Youth Tourism and Backpacking: Unlocking South Africa’s Appeal to Young Travellers

SSouth Africa’s youth make up the majority of the population, and the future of the country’s tourism sector. But for the country to realise its full potential as a travel destination and industry leader, young people must be engaged today not just as consumers, but as creators, contributors, and catalysts for growth.

This was the focus of a powerful editorial session at Africa’s Travel Indaba on 15 May 2025 titled ‘Youth Tourism and Backpacking: Unlocking SA’s Appeal to Young Travellers.’ The session explored the question: how can we make travel more relevant, accessible, and exciting for the next generation? And beyond just encouraging them to travel, how do we prepare them to lead in the future of tourism, by linking travel to sustainability, innovation, and storytelling?

Moderated by broadcaster and tourism advocate Zama Khumalo, the discussion brought together a panel of change-makers deeply invested in youth development. Their message was unanimous: youth are already hungry to explore, to lead, and to build a tourism sector that speaks to their realities. What they need is opportunity, visibility, and support.

The session echoed a clear message: ‘The youth are not useless, they are used less,’ declared Sanele Zulu, CEO of the Green Youth Network. ‘If it is to be, it is up to me. We have to find solutions for the problems we have and start the change at home and communities.’ Zulu emphasised the value of creating intentional platforms for young people to become active participants in shaping the future of travel, particularly through sustainability. ‘Young people can be ambassadors for a green future in tourism. We must link sustainability and tourism, create excitement around travel, and cultivate a culture of eco-consciousness, like Rwanda’s car-free days.’

Ndabenhle Ntshangase, CEO of Air Student, offered a bold view on reimagining affordability and access. ‘When I travelled to India, hostels were filled with Indian youth. In Bulgaria, it was Bulgarians exploring their own country. South African youth need a similar shift in mindset. We must build a culture where our kids want to see their own country.’ Ntshangase started Air Student to offer students affordable travel between home and school, and he believes more can be done by leveraging student numbers to negotiate deals with event organisers and transport providers. ‘Festivals are proof young people are willing to save and travel. We must work with organisers and the industry to make it happen.’

As a digital native, Ntshangase also stressed the power of AI and social media. ‘Anyone can be a travel influencer now. Young people must find their niche and authentically tell the stories of where they come from. This is how we place South Africa on the global travel map.’

For Sandile Cele, CEO of Volunteer and Travel, youth tourism is more than leisure, it’s a gateway to purpose. ‘We help young people, both local and international, use their skills to uplift communities. A volunteer with IT experience can teach coding in KwaMashu and then attend a festival like Bushfire or Oppikoppi. We want to show that you can travel, learn, give back, and have fun, all at once.’ Cele emphasised the importance of exposure, encouraging gap years, summer work programmes, and NPO-led initiatives to broaden the horizons of young people.

Zulu added that there is immense potential for youth to tap into new areas of opportunity like AI and green innovation. ‘We want youth to travel with consciousness. Our Green Movement Conference is one way we’re building that culture across the continent.’

However, the panel agreed that exposure must start early. ‘We need to get into schools and communities,’ urged Zulu. ‘Let’s use formal and informal institutions to educate youth about their history, heritage, and the possibilities that tourism holds for their future.’

As the Q&A session wrapped up, one sentiment echoed above all: the youth are not just tomorrow’s travellers, they are today’s innovators. With the right support, storytelling platforms, and inclusive policies, they can discover their own country, continent, and world with pride and purpose.

In the words of Zulu: ‘Youth don’t need saving; they need space to create.’ And with tourism as the vehicle, South Africa and Africa as a whole, stand ready to fuel that journey.