Cape Town to Host World Youth Student and Educational Travel Confederation in 2015

The World Youth Student and Educational (WYSE) Travel Confederation has named Cape Town, South Africa as the host city for its WYSTC 2015 event.

David Chapman, WYSE Travel Confederation’s Director General, said, “South Africa has always been a popular destination for young travellers and Cape Town the cosmopolitan jewel in its crown. As the point in Africa where the Atlantic meets the Indian Ocean, this multicultural city known for its breathtaking scenery and great value for money seems a fitting location for the first African WYSTC. We very much look forward to working with the South African community to showcase Cape Town to key decision-makers.”

In celebration of the partnership, South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Tourism, Tokozile Xasa, has confirmed that she will be attending WYSTC 2014 in Dublin to discuss youth and student travel trends within South Africa with the conference’s international attendees.

Ms Xasa will also address the delegation during a networking reception on the evening of Wednesday, 24 September.

As preparations continue apace for WYSTC 2014, which will bring the youth, student and educational travel community together in Dublin this September, the foundations are already being laid for the annual event’s first visit to Africa next year.

With the continent offering a wealth of untapped potential for one of the travel industry’s fastest growing segments, especially for developing language learning as a form of travel, Cape Town - declared ‘World Design Capital’ in 2014 - was deemed an ideal location for next year’s gathering of the youth travel community.

“I am delighted that WYSE Travel Confederation chose the African continent and specifically South Africa to host this important conference in 2015. We are looking forward to welcoming you to our beautiful country with the warmth and hospitality that South Africans are known for,” said Derek Hanekom, South Africa’s Minister of Tourism. “The unique motivations of young travellers render this niche market very important in terms of growth objectives. Youth tourism represents a significant and growing market, not only in terms of volume, but also in economic, social and cultural terms. More than any other market segment, youth and student travel hold the keys to advancing responsible tourism behaviour. Furthermore, because of the potential to learn more about other cultures, it also holds the keys to nurturing a better understanding between people from all corners of the world.”

WYSTC 2015 will be held at Cape Town’s International Convention Centre from 22 - 25 September. Registration will open early next year.

This year’s WYSTC event will take place at the Convention Centre Dublin, Ireland, from 23 - 26 September.