Tourism leaders from across Africa will gather in Seychelles from July 2–4, 2026, for the 69th Meeting of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa (CAF), accompanied by a high-level thematic conference dedicated to strengthening human capital and accelerating tourism growth across the continent.

Hosted by the Government of the Republic of Seychelles in partnership with UN Tourism, the event will bring together tourism ministers, senior policymakers, private sector representatives, development agencies, and industry experts to address some of the sector’s most pressing challenges and opportunities.

The conference, themed “Strengthening Human Capital to Boost Africa’s Tourism Growth,” will focus on workforce readiness, vocational education, skills development, and institutional capacity building. Delegates are expected to explore strategies for creating a more competitive and resilient tourism workforce capable of supporting sustainable growth across Africa’s rapidly evolving tourism landscape.

A key objective of the gathering is to move beyond discussions of inclusion and representation toward measurable leadership outcomes and long-term institutional transformation. Participants will also examine ways to improve service excellence, enhance professional training programs, and foster innovation within the tourism sector.

For Seychelles, the event represents a significant milestone. It will be the first time since the 1980s that the island nation has hosted this important continental tourism forum, underscoring its growing role in regional and international tourism development.

Officials anticipate that the meeting will strengthen collaboration among African destinations while helping to shape policies that support job creation, economic diversification, and sustainable tourism practices. The outcomes of the discussions are expected to contribute to a stronger and more skilled tourism workforce, positioning the continent to capitalize on future growth opportunities.

Further information, including registration details and event updates, is available through the official UN Tourism portal and regional tourism information platforms