Kenya hosts global tourism leadership on tourism resilience — Africa’s moment to lead
As the world’s tourism leaders prepare to gather in Kenya this February for the 4th Global Tourism Resilience Day, Conference and Expo, one thing is beyond debate: resilience has become the defining currency of global tourism.
In an era shaped by climate uncertainty, geopolitical instability, health emergencies and economic shocks, the question is no longer whether crises will occur, but how prepared destinations are to respond, recover and transform.
Tourism is among the most exposed sectors of the global economy. It depends on mobility, confidence and stability, and supports millions of livelihoods across complex value chains.
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed these vulnerabilities in stark terms, grounding aircraft, closing borders and disrupting communities heavily dependent on tourism.
Yet the crisis also delivered a critical lesson – recovery without preparedness is unsustainable.
From recovery to preparedness
The designation of February 17 as Global Tourism Resilience Day by the United Nations was a direct response to this lesson.
It signalled a global recognition that tourism resilience must move beyond emergency response towards long-term systems capable of anticipating and managing risk.
Since its launch in 2023, the Global Tourism Resilience Day Conference has evolved into an important platform for shaping how governments and industry approach resilience.
This year’s conference, scheduled for February 16 to 18 in Nairobi, marks a decisive shift from discussion to delivery.
Held on the theme: “Tourism Resilience in Action: From Crisis Response to Impactful Transformation”, the focus is squarely on implementation – translating policy intent into practical, measurable action at destination, enterprise and community levels.
Why Africa matters in the resilience conversation
For Africa, the timing could not be more critical.
The continent’s tourism sector is rich in assets but disproportionately vulnerable to external shocks.
Climate change threatens coastlines, wildlife habitats and heritage sites.
Political instability and infrastructure gaps continue to influence traveller perceptions, while limited access to finance constrains recovery and growth.
Yet, Africa is also a living laboratory of resilience.
Across the continent, destinations have adapted through community-based tourism, conservation-led livelihoods and informal sector innovation.
These lived experiences offer valuable lessons for the global tourism industry – lessons that must inform international frameworks rather than sit on the margins.
Kenya’s role as host and case study
Kenya’s hosting of the Global Tourism Resilience Day is both strategic and symbolic.
As one of Africa’s most established tourism destinations, the country has navigated multiple global disruptions, from pandemics and security challenges to climate variability.
Its experience underscores the importance of destination diversification, strong institutions and public-private collaboration.
Nairobi’s status as a United Nations hub further elevates the significance of the gathering, placing Africa at the centre of global tourism policy dialogue at a time when resilience is reshaping competitiveness.
Lessons and relevance for Ghana
For Ghana, the conversations unfolding in Nairobi carry direct relevance.
The country’s tourism sector has shown notable resilience in recent years, supported by initiatives such as cultural tourism development, heritage-based travel and the growth of domestic tourism.
However, as Ghana positions itself as a leading tourism destination in West Africa, resilience must be deliberately embedded into planning, infrastructure and investment decisions.
Climate adaptation for coastal tourism, protection of heritage assets, crisis communication strategies and workforce preparedness are no longer optional – they are central to sustainability.
Global Tourism Resilience Day offers Ghana an opportunity to align national tourism priorities with emerging global frameworks, while contributing African perspectives shaped by experience rather than theory.
From policy to implementation
A defining feature of the 2026 conference is its emphasis on operationalising resilience.
Discussions will explore how resilience can be built into tourism planning, infrastructure development, workforce capacity and investment frameworks.
This includes difficult but necessary conversations around financing – who pays for preparedness, how risk is shared and how tourism investment can deliver both economic returns and social protection.
For African destinations, resilience must be reflected in how airports are designed, how destinations are marketed, how workers are trained and how communities are protected when shocks occur.
Inclusion as a pillar of resilience
Resilience cannot be built without people. Across Africa, women, youth and indigenous communities form the backbone of tourism experiences – from cultural heritage and creative industries to conservation and eco-tourism.
Ensuring that resilience strategies empower these groups is not just a moral imperative, but an economic one.
Tourism systems that exclude local voices are inherently fragile.
Inclusive models strengthen social cohesion, protect livelihoods and enhance destination authenticity – all critical factors in long-term competitiveness.
Technology, data and the future
Technology will play an increasingly important role in building tourism resilience.
From data analytics and artificial intelligence to predictive modelling, digital tools can improve crisis prevention, response and recovery
For Africa, the challenge lies in aligning innovation with local realities, ensuring that technology enhances human capacity rather than deepening inequality.
The Nairobi conference will explore how destinations can adopt data-driven approaches that support smarter decision-making while remaining context-appropriate.
Beyond the conference halls
The true value of Global Tourism Resilience Day lies in its legacy. Expected outcomes include resilience indicators, policy roadmaps and cross-sector partnerships that extend beyond national borders.
As the global tourism sector looks towards 2030, resilience will increasingly define competitiveness.
Destinations that demonstrate preparedness, adaptability and inclusion will attract investment and traveller confidence.
Those that do not will struggle to recover from the next shock – whatever form it takes.
For Africa, and for Ghana in particular, the Nairobi gathering is a call to lead – not as passive recipients of global policy, but as co-architects of a more resilient, inclusive and future-ready tourism industry.