New York-based Africa Travel Association: World Congress in Uganda despite calls for boycott

Despite wide calls for boycotting travel to Uganda because of their dangerous laws for gays and ladies wearing mini skirts, the New York US-based Africa Travel Association (ATA), is now just 6 months away from their return to Uganda, where the organization will hold the 39th World Congress. Uganda, the Pearl of Africa, has in the past hosted ATA events, and the country is looking forward to once again extending support, assistance, and its renowned hospitality to executives and delegates, hundreds of whom are expected to fly into the country from the United States, from around the world, and, of course, from across Africa.

Some 500 extra visitors are expected to come to Kampala for the meetings and many will no doubt travel across the country before or after the event, to see and experience the unique attractions Uganda offers her visitors beyond gorilla tracking, which, however, remains the backbone of the country’s tourism industry.

The Ugandan Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities has pledged the full support to ATA as has the Uganda Tourism Board which sees the event being held in Uganda as an opportunity to not just showcase the country before, during, and after the event but is also banking on getting priceless added publicity in the United States and across the world, helping to promote the country as one of Africa’s leading adventure destinations.

Going by ATA’s own description of the event: “ATA’s signature event in Africa and provides a networking, learning and agenda-shaping platform for the most diverse group of tourism industry stakeholders of any travel industry event on the continent. The event addresses timely industry topics, offers a line-up of educational and professional development opportunities and showcases the host Destination’s newest products and services. Delegates also have the opportunity to participate in ATA’s Young Professionals Program forum, a tourism ministers’ roundtable, business-to-business and networking events, an African Bazaar, networking events, host country day(s), gala dinners and pre- and post- country tours.”