Reported by: The Agency Media
Date: 27th March, 2025.
Lusaka, Zambia.
Zambia is set to become the epicenter of global tourism and education discourse as it prepares to host two high-profile international summits in April 2025. The 2nd UN Tourism Africa & Americas Summit (CAF-CAM Summit) and the Tourism Education Summit will bring together global industry leaders, policymakers, and investors to drive forward innovation, connectivity, and capacity building in the tourism sector.
The CAF-CAM Summit, scheduled for 8th–10th April 2025 at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Livingstone, will convene key stakeholders from Africa and the Americas under the theme:
“Advancing Resilient Tourism through Connectivity, Investment, and Skilled Workforce Development.”
Following the success of its inaugural edition in the Dominican Republic in October 2024, this summit is poised to unlock fresh opportunities for air connectivity, investment, and human capital development in the tourism industry. Government leaders, investors, and experts will engage in high-level discussions to shape the future of tourism in Africa and beyond.
Tourism Minister Honourable Rodney Sikumba highlighted the summit’s significance, stating: “Hosting this summit in Zambia is a defining moment for our tourism and aviation industries. It reinforces our government’s commitment to leveraging tourism as a driver of economic growth, employment, and sustainable development. This event will inject significant revenue into our local economy, strengthen our global reputation, and position Zambia as a leading destination for international conferences, tourism investment and hospitality.”
Ahead of the CAF-CAM Summit, Zambia will host the Tourism Education Summit on 7th April 2025. Organized through the Zambia Institute for Tourism and Hospitality Studies (ZITHS), this summit aims to address critical skills gaps in the industry by aligning tourism education with market demands.
A key outcome of previous summits has been the integration of tourism and hospitality education into the Zambia Education Curriculum Framework, paving the way for a more skilled and globally competitive workforce. This year’s summit will further explore opportunities for public-private partnerships in tourism education, ensuring long-term sustainability and industry growth.
Honourable Sikumba emphasized the transformative nature of these events, urging all stakeholders to seize the moment: “These summits are more than just conferences; they are catalysts for growth, innovation, and transformation. We call upon tourism operators, educational institutions, policymakers, and investors to collaborate in shaping a globally competitive tourism sector. The time for action is now—Zambia is ready, and the future of tourism starts today!”
The New Dawn Government through the Ministry of Tourism working in partnership with UN Tourism and other key stakeholders, Zambia is poised to host these summits at the highest international standards. The events will not only spotlight Zambia’s breathtaking tourism assets—Victoria Falls, world-class wildlife reserves, and a rich cultural heritage—but also reinforce the country’s standing as a leading destination for tourism investment and education in Africa.
As global delegates prepare to converge in Zambia, these summits mark a decisive step in the country’s journey toward becoming a premier hub for sustainable tourism and hospitality excellence.
The Agency Media.