Attract & Retain Tourism Talent: FITUR Talent 2025's African Focus
The sixth edition of FITUR Talent, focusing on attracting and retaining talent in the tourism sector, will take place on January 23, 2025, at Hall 10 of IFEMA MADRID. Organized under the theme "How to attract and retain talent in the tourism industry: Best practices and success stories," the event will spotlight innovative strategies, human capital development, and engagement frameworks for the sector.
Key sessions include Zambia Institute for Tourism and Hospitality Studies highlighting African-Latin American collaboration on workforce skill-building, Fundación Mahou San Miguel's program for youth training in hospitality, and Turistec's exploration of AI-driven advancements in workforce integration. Les Roches and AEDH will present a leadership development initiative for the hotel sector, while Gehocan will delve into personalization and organizational practices to strengthen employee engagement.
Other highlights include discussions on digital transformation and next-generation workforce adaptability, led by faculty members of the University of the Balearic Islands, and Escola d’Enoturisme de Catalunya's focus on enhancing competitiveness in wine tourism through specialized training. With contributions from academics, HR leaders, and industry professionals, FITUR Talent 2025 aims to equip participants with practical insights and forward-thinking solutions to navigate workforce challenges and opportunities in tourism.
Meetings Africa 2025: Massive Revenue Boost for Gauteng
Meetings Africa 2025, hosted at Johannesburg’s Sandton Convention Centre from February 24-26, is set to significantly impact Gauteng’s economy. In 2024, the event generated R420 million (€21.7m) in revenue, contributing R275 million (€14.2m) to Gauteng’s GDP and supporting 563 jobs. Organizers anticipate even greater benefits in 2025, reflecting strong interest from exhibitors, buyers, and visitors.
The event has already attracted applications from 278 buyers across 57 countries. Rigorously vetted to ensure high-quality engagements, these buyers represent strategic markets. For the first time, certified members of the Council of Event Professionals Africa (CEPA) will participate as local and regional buyers, a move designed to connect small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with influential stakeholders. This initiative highlights the event’s focus on fostering inclusive economic growth by empowering SMEs, which are viewed as vital drivers of Africa's economy.
Positioned as more than a trade exhibition, Meetings Africa serves as a platform showcasing Africa’s creativity and growth in the business events sector. The ongoing collaboration with the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) further elevates its global reach. By driving innovation, advancing infrastructure, and promoting Africa as a hub for business tourism, Meetings Africa creates pathways for sustained development and economic opportunity.
Win WTM Africa's Responsible Tourism Awards: Entries Open!
Entries for the highly regarded WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards 2025 are now open, offering a platform to spotlight impactful initiatives within Africa's tourism sector. With a submission deadline of March 19th, the awards aim to honor organizations using tourism to address global challenges while benefiting local communities.
Megan de Jager, Portfolio Director for RX Africa, emphasizes the purpose of the awards in celebrating tourism's role as a positive change agent. The judging panel, led by Harold Goodwin, will evaluate entries across six categories: all-inclusive tourism, climate adaptation, local sourcing, peace and understanding, waste management, and nature-positive travel.
The winners will be announced on April 10th at the Cape Town International Convention Centre during WTM Africa. Gold winners will proceed to the global Responsible Tourism Awards later in the year, building on Africa's history of multiple wins in these accolades, a testament to the continent's commitment to sustainable tourism practices.
Participation is free, and interested applicants are encouraged to submit detailed case studies highlighting their measurable impact and innovation in responsible tourism. This provides an opportunity to not only gain recognition but also contribute to a broader narrative of sustainable travel across Africa. Visit the WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards page for further details.