Welcome to the MICE Africa daily read for MICE Professionals doing business in Africa.
In today’s topics;
- Africa’s food tourism spotlighted at UN forum
- AlUla hosts groundbreaking Instagram Creators Summit
- Meet Stellenbosch 2025 uplifts students and local entrepreneurs
Africa’s Culinary Rise: Tourism, Growth, and Cultural Preservation
The second UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa made a compelling case: food is not just a cultural treasure but a driver of growth across the continent. Held in partnership with the Basque Culinary Center, the event connected tourism professionals with the people powering Africa’s vibrant food scene. Tanzania’s Vice-President, Dr. Philip Isdor Mpango, opened the forum with a call to celebrate and globalize African food cultures while building stronger regional brands and local collaborations.
UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili praised Tanzania’s efforts to harness gastronomy tourism for economic, cultural, and community empowerment. He emphasized that Africa’s culinary traditions could create jobs, reshape rural areas, and strengthen Africa’s global standing. More than 400 participants from 30 countries gathered to tackle issues like policy, education, skills development, and innovation, underlining a serious commitment to long-term progress.
Concrete steps were announced, including 100 new scholarships for African students to study at the UNWTO Online Academy. In another significant move, the UNWTO signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Chefs in Africa to boost the sector’s growth. These initiatives are designed to nurture local food systems, protect culinary heritage, and elevate African cuisine on the world stage.
Looking ahead, the energy won’t be slowing down anytime soon. Plans are already in motion for the third edition of the UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa, set to take place in Sierra Leone.
AlUla Hosts First MENA Instagram Creators Summit: Culture, AI, & Content Creation
AlUla is stepping confidently onto the global stage by hosting the first-ever Instagram Creators Summit for the MENA region. Organized by the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) in collaboration with Meta, the Saudi Tourism Authority, and Riyadh Air, this summit gathers some of the world’s leading content creators, together reaching a combined audience of over 231 million followers.
The summit focuses on the crossroads of culture, AI, and the future of content creation. Sessions include deep dives into Meta’s AI technology, practical workshops on maximizing digital platforms, and candid conversations about the new realities of monetizing creativity. More than just technology, the agenda champions the critical role of storytelling and community in shaping a destination’s distinct identity.
AlUla itself plays a starring role, offering attendees an immersive encounter with its ancient heritage and stunning landscapes. Visits to iconic landmarks like Hegra, coupled with the luxury of nearby resorts, give creators both inspiration and authentic experiences to weave into their future content.
Choosing AlUla as the host city underlines its ambitions of becoming a global hub for culture and creativity. It also highlights a growing trend in the MICE industry: using strategically curated events to blend technology, tourism, and cultural preservation into a compelling narrative for future visitors.
Meet Stellenbosch 2025: Empowering Students & Showcasing Local Talent
Stellenbosch is stepping into the meetings spotlight with a fresh vision through the Meet Stellenbosch initiative. A partnership between the Central Events and Conferencing Office (CECO) and Visit Stellenbosch, this project is all about creating events that celebrate the town’s character while uplifting the local community.
At the heart of Meet Stellenbosch is a strong focus on student empowerment. Stellenbosch University students are getting hands-on experience at conferences, managing operations from front-of-house to technical support. It’s not just work; it’s real-world exposure that prepares them for thriving careers in event management, business, and hospitality.
Local businesses are also deeply woven into the fabric of these events. Entrepreneurs, artisans, and wellness leaders are given a platform to share their craft and culture with conference attendees, creating a marketplace of stories, flavors, arts, and experiences unique to Stellenbosch.
This year’s event, themed “Meet Stellenbosch 2025: The Empathy Edge,” will run from July 17–18 at the Jan Mouton Learning Centre. It promises to highlight human connection and collaboration, staying true to CECO’s vision of #BeyondEventing—where events don’t just happen, they leave a lasting, positive impact.
That’s it for today.