One Young World Summit Showcases South Africa’s Tourism Potential

The Department of Tourism welcomes the One Young World Summit in Cape Town, highlighting initiatives that connect 300 unemployed youth to careers and aim to equip 3,000 young people with industry skills, while supporting local enterprises to showcase South Africa’s hospitality to a global audience.

South Africa‘s Department of Tourism has publicly welcomed the One Young World Summit 2026, currently underway in Cape Town, citing the global gathering’s potential to drive youth leadership, international collaboration, and tangible economic opportunities for South Africans.

Hosted at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) from 3 to 6 November 2026, the Summit has convened more than 2,000 young leaders from over 190 countries. The event also features business leaders, social entrepreneurs, and innovators focused on addressing global challenges, reinforcing South Africa’s reputation as a premier destination for high-level international conferences.

Creating Pathways for Youth

For the Department of Tourism, the Summit’s value extends beyond diplomatic presence and immediate economic injection. It serves as a catalyst for youth development within the tourism and events sectors.

Central to this effort is the Tourism Youth Career and Industry Exposure initiative, which has introduced approximately 300 unemployed young people to potential careers across the tourism value chain. Participants engaged with industry professionals and employers, gaining exposure to roles in hospitality, event management, logistics, production, and guest services. The program also provided practical guidance on workplace readiness, internships, and learnerships.

Looking toward long-term legacy, the Department highlighted the proposed One Young World Event Leaders Academy. Aimed at equipping 3,000 young South Africans with practical skills and professional credentials, the Academy is collaborating with organizations like Harambee and Yes4Youth to recruit unemployed youth. This initiative aligns closely with the Department’s goal of building a capable, inclusive tourism workforce.

Showcasing Local Enterprise

The Summit also provides a platform for South African tourism micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Through the Tourism Business Dinner initiative, emerging local food enterprises showcased the country’s culinary heritage to an international audience.

Such initiatives allow local businesses to access new markets, establish networks, and gain visibility among potential partners and future customers. The Department noted that this participation demonstrates how tourism can stimulate economic activity across a broad spectrum, from catering and hospitality to transport and cultural experiences.

Building a Lasting Legacy

The Department’s support for the One Young World Summit aligns with the Tourism Growth Partnership Plan (TGPP), which identifies tourism as a priority sector for job creation and economic inclusion.

In a statement released on 6 November 2026, the Department emphasized that the success of major international events should be measured by the lasting opportunities they create for local communities and young people. By linking global platforms with skills development and enterprise support, South Africa aims to maximize the social and economic benefits of its business events sector.

“The Department believes that the success of major international events should be measured not only by the number of delegates they attract or the international exposure they generate, but also by the lasting opportunities they create for local communities, businesses and young people,” the statement read.

As the Summit concludes, the Department of Tourism reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with industry partners to ensure that tourism continues to open doors for young people and emerging enterprises long after the event ends.