Stakeholders in Africa’s hospitality and tourism industry are set to gather again in Lagos as the African Hospitality and Tourism Education Summit (AHTES) returns for its 2026 edition, promising renewed momentum in advancing hospitality and tourism education across the continent.

Scheduled for July 24–25, 2026, the summit will hold in Lagos, with the main conference taking place on July 24, followed by an educational tour of key tourism destinations across Lagos on July 25.

Organized annually by Tourism Afrikania, AHTES has grown into a leading pan-African platform dedicated to strengthening human capital development in hospitality, travel, tourism, and related service industries.

Over the years, the summit has attracted students, educators, tourism professionals, policymakers, investors, and institutional partners from across Africa and beyond.

Industry observers note that previous editions of the summit have played a significant role in bridging the gap between academic training and real-world industry demands. Through keynote presentations, panel discussions, masterclasses, and networking sessions, AHTES has helped equip young professionals and students with the practical knowledge, skills, and global perspectives required to thrive in the fast-evolving tourism and hospitality sector.

According to organizers, the summit has also served as a catalyst for collaboration among institutions, businesses, and government agencies working to build a globally competitive tourism workforce for Africa. Several hospitality and tourism students who attended previous editions have reportedly secured internships, employment opportunities, and mentorship through connections made during the summit.