Plans are ongoing to hold the 14th edition of Youth Tourism & Hospitality Leaders Forum (YTHLF), the yearly gathering of tourism and hospitality loving youths in Lagos, Nigeria.
This was disclosed in a release signed by the Convener, Youth Tourism & Hospitality Leaders Forum, Mr. Omololu Olumuyiwa.
Olumuyiwa stated “It is important to state that YTHLF primary objectives since it was launched in 2008 has been achieved in the areas of sensitization, education, motivation and promotion of the social, cultural and economy values of tourism and hospitality sector among the students, young tourism promoters and stakeholders”.
Youth travel represents a distinct, an important and a rapidly growing segment of the tourism industry. The Global Report on the Power of Youth Travel earlier released estimated that of the one billion or more international tourists, more than 23% was represented by the youths alone.
“It is obvious that Youth Tourism is now a force to reckon with in Nigeria with series of great and commendable youth tourism events holding with large turnout of participants. In an era full of challenges for the tourism industry, tourism for young people is a very important market segment, being a resource for change and innovation”, Olumuyiwa added.
He stated further that this change and innovation is why Akwaaba Youth Tourism Bantaba; Hospitality & Business Summit (HBS); African Hospitality and Tourism Education Summit (AHTES); Nigeria Tourism Lovers (NTL); Africa Travel Content Creators Conference and Global Travel, Tourism & Branding Conference are game changers.
Olumuyiwa disclosed that YTHLF 2025 delegates and participants will be limited to those considered to be called “LEADERS” in the youth tourism activities and making impacts in the industry while few others shall be carefully selected to mingle with the visionary youth leaders at the forum.
He stated further that the the 14th edition of YTHLF in 2025 edition will not be by multitudes as the value or success of something is not determined by the sheer number of people or things involved, but rather by their quality or level of excellence.
Youth Tourism & Hospitality Leaders Forum is endorsed by the two Federal Government tourism agencies, Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) and National Institute for Hospitality & Tourism (NIHOTOUR) .
Also, YTHLF is endorsed by Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria ( FTAN ); Institute of Hospitality UK-Nigeria International Branch (IoH) ; Hospitality and Tourism Association of Nigeria (HATMAN) ; Global Institute of Tourism and Hospitality (GITH) and Institute of Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN) .
