# The V&A Waterfront in Cape Town has been recognised at the 2026 World Travel Market Africa Responsible Tourism Awards for its academy, which connects young people with entry-level jobs in tourism, hospitality and retail. Since launching in 2023, the programme has helped 315 young Capetonians find work across 46 businesses in the precinct, with 90-percent of participants entering formal employment for the first time. V&A Waterfront CEO Graham Wood says the initiative helps bridge the gap between young job seekers and employers.
V&A Waterfront academy commended for linking youth to entry-level tourism jobs