"I am Angola, a land that holds great promise in the many avenues of travel, tourism and hospitality - growth industries destined to employ and involve an increasing number of my citizens as time marches on. I greet you and invite you to explore all corners of the land, where you will meet a cross section of my people, whose warmth and friendship will remain in your hearts and minds for a lifetime. " Angola Welcomes the World! Travel and Tourism on Fast Track! By Jerry W. Bird. Angola News (Continued) Return to Part One   The Tourism Factor of Understanding and World Peace: Panel Chairman was H.E. Minister Eduardo J.S. Chingunji. Louis D' Amore, CEO and founder of the International Institute of Peace Through Tourism served as moderator. Topics included: The ATA- PATA Factor. Mr. D'Amore spoke of the historic memorandum signed in Thailand that unites the Africa Travel Association and the Pacific Asia Travel Association, a major step in the global reach of both organizations. He quoted from the latest edition of Compass, PATA's magazine, entitled "Getting the Asia-Africa Show On The Road." Another important news item is the fact that Uganda will host the 4th Africa Conference of Peace Through Tourism, an ATA-IIPT event. • Miracle Corners of the World and New York University - by Eddie Bergman and Robert Alsbrooks, co-founders of MCW. This organization has enjoyed considerable success in a short time, with projects in Tanzania and West Africa. • Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, Republic of Kenya - by Rebecca Nabutola, Permanent Secretary. Ms. Nabutola related the experience, where her Ministry, being deprived temporarily of its traditional markets in Europe and North America, aggressively sought and captured new market areas in Asia. Today Kenya is enjoying further success as visits from original markets return. • Community Outreach and Training - by Justina Wake, Director of Tourism, Republic of Zambia. According to Ms. Wake, Community Based Tourism involves training and establishing initiatives in the areas where the poor people live - making locals aware of opportunities to engage in tourism enterprises. She cited examples such as building a community lodge or tourism village and cultural center. The people are then provided business skills, and in creating markets for arts, crafts, basketry, agricultural products and other items for sale to tourists or to nearby lodges and restaurants. Ms. Wake made special reference to the Bush Camps Company in Zambia's Luangwa Valley, which has formed a network of more than 50 members (www.itswild.org). "When local communities generate economic benefits from these natural and cultural resources through tourism, they are most likely to appreciate and contribute more to sustainable development of the tourism industry," she said. NOW! MORE THAN 20 PAGES OF ANGOLA PHOTOS TO VIEW. Our award winning website generates over 10.000 page views daily and 17 million hits annually   Tourism Development, Marketing and Training: One of ATA's perennial favorites, the marketing panel was moderated by Marlene Melton of New York City, owner of African Ventures Inc. , who spoke on Marketing Africa to North America. Her program included: • From Malta to The Gambia, Libya, Togo and Tunisia. Corinthia Hotels International - by Fumeke Mary Sarr, General Manager, Hotel 12 Fevrier, Togo. • Training as Primary Focal Point for Tourism Development - by Harold J. Cook, Henderson Travel Services. • ATA and Nigeria Liaison - by Chief Margaret Fabiyi, Webisco Travel and Tours. • Marketing and Development of Tourism in Post War African Countries - by Patricia Brown, Kambi Travel International. Kwanza River, Quissama National Park Excursion: The Minister of Hotels and Tourism in his wisdom decided it would be worthwhile to expose ATA delegates to as much of this beautiful country as possible. An afternoon bus tour to the National Park of Quissama, sponsored by the Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators of Angola, included a stop at the Slave Route Museum and a geographical phenomenon Angolans call the "Moon View" because of its resemblance to the surface of a small planet. Another stop included the Craft Market, where many of the delegates helped the local economy by purchasing artwork and souvenirs. Typical purchases include items of ebony, rosewood, straw, malachite, bronze and pottery. Wooden masks and musical instruments, including marimbas kissanges, xingufos, ankle rattles and drums are popular. The route was south along the coast, with the ocean in view, affording great scenery and an opportunity to observe some of the swank, upscale residential communities springing up - signs of an imminent real estate boom. In mid afternoon, ATA delegates walked across the Kwanza River Bridge, and prior to luncheon they were greeted by members of the Association of Hotel and Restaurant Operators of Angola. By the way, "kwanza" is also the name for Angola's main currency. Flight to the Land of Diamonds: It is common knowledge that when you mention diamonds and Angola in the same sentence, people are all ears and their eyes grow wider. This beautiful, bountiful country ranks high on the world scene for this precious gem in addition to its rich oil reserves. Host Country Day, Wednesday November 2 began with a flight via Fokker 50 to the Province of Lunda Sul Saurimo, organized by the National Diamond Company, Endiama E.P. The day's activities included a meeting with H.E. the Governor of Lunda Sul and a presentation of the Catoca project by the PCA of Endiama. ATA delegates then visited a hydro electric dam project, and the diamond mine and plant facilities at Catoca. Members stayed overnight in the area, returning to Luanda the following morning. Impact of Tourism on the Environment: The above theme, and its related topic, "Using Natural Resources for the Development of Ecological Tourism" were the focus of a panel moderated by H.E. Rejoice Thizwilondi Mabudafhasi, Deputy Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Republic