The Africa–Europe Tourism Exchange Forum (AETEF) 2027 is set to bring together tourism leaders, policymakers, government representatives, investors, cultural ambassadors and industry professionals from Africa and Europe for a landmark gathering aimed at strengthening tourism cooperation and unlocking new opportunities for sustainable development across both continents.
Organised by Kalo Africa Media, led by Amb. Kazeem Balogun, Co-Founder for Africa, and Globe Trotters SA Ltd, headed by Amb. Michelina Sanquest, Co-Founder for Europe, in partnership with Africa- International Tourism and Economic Council (AlTEC World). The forum will take place from 11–13 March 2027 in the enchanting city of Albano Laziale, in the Rome Metropolitan Area of Italy.
Under the theme, “Advancing Global Tourism: Africa–Europe Synergy for Sustainability,” AETEF 2027 seeks to establish a stronger platform for dialogue, partnerships, investment, cultural exchange and practical cooperation between African and European tourism stakeholders.
The forum is designed to move beyond conventional tourism discussions by encouraging meaningful engagement between public and private sector actors, promoting investment opportunities, facilitating business connections and advancing a shared vision for a more sustainable, inclusive and interconnected tourism industry.
Building a New Era of Africa–Europe Tourism Cooperation
Africa and Europe share longstanding historical, cultural, economic and people-to-people connections. Tourism offers an important avenue for deepening these relationships, creating employment, empowering young people, supporting local communities and encouraging investment in destinations, infrastructure, hospitality, transportation, creative industries and tourism technology.
AETEF 2027 will provide a meeting point for stakeholders to examine how both continents can translate their shared interests into practical initiatives that deliver measurable economic and social benefits.
Discussions and engagements are expected to address sustainable tourism development, destination promotion, investment opportunities, cultural diplomacy, tourism enterprise development, trade, arts and creativity, and stronger institutional partnerships.
The organisers envision a forum where African destinations can connect with European markets and investors while European tourism businesses and institutions can explore opportunities for collaboration with African destinations, enterprises and tourism organisations.
By bringing together decision-makers and industry practitioners, the event aims to encourage partnerships that extend beyond the forum itself and contribute to long-term cooperation.
Michelina Sanquest: Albano Laziale Ready to Welcome Africa and Europe
Amb. Michelina Sanquest, Director of Globe Trotters SA Ltd and Co-Founder for Europe of AETEF, has expressed her enthusiasm and readiness to welcome participants to Albano Laziale, which holds special significance as her hometown.
Sanquest described the forthcoming gathering as an opportunity to bring people, ideas and opportunities together in an atmosphere of hospitality, cultural discovery and international cooperation.
She expressed confidence that participants would experience the warmth and charm of Albano Laziale while engaging in meaningful discussions on the future of tourism and Africa–Europe relations.
According to her, participants should look forward not only to productive professional engagements but also to an exciting experience that celebrates the city’s character, hospitality and cultural appeal.
Her commitment to hosting the gathering reflects the importance of local participation in international tourism events and the role that destination communities can play in welcoming visitors, fostering cultural exchange and creating memorable experiences.
The choice of Albano Laziale also presents an opportunity to showcase the appeal of destinations beyond the traditional centres of international tourism and to highlight the contribution of local communities to the wider tourism economy.
Kazeem Balogun: Advancing a Shared Vision for Two Continents
Amb. Kazeem Balogun, Managing Editor of Kalo Africa Media and Co-Founder for Africa of AETEF, has also expressed his excitement about bringing African and European tourism stakeholders together for the 2027 edition.
Balogun sees the forum as an opportunity to strengthen connections between the two continents and encourage tourism to serve as a catalyst for economic cooperation, cultural understanding, investment and sustainable development.
He emphasised the importance of creating platforms where tourism professionals, government institutions, destination managers, investors, media organisations and private enterprises can meet, exchange ideas and develop partnerships with the potential to deliver lasting benefits.
For Africa, the forum offers an opportunity to showcase the continent’s diverse tourism assets, cultural heritage, creative industries and investment potential to European stakeholders. For Europe, it provides a platform to deepen engagement with African destinations, businesses and institutions while exploring opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation.
The organisers believe that closer collaboration can help address shared industry challenges, improve destination visibility, encourage responsible investment and support the development of tourism products that appeal to an increasingly connected global market.
