|
|
|
Homecoming
2005! The Africa Travel Association Invites the
Travel and Tourism World to its 30th Jubilee in
Nairobi, Kenya What rewards do African countries derive from
being members of this worldwide, non profit,
nonpolitical, organization? Firstly, with prominent Africans serving in
leadership positions as ATA president, vice
presidents and directors, the deepest concerns of
Africa's tourism community are certain of being
addressed. Secondly, ATA's "Global Positioning" and
"Strategic Partnerships" have expanded the role for
African member countries. Not just in travel and
tourism, but funding and investment top the agenda.
ATA has conducted African Investment Seminars, and
recently, ATA president Hon. Patrick Kalifungwa and
two delegations were an effective voice for Africa
at the 2004 World Tourism Summit in China. Thirdly, vigorous, face to face promotion keeps
Africa in the spotlight, with ATA exhibits at six
Adventures in Travel Expos in the USA, and three
similar events in Canada. Africa Conferences at
Harvard and other top universities, plus other
consumer and travel trade shows round out the
year. ATA's Fourth Dimension is Reach and Influence.
Awareness of Africa's bountiful tourism and
investment opportunities is now a 24 hour, 365 day
affair, thanks to the powerful, award winning ATA
website,. Ranking #1 in key searches on Africa
topics, it generates over 14 million hits
annually. Kenya and all 23 ATA host countries, will share
in the worldwide distribution of Africa Travel
Magazine's 30th Jubilee World Congress Souvenir
Yearbook, covering the past three decades. Active, expanded partnerships make ATA a winner
internationally, as a member of the United States
Tour Operators Association and The International
Ecotourism Society, and a partner of American
Society of Travel Agents, Association of Retail
Travel Agents, World Tourism Organization, WTTC
Green Globe, Society for Accessible Travel and
Hospitality and International Institute for Peace
Through Tourism. The World Bank, Corporate Council on Africa and
African Wildlife Foundation shared recent ATA
projects, and the association partnered with
Bermuda and the Caribbean Tourism Organization in
the African Diaspora Heritage Trail project. Travel Agents make up the largest single
component of ATA membership, and many are of
African American heritage. Their main clients
represent an increasingly affluent market of 30
million, many of whom have a keen desire to explore
their roots in Africa. Other Travel Agent benefits include: • Added income from higher commissions of
long-haul travel and longer stays. • Africa-Oriented Seminars - targeting
special interest markets. • Focused Networking. Developing a Top 100
circle of contacts. • Industry Alliances. Getting to know
tourist boards, hoteliers, airline officials and
ground operators on a personal basis. • Real Life Experiences.: Seeing more of
Africa's culture and customs first hand. • Education and Training. Learning about
Africa's varied destinations and tourism
products. • Marketing Savvy. Targeting specialized
markets, such as African Americans, seniors,
corporate, educational, cultural and adventure
travel. • Social Networking: Attending chapter
functions, ATA congresses and symposia in Africa
and worldwide. Those wishing to join ATA or to attend the
Africa Travel Association Congress events should
contact: Mr. Peter Muiruri, ATA Kenya Chapter President:,
pmuiruri@aadventuresafari.com , phone/fax 254
2882774 ATA Head Office in New York:
africatravelasso@aol.com, phone 212 447 1926 For advertising or editorial coverage, contact
Jerry W. Bird, Editor, Africa Travel Magazine
africa@dowco.com, phone 604 681 0718 PARTNERS
IN TOURISM AFRICA
TRAVEL ASSOCIATION AFRICA
TRAVEL MAGAZINE |
|
||||
On
May 15 through May 20, 2005, the Africa Travel
Association returns to Kenya for the ATA 30th
Jubilee World Tourism Marketing Congress in
Nairobi. Most of the twenty three (23) African
Nations that have hosted ATA events since 1976 are
expected to send delegations, led by their Tourism
Ministers. In addition, ATA chapter members from
the United States, Canada and Africa will guarantee
a large, active and varied attendance in activities
and pre- post tours. ATA membership includes retail
travel agents, group tour operators, hoteliers,
airline executives, media, business, education and
financial leaders. Kenya has earned a special place
in their hearts and minds, being the site of the
very first ATA Congress, and the events committee,
directed by ATA Kenya Chapter President Peter
Muiruri, has organized an exciting program.
Congress headquarters will be the Hotel Inter
Continental. Host Country Day includes a tour to
Naivasha, the Rift Valley Escarpment and Hell's
Gate.