of South Africa, who was also a speaker. Her program included: • Best Practices - by Dr. Bane Maleke, Manager African Partnerships, Development Bank of Southern Africa. • Urbanization Within Sustainable Tourism - by Lance Bailey, Architect. Mr. Bailey provided an insightful presentation on factors of urbanization that impact specifically onAfrica, such as the fact that this continent has created so many of the world's 'mega cities. ' The number is rising, which calls for special initiatives to be implemented in the immediate future. • Case Study from Ngorongoro Conservation Area, United Republic of Tanzania - by Victor Runyoro. Fashion Finale and Gala Evening: ATA events always end with a flair, and this occasion was no exception, thanks to an outstanding fashion show, followed by cultural entertainment and dancing until the wee hours. Angolans love to party - and showed their visitors what great hosts they can be. Most ATA members were amazed at how quickly the week went by and how many topics were covered in depth. They come to share knowledge and to learn as much as possible about the host country. What they now know about Angola, will be welcome news for the entire travel industry. Pioneers in Ecotourism: As of this year, ATA has held events in over 30 African cities. The Africa Travel Association (ATA) is an international, nonprofit, nonpolitical travel industry association, established in 1975 to promote tourism to the continent of Africa. Its membership includes African government ministries and tourism offices, airlines, hotels, cruise lines, tour operators, travel agents, tourism educators, media and public relations firms. ATA has chapters throughout Africa and North America; is a member of ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents), WTO (World Tourism Organization), an industry partner with ARTA (Association of Retail Travel Agents), a founding member of the Coalition of Partners for IIPT, International Institute for Peace through Tourism; and a Green Globe member. Each major event organized by the Africa Travel Association (ATA ) and hosted by a different African Country is another step in Africa's march towards a better future through tourism. The first Ecotourism Symposium was held in Saly/ Dakar Senegal in 1992, and its previous symposium was in Kampala, Uganda at the personal invitation of President Museveni. With eyes on the Asian market, ATA sent African delegations and keynote speaker to the World Tourism Summit at Nanjing, China. Africa Showcase in America: To create an even greater positive presence for Africa, ATA exhibits anchor an Africa Village Section at Adventure Travel Expos and Travel Industry Trade Shows across North America. These year round, big city, face-to-face encounters are creating a valuable opportunity for African tourism destinations to reach and influence potential visitors in previously untapped markets. ATA has also reached out to the academic community, providing tourism panels at the Harvard Business School's Annual Conference on Africa for two successive years. Further examples are University of Illinois, Wharton School Business, an outreach program at Munroe College, and Miracle Corners of the World, a New York University inspired project that delivers books and medical supplies. The Association publishes a quarterly Africa Travel Magazine and has a 2,600 page web site that often ranks #1 for Africa related searches on Google and Yahoo. Speaking about Angola: If the country could speak, it might say. "I am Angola, a land that holds great promise in the many avenues of travel, tourism and hospitality - growth industries destined to employ and involve an increasing number of my citizens as time marches on. I greet you and invite you to explore all corners of the land, where you will meet a cross section of my people, whose warmth and friendship will remain in your hearts and minds for a lifetime. Many strong and lasting bonds will be formed in Luanda as a result of this fall season of your association's 30th Jubilee year.". Facts Worth Knowing: Angola has a population of 12 million and is bordered by Namibia, Zambia and Congo, with the Atlantic Ocean to the west. Angolans speak a combination of Portuguese and Bantu languages and the currency is Kwanza (Kzr). The country's main exports are petroleum products, diamonds, minerals, coffee, fish, timber, cotton, sisal and other agricultural products. From here on the Congo river, Sir Henry Morton Stanley began his historic trip into the heart of Africa in search of the famous Dr. David Livingstone. Being a resource rich country, Angola's many natural resources make it one of Africa's wealthiest nations. Oil: Fueling Angola's Economy. Angola, the second largest oil producer in sub-Saharan Africa after Nigeria, is pumping 760,000 barrels a day from its vast offshore oil fields. This production, which accounts for more than 40 percent of Angola's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and as much as 90 percent of government revenues, is expected to top one million barrels a day when new oil fields come on stream. Continuing exploration, particularly in the deepwater blocks, is finding new reserves faster than oil companies are depleting old ones. Angola ranks third behind Iran and Saudi Arabia in new oil discoveries. Angola's climate varies depending on the altitude - the warmest months being September and October, while the coolest are July and August. Mountains rise from the coast, leveling to a plateau which makes up most of the country. The northern plateau is thickly vegetated while to the south the country becomes increasingly arid. Lightweight casual wear may be worn year round. U.S. dollars are widely accepted. Contact Karen Hoffman, africatravelasso@aol.com, 212 447 1926, fax 212 725 8253. Web site: http://www.africa-ata.org  The Embassy of The Republic of Angola 2100-2108 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009 202-785-1156 phone, 202-785-1258 fax Web site: http://www.angola.org