Niël Terblanché
Young people from all over Africa, who work in tourism, are set to be empowered with practical skills in the application of social media marketing, business planning and investment pitch to potential investors during a masterclass that will take place in Swakopmund.
Africa Tourism Partners (ATP), in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) and the Namibia Investment, Promotion and Development Board are collaborating to roll out MICE, Digital and Social Media Marketing Masterclass as a precursor of the Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit 2023.
The Summit will take place in the coastal town of Swakopmund in Namibia from May 30 to June 2, 2023.
The youth summit will take place at the MTC Dome Hotel and the masterclass is targeted at youths, SMEs and start-up businesses.
The summit is not only for the youth and organisers indicated that other interested tourism stakeholders may participate in the half-day training session.
The masterclass aims to empower all delegates with practical skills in the application of social media marketing, business planning and investment pitching to potential investors.
Areas of focus for the masterclass include; digital and social media marketing masterclass, fast-tracking ideas, a minimum path for innovative enterprise development and fostering professional MICE industry education.
The event will also serve as an opportunity for providing quality career and leadership development for African Youth and SMEs through MICE.
Certificates of completion will be issued to all participants.
The event will be presented and led by a faculty of renowned global experts in entrepreneurship, MICE and investment.
Among these are Victoria Haihambo, founder of Agelvipa Online, Nkululeko Nkosi, founder of Saturated, South Africa, Nangula Nelulu Uaandja, chairperson and CEO of Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board, Alex Mabunda, group chief executive officer, Ntiyiso Consulting in South Africa and Francois van Schalkwyk, executive director of investment and new ventures, Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board, Namibia.
Global experts include; Sebulon Chicalu, director of gaming and tourism, Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Namibia; Marelise Serfontein, executive member, Conference Link, Namibia; Ally Karearua, chairperson and executive member, Hospitality Association of Namibia; Lihle Dlamini, chief marketing officer, Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency, South Africa.
The program of the day will be concluded by a one-on-one business exchange and networking session.
This will be an opportunity for participants to mix and mingle while exchanging business ideas and creating synergies.