencers & Storytelling Africa
16:00 – 16:45 | Workshop A: Tourism Investment & Business Entry (For investors, entrepreneurs)
16:00 – 16:45 | Workshop B: Hospitality Training, Skills & Education (For institutions, HR)
16:00 – 16:45 | Workshop C: Tourism & Conservation for Impact (For NGOs, CBOs)
18:00 – 21:00 | Cocktail Reception & Cultural Entertainment
Keynote Address: Kenya’s Sustainable Tourism Model – Addressed by CEO Kenya Tourism Board
Day 2 – March 25, 2027
Theme: Innovating for Growth: Connecting Tour Operators, Buyers & Travelers Across Africa
08:30 – 09:00 | Coffee & Recap of Day 1
09:00 – 09:45 | SESSION 6: Connectivity and Transportation in Africa
09:45 – 10:30 | SESSION 7: Tour Operators to Travelers – Strategies for Cross-Border Collaboration
10:30 – 11:15 | SESSION 8: Marketing Africa Beyond Wildlife Safari
11:15 – 11:45 | Coffee Break
11:45 – 12:30 | Workshop A: Digital Marketing & Branding for Tour Operators
11:45 – 12:30 | Workshop B: Travel Tech & Booking Platforms
11:45 – 12:30 | Workshop C: Product Development & Itinerary Design
12:30 – 14:00 | Lunch & B2B Matchmaking
14:00 – 14:45 | SESSION 9: Women & Youth in African Tourism – Driving Inclusive Growth
14:45 – 15:30 | SESSION 10: Health, Safety & Crisis Management in Africa Hospitality
15:30 – 16:15 | SESSION 11: Building Partnerships with the Diaspora for Tourism Growth
16:15 – 17:00 | Closing Panel: The Future of African Tourism and Hospitality – Innovation & Sustainability
17:00 – 18:00 | Gala Dinner – Celebrating Champions in African Tourism
Day 3 – March 26, 2027 (optional)
Theme: Discover Kenya: A Field Immersion into Culture, Conservation, and Community Tourism
08:00 – 17:00 | Field Visits to Iconic Tourism Sites – Community based tourism
17:30 – 20:00 | Informal Networking Reception
Get Involved
Be a part of history as we redefine Africa’s tourism narrative. Together, we can harness the continent’s unparalleled potential and inspire the world to discover, celebrate, and invest in Africa.
The journey begins here. Welcome to ATHC 2027.
Become a Sponsor
Showcase your brand to a global audience and support Africa’s tourism transformation. Explore tailored sponsorship packages designed to elevate your visibility and impact.
Submit a Paper
Share your expertise and insights on pressing topics like sustainability, innovation, and cultural tourism. Your ideas could shape the future of African tourism at ATHC 2027.
Register to Attend
Gain unparalleled access to thought leaders, workshops, and networking opportunities. Be part of the dialogue driving change in Africa’s tourism and hospitality industries.
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