Wednesday, August 28, 2024 The Africa Tourism Leadership Forum (ATLF) 2024 is gearing up to be a landmark event, bringing together tourism leaders, policymakers, and industry innovators from around the world. Scheduled to be held in Gaborone, Botswana, this year’s forum is anticipated to redefine the future of African tourism, focusing on key areas such as skill development, innovation, and sustainable growth. The forum will feature two highly anticipated components: the Masterclass and the Business-to-Business (B2B) Event, both designed to empower participants with the tools and connections necessary to navigate and thrive in the evolving global tourism landscape.
The ATLF 2024 Masterclass will be a cornerstone of the event, offering participants invaluable insights and strategies from distinguished speakers who are at the forefront of global tourism. Among the key speakers is Hon. Mark Okraku-Mantey, Deputy Minister from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture in Ghana, who will share his visionary approach to fostering cultural and tourism growth in Ghana.
His insights will be particularly relevant for those looking to understand how cultural tourism can be leveraged to boost national and regional economies. Another notable speaker, Senthil Gopinath, CEO of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) from the Netherlands, will discuss how Africa can position itself as a premier destination for international meetings and events. This is a significant focus area, as enhancing Africa’s appeal for conventions and events could lead to a surge in business tourism, further diversifying the continent’s tourism offerings.
Emily Mburu-Ndoria, a key figure in trade and digital transformation from the AFCFTA Secretariat, will delve into the role of digitalization and trade in services as catalysts for boosting tourism across Africa. The digital transformation in the tourism sector is crucial for making the continent more accessible and attractive to global travelers, particularly in an era where technology is reshaping how people plan and experience travel. The Masterclass will also feature experts like Lasse Ristolainen from Kasada Capital Management, who will explore innovative approaches to tourism infrastructure in Africa.
The focus on infrastructure development is vital for supporting the expected influx of tourists and ensuring that African destinations can accommodate and capitalize on this growth. The B2B Event at ATLF 2024 is designed to be a dynamic platform where tourism professionals can engage in high-level networking, explore investment opportunities, and forge new partnerships. This event is not merely about discussions; it is engineered to facilitate real business deals that will drive long-term growth and collaboration within the African tourism sector.
Among the prominent leaders participating in this event is Keitumetse Setlang, CEO of Botswana Tourism Organisation, who will highlight strategies for attracting global travelers to Botswana. Her insights will be invaluable for understanding how Botswana, and similar destinations, can enhance their appeal to international tourists. Nombulelo Guliwe, CEO of South African Tourism, will discuss South Africa’s innovative approaches to maintaining its status as a leading tourism destination in Africa.
Her participation underscores the importance of innovation in sustaining and growing a competitive edge in the global tourism market. June Chepkemei, CEO of Kenya Tourism Board, will share Kenya’s success stories in tourism and outline future plans to elevate the nation’s offerings further. Her contributions will be particularly relevant for those interested in understanding the role of strategic planning and execution in boosting a country’s tourism sector.
Hamza Farooqui, CEO of Millat Investments in South Africa, will focus on the importance of building resilient tourism economies and the investment opportunities available within Africa’s tourism sector. His insights will be crucial for investors and stakeholders looking to capitalize on the growing tourism industry in Africa. The Africa Tourism Leadership Forum 2024 is poised to have far-reaching impacts on the global travel industry.
By bringing together a diverse group of speakers and attendees, the forum will not only showcase the potential of African tourism but also provide actionable solutions to the challenges facing the sector. This will, in turn, position Africa as a key player in the global tourism market, attracting more international visitors and fostering economic growth across the continent. The forum’s focus on sustainability, digital transformation, and infrastructure development is particularly timely, as these areas are increasingly important for the future of global tourism.
By addressing these issues, the ATLF 2024 will contribute to a more resilient and inclusive tourism industry, benefiting travelers and tourism stakeholders worldwide..
