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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 |
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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.