Balogun’s participation in the initiative reflects Kalo Africa Media’s wider interest in using media, international engagement and strategic partnerships to promote tourism development and strengthen Africa’s connections with the global tourism community.
AETEF 2027 is expected to attract a diverse range of participants from across Africa and Europe, including:
– National and regional tourism boards and destination management organisations.
– Government ministries, departments and agencies responsible for tourism, culture, investment and trade.
– Tourism associations, hospitality operators, tour operators and travel agencies.
– Investors, entrepreneurs, tourism developers and private sector businesses.
– Airlines, travel technology companies and tourism service providers.
– Cultural institutions, creative industry professionals and heritage organisations.
– Tourism educators, researchers, media organisations and development partners.
– Youth-led enterprises and other stakeholders interested in sustainable tourism and employment creation.
The organisers anticipate that the diversity of participants will encourage cross-sector dialogue and create opportunities for business-to-business and government-to-business engagement.
Tourism, Investment and Sustainability at the Centre
The theme, “Accelerating Tourism: Africa–Europe Synergy for Sustainability,” underscores the need for stronger collaboration in responding to the changing demands of the global tourism industry.
Sustainability will be an important consideration, with opportunities to explore responsible destination development, heritage preservation, community participation, environmental protection and tourism models that generate benefits for local economies.
Investment and enterprise development are also expected to feature prominently. Through stronger links between tourism institutions, investors and business operators, the forum aims to encourage the exchange of expertise, partnerships and ideas capable of supporting tourism growth on both continents.
Cultural diplomacy will provide another important dimension, recognising the ability of tourism to promote mutual understanding, celebrate diversity and strengthen relationships between peoples and nations.
The organisers will also recognise some important personalities that have contributed to the progression of tourism from both continents.
Also, the growing importance of communication, digital visibility and innovation in connecting destinations with international audiences, media and industry collaboration that can help improve the presentation of tourism products, expand market reach and strengthen the competitiveness of destinations will be analysed at the panel session during the forum.
Ultimately, AETEF 2027 seeks to encourage a shift from dialogue alone towards practical collaboration, with partnerships that can continue to develop after the event.
Albano Laziale: A Destination for Dialogue and Discovery
Located in the Rome Metropolitan Area, Albano Laziale will provide the setting for this Africa–Europe gathering. The city offers participants an opportunity to engage with the Italian destination while exploring the connections between tourism, culture, hospitality and local economic development.
Hosting the forum in Sanquest’s hometown adds a personal and community dimension to the event, reinforcing the organisers’ intention to combine international professional engagement with a warm local welcome.
The gathering is expected to place the host destination in the spotlight while creating opportunities for participants to experience its local character and consider the role of smaller cities and communities in the wider European tourism landscape.
As preparations continue, the organisers are encouraging tourism institutions, public authorities, private sector operators, investors, cultural organisations and other interested stakeholders to begin considering their participation and potential contributions by registering via info@kaloafricamedia.com.
AETEF 2027 is being positioned as a platform for developing new relationships, strengthening existing partnerships and identifying opportunities for collaboration across tourism, investment, trade, culture and diplomacy.
The central message is clear: Africa and Europe can achieve more by working together to build a tourism industry that is competitive, sustainable, inclusive and responsive to the needs of communities and future generations.
Through the combined efforts of Kalo Africa Media and Globe Trotters SA Ltd, the forum aims to create a meaningful space for engagement and cooperation, bringing the two continents closer through tourism.
With Albano Laziale preparing to welcome participants from across Africa and Europe, AETEF 2027 is poised to become an important meeting point for advancing shared ambitions and exploring a new chapter in Africa–Europe tourism relations.
Event: Africa–Europe Tourism Exchange Forum (AETEF) 2027
Theme: Accelerating Tourism: Africa–Europe Synergy for Sustainability
Dates: 11–13 March 2027
Venue: Albano Laziale, Rome Metropolitan Area, Italy
Organisers: Kalo Africa Media and Globe Trotters SA Ltd
Co-Founder for Africa: Amb. Kazeem Balogun
Co-Founder for Europe: Amb. Michelina Sanquest
For enquiries and participation: Email: info@aetef.com; Website: www.aetef.com
Telephone: +234 809 450 9915 | +39 340 409 2084
