AYTF2024: A Successful Youth Tourism Festival with a Mission for Sustainable Youth Tourism in Africa
Lagos, Nigeria
The recently concluded Africa Youth Tourism Festival, held from the 16th to the 20th of April 2024 at the prestigious Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos, encapsulated three days of fervent engagement under the overarching theme of “Uniting African Youth for Tourism Development Agenda.”
The festival commenced with an auspicious inauguration by Honorable Lola Ade John, Minister of Tourism, whose impassioned address resonated deeply with the attending youths, instilling a sense of purpose and direction.
Over the course of three days, Tafawa Balewa Square played host to a multifaceted array of activities, including invigorating speeches, insightful panel sessions, captivating cultural displays, mesmerizing musical performances, evocative art and fashion exhibitions, and spirited traditional games, all interwoven with opportunities for networking and collaboration.
Among the standout moments were the enchanting NIHOTOUR NAIJA FOOD carnival, which adorned the festival with the vibrant tapestry of African cuisine, complemented by the enchanting rhythms of Ara and her ensemble of talented drummers.
Additionally, the unveiling of the Campus Tourism Show by Ambassador Ayo Omotoso and his dedicated team elicited rousing applause from the audience, symbolizing a promising initiative for the future of African tourism.
Ambassador Omotoso conveyed his heartfelt gratitude to all participants, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to the success of the festival.
The fourth and last day culminated in the grand finale known as Lagos Aquatic Day, commenced with a lively Zumba Dance session at TBS, followed by an enchanting yacht cruise along the Lagos Lagoon through the Black Diamond Hotel, culminating in a jubilant beach party at Waves Beach in Lekki, marking the zenith of the inaugural edition of this eagerly anticipated festival.
The resounding success of AYTF2024 has set the stage for an even more spectacular 2025 edition, as evidenced by the enthusiastic participation of esteemed dignitaries such as Mr. Tunde Oloyede, a prominent London-based promoter, known as Bishop of London, Mr. Alabi, also a distinguished London-based lawyer and hotelier, and Ambassador Kazeem Balogun, CEO of Kalo Africa Media, a pivotal partner to Ambassador Ayo Omotoso, Mrs. Adanma Oni, erstwhile HoD of Tourism, Lagos Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture among other numerous distinguished personalities.
The Significance of AYTF2024 :
The recently concluded Africa Youth Tourism Festival holds significant implications for the advancement of African tourism on several fronts. Firstly, by convening youth from across the continent under the common banner of tourism, the festival served as a catalyst for fostering cross-cultural understanding and collaboration, laying the groundwork for sustainable tourism practices rooted in community engagement and empowerment.
Moreover, the festival provided a platform for the exploration and celebration of Africa’s rich cultural heritage, showcasing its diverse landscapes, traditions, and cuisines to both domestic and international audiences, by spotlighting the continent’s unique offerings, the festival contributed to reshaping perceptions of Africa as a vibrant and multifaceted tourism destination, thereby attracting increased interest and investment in its tourism sector.
Furthermore, through initiatives such as the Campus Tourism Show and the promotion of local artisans and entrepreneurs, the festival nurtured the growth of grassroots tourism initiatives with the participation of Lagos Local Government Tourism Personalities headed by Mr. Dami Lola Shoye.
AYTE 2024 also aims at empowering young people to become active participants in shaping the future of African tourism, by harnessing the creativity and energy of the youth demographic, the festival injected fresh perspectives and innovative ideas into the tourism industry, driving forward its evolution and adaptation to changing global trends.
Overall, the Africa Youth Tourism Festival served as a beacon of hope and inspiration for the future of African tourism, signaling a shift towards inclusive, sustainable, and youth-driven approaches to development. As the momentum generated by the festival continues to reverberate across the continent, it holds the promise of unlocking new opportunities for economic growth, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding, positioning Africa as a premier destination on the global tourism map.
