ATTA strengthens connections across tourism industry

The African Travel and Tourism Association (ATTA) has announced two new board appointments, Fiona Jeffery OBE as Industry Relations Director, and Andre Laget as Latin American Director.

The African Travel and Tourism Association (ATTA) has announced two new board appointments, Fiona Jeffery OBE as Industry Relations Director, and Andre Laget as Latin American Director.

Fiona Jeffery OBE

Born in Scotland and a graduate of Edinburgh University Fiona Jeffery has had a long and accomplished career working in the travel industry. After joining Reed Exhibitions in 1986, Fiona quickly climbed through the ranks to become Exhibition Director for World Travel Market in 1994 & also British Travel Trade Fair in 1996, Managing Director and ultimately Chairman of WTM until 2013. In 1997 she launched a responsible tourism drive across the industry globally and in 2007 she launched World Responsible Tourism Day at WTM in partnership with the UNWTO which is now the largest responsible tourism gathering across the world. In 1998 Fiona also founded the international water aid charity Just a Drop of which she is Chair. Its aim is to encourage the travel and tourism industry and businesses generally to give back to communities across the world with the provision of clean water and sanitation. She sits on UNWTO Global Ethics Committee. In 2012 she was awarded an OBE by Her Majesty the Queen for services to travel and tourism and the Hall of Fame Award for her contribution to the Environment and in 2013 she was awarded TTG Outstanding Contribution to the Industry Award. Fiona is happily married to Nigel and says her best job is being Mum to Cameron and Lauren.

Andre Laget

Andre Laget, Managing Director at Akilanga DMC, is a true son of Africa. Andre was born in the East African Golden Horn and raised between Africa, Yemen and Swiss boarding schools. Andre has a multilingual background, with a French father and Italian mother. He grew up following the footsteps of great continental explorers, Arthur Rimbaud and Henry de Monfreid. In 2000 he moved back to Africa, but soon his explorer upbringing brought him in search of new horizons and he crossed the South Atlantic towards Brazil. Few people back then foresaw the business opportunities of a young and vibrant new economy. Andre locally is now known as “Andre o Rei da Africa do Sul.” Besides being a dedicated husband, father of three and businessman, Andre loves flying and photography.

Two current board members, who stood for re-election by rotation, Ico Inanc as European Director and John Corse as East African Director have been re-appointed un-opposed.

The Atta board of directors is drawn from the various disciplines of the membership in UK and Africa that include accommodation suppliers, travel operators, representation and PR experts and the UK Media. Recognized as the Voice of African Tourism, Atta serves and supports business leaders in Africa representing more than 530 elite buyers and suppliers of tourism product across 22 African countries.

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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