Nairobi Hosts Global Tourism Resilience Leaders to Shape Africa’s Role in Sustainable Tourism

All eyes will turn to Nairobi this February as the city prepares to host the 4th Global Tourism Resilience Day, Conference and Expo (GTRDCE). This high-profile event, taking place from 16–18 February 2026 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), promises to position Africa at the forefront of global conversations on crisis preparedness, sustainable tourism growth, and recovery strategies.

The conference coincides with the United Nations–designated Global Tourism Resilience Day on 17 February, an occasion that emphasizes the importance of building resilient tourism sectors in an era defined by challenges such as climate change, geopolitical instability, economic shocks, and global health crises. The event is set to attract a diverse audience of policymakers, tourism ministers, investors, innovators, and destination managers from across Africa and beyond, making it a pivotal moment for the continent’s tourism sector.

Under the theme “Tourism Resilience in Action: From Crisis Response to Impactful Transformation,” GTRDCE 2026 aims to move the discourse from theoretical frameworks to actionable solutions. The event will shine a spotlight on how destinations, businesses, and communities are embedding resilience into tourism planning and operations, offering practical strategies to safeguard the future of the sector amid an uncertain global landscape.

Africa’s Leadership in Resilient Tourism

Since its inception in 2023, Global Tourism Resilience Day and its accompanying conference have grown into a leading international platform for dialogue and collaboration. Hosting the 2026 edition in Nairobi underscores Africa’s growing leadership in fostering innovative, resilient tourism models.

Kenya’s selection as host is both a strategic and symbolic decision. As one of Africa’s most established and diverse tourism destinations, Kenya has navigated global disruptions with remarkable resilience. From the pandemic’s impact on travel to ongoing climate challenges, the country has demonstrated its ability to adapt, recover, and innovate. This makes Nairobi the ideal venue to showcase Africa’s contributions to global tourism resilience while aligning the continent’s priorities with international frameworks.

For Africa’s tourism industry, the conference is a timely opportunity to highlight the unique strengths of the continent, including community-based tourism, conservation efforts, digital transformation, and inclusive economic growth. By sharing homegrown solutions, African destinations can both inspire and learn from global counterparts, further strengthening their position on the world stage.

Focus on Implementation and Practical Solutions

The conference opens on Monday, 16 February, with high-level discussions emphasizing resilience policy, practical implementation, and investment mobilisation. Topics will range from enhancing tourism infrastructure and building workforce capacity to improving crisis communication strategies. A key focus will be on unlocking financing for tourism projects that prioritize resilience and sustainability.

Organisers are prioritizing practical outcomes by showcasing case studies and scalable models that demonstrate how resilience measures can deliver tangible benefits. These discussions will highlight the economic value generated by effective resilience strategies, as well as their role in protecting livelihoods and enhancing the competitiveness of tourism destinations.

Global Tourism Resilience Day: A Spotlight on Cooperation

The official observance of Global Tourism Resilience Day on Tuesday, 17 February, will feature a keynote address by Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism and Founder of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC). His speech, aptly titled “Many Nations, One Africa – An African Tourism Vision,” is expected to highlight the importance of continental collaboration in building a stronger and more resilient global tourism ecosystem.

The day will also include discussions on the role of emerging technologies, such as data analytics, artificial intelligence, and predictive tools, in crisis prevention and management. Breakout sessions will explore inclusive resilience, showcasing the critical contributions of women, youth, and indigenous communities in advancing sustainable tourism. Key areas such as wildlife conservation and nature-based tourism, which are particularly relevant for Africa’s travel sector, will also take center stage.

Kenya: A Living Example of Resilience

Beyond the policy dialogue, GTRDCE 2026 provides a unique opportunity for Kenya to highlight its own success stories. As a United Nations hub with world-class facilities like the KICC, Nairobi is well-suited to host an event of this magnitude. Delegates will also have the chance to experience first-hand how resilience principles are applied in tourism through immersive field visits to sites such as Nairobi National Park and the National Museums of Kenya.

The event will conclude on Wednesday, 18 February, with these learning experiences providing valuable insights into the practical application of resilience strategies. Participants will witness how Kenya’s tourism sector has successfully integrated environmental conservation, community engagement, and crisis response into its operational framework.

Concrete Outcomes and the Path Forward

GTRDCE 2026 is expected to deliver actionable outcomes that will shape the future of the tourism industry. These include the launch of a “Resilience in Action” Global Report, progress towards adopting tourism resilience indicators, and the establishment of new cross-sector partnerships and funding commitments. Such initiatives aim to equip destinations worldwide with the tools needed to navigate crises while fostering sustainable growth.

As Africa continues to assert itself as a key player in global tourism, the Nairobi conference represents a significant step in reinforcing the continent’s voice in shaping a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready tourism industry. By hosting this pivotal event, Kenya is not only showcasing its leadership but also providing a platform for the entire African continent to influence and inspire the global tourism agenda.