ATA hosts fourth annual Presidential Forum on Tourism in New York

The Africa Travel Association (ATA) held its fourth annual Presidential Forum on Tourism at New York University’s Africa House on September 26. Co-sponsored by South African Airways (SAA) and Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA), the forum focused on how tourism can drive economic growth even during challenging economic times.

“Whether it’s fostering economic growth through foreign exchange earnings and increasing state revenue or improving people’s well-being in the areas of job creation, income distribution, and regional development, or even changing perceptions, Africa’s tourism industry requires attention, investment, and partnership,” ATA executive director Edward Bergman said in his welcoming remarks. “With strong public-private partnerships, tourism can yield even greater benefits for each nation on its own and for the continent as a whole.”

After Bergman’s welcoming remarks, Tanzanian Ambassador to the United Nations, Obmeni Sefue, presented the Tanzania Tourist Board’s 2009 Print Media Award to journalist Eloise Parker for her coverage on summitting Mount Kilimanjaro. Speaking on behalf of Tanzania, a country that currently holds ATA’s rotating presidency, Ambassador Sefue also spoke about the role ATA can play in improving the state of tourism on the African continent.

World Bank vice president of the Africa Region, Obiageli Ezekwesili, then delivered an opening statement. The remarks set the stage for the panel discussion that followed, much of which centered on introducing each country as a unique travel destination, and the role that tourism plays in each nation’s economy. Ezekwsiili also spoke about the need to build a tourism sector that is driven by economic and social considerations rather than political ones.

Africa House director Dr. Yaw Nyarko moderated the discussion featuring Dr. Oldemiro Baloi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Mozambique; Baba Hamadou, Minister of Tourism of the Republic of Cameroon; Anna A. Kachikho, MP, Minister of Tourism, Wildlife, and Culture of the Republic of Malawi; Samia H. Suluhu, Minister of Tourism, Trade & Industry of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar; Dr. Kaire M. Mbuende, Ambassador of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Namibia to the UN; and Dr. Inonge Mbikusita-Lewanika, Ambassador of the Republic of Zambia to the US.

In three years, the forum has become a highlight on the diplomatic and travel industry calendars, taking place in parallel to the UN General Assembly meetings in September. In 2006, Tanzania’s and Nigeria’s heads of state launched the inaugural event; in 2007, Tanzania’s and Cape Verde’s heads of states delivered the keynote addresses. They were joined by ministers from Benin, Ghana, Lesotho, and Malawi, as well as representatives from Rwanda and the Africa Union. In 2008, ministers from Tanzania, Zambia, and Malawi participated.

This year, over 200 participants from the travel trade industry, media, diplomatic community, African diaspora, business sector, non-profit world, and academia and hospitality studies, participated in the event.

ABOUT THE AFRICA TRAVEL ASSOCIATION (ATA)

The Africa Travel Association is the premier global travel trade association promoting tourism to Africa and intra-Africa travel and partnership since 1975. ATA members include ministries of tourism and culture, national tourism boards, airlines, hoteliers, travel agents, tour operators, travel trade media, public relations firms, students, NGOs, individuals, and SMEs. For more information, visit ATA online at www.africatravelassociaton.org or call +1.212.447.1357.