The Republic of Seychelles is preparing to host one of Africa’s most significant tourism policy gatherings of 2026 as the country welcomes the 69th Meeting of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa (CAF) and a high-level thematic conference dedicated to workforce development and skills enhancement. The event will take place in Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles, from 2–4 July 2026, bringing together tourism ministers, policymakers, educators, development partners and private-sector leaders from across the continent.
Organized by the Government of Seychelles in collaboration with UN Tourism, the gathering will be held under the theme “Strengthening Human Capital to Boost Africa’s Tourism Growth.” The conference reflects a growing recognition that the long-term competitiveness of African tourism depends not only on infrastructure and destination marketing, but also on investment in people, education and workforce development.
The event is expected to serve as a strategic platform for discussing tourism education, vocational training, skills development and institutional capacity building. Participants will examine how African destinations can better prepare tourism professionals for an increasingly technology-driven and competitive global tourism marketplace. Discussions will also focus on improving service quality, fostering innovation and enhancing workforce readiness across the continent.
According to UN Tourism, the conference aims to strengthen tourism management systems, promote knowledge exchange and encourage collaboration between governments, educational institutions and industry stakeholders. Delegates will share best practices, discuss policy reforms and explore initiatives that can help position tourism as a key driver of economic growth, employment and sustainable development throughout Africa.
A major component of the program will focus on human capital development, including training frameworks, capacity-building initiatives and workforce competitiveness. Organizers note that many African destinations are experiencing strong tourism growth but continue to face challenges related to skills shortages, talent development and service delivery. The Seychelles meeting seeks to address these issues by promoting practical solutions and long-term strategies for building a highly skilled tourism workforce.
The conference will feature ministerial meetings, expert panels, thematic discussions and policy dialogues addressing the future of tourism across the continent. A comprehensive survey conducted among African countries on tourism workforce and capacity-building needs is also expected to be presented, providing valuable insights for future policy development and regional cooperation.
The gathering holds particular significance for Seychelles, marking the first time since the 1980s that the island nation has hosted the UN Tourism Commission for Africa. Tourism officials view the event as an opportunity to showcase Seychelles’ achievements in sustainable tourism, service excellence and workforce development while reinforcing its role as a leading tourism destination on the continent.
UN Tourism officials have highlighted the importance of the meeting at a time when African countries are increasingly positioning tourism as a catalyst for inclusive economic growth, job creation and regional integration. By placing human capital at the center of the agenda, the conference aims to contribute to a more competitive, resilient and sustainable tourism sector across Africa.
Conference at a Glance
Event: 69th Meeting of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa (CAF)
Theme:Strengthening Human Capital to Boost Africa’s Tourism Growth
Dates: 2–4 July 2026
Location: Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles
Organizers: UN Tourism and the Government of Seychelles
Participants: Tourism ministers, policymakers, academics, educators, development agencies and private-sector leaders
