The organisers of the second Africa Tourism leadership Forum (ATLF) and Awards have announced the opening of entries and registration for this year’s event.
The forum which is scheduled to take place on 28-29 August at the Durban International Convention centre, South Africa, is expected to see an increase in the participation.
ATLF is the only Pan-African Tourism Forum of its kind in Africa that puts the spotlight on tourism as a major economic pillar for diversifying African economies, and bring policy makers, captains of industry and academics to dialogue topical issues impacting on intra-Africa travel growth and development. The 2019 Forum will be hosted by the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government of South Africa, in association with Africa Tourism Partners and BDO South Africa.
The success of ATLF Accra in August 2018, where more than over 600 delegates and 30 experts from 30 countries participated, dialogued and explored intra-Africa travel as well as business opportunities makes ATLF Durban a must-attend industry event. BDO South Africa Director, Christelle Grohmann states: “Hosting the ATLF in Durban reinforces KwaZulu-Natal Province and South Africa’s commitment to promoting intra-Africa travel.” Among the prospective speakers and participants are ministers, diplomats, captains of industry, CEOs, private sector executives, hoteliers, policy-makers, academics, practitioners, youth, entrepreneurs and related industry players. “ATLF is a unique platform that inspires tourism innovation beyond technology, future-oriented travel and Thought Leadership. We are proud to be part of this.” She highlights.
ATLF Accra was an excellent platform to harness the untapped intra-Africa travel outbound market to increase destination arrivals, hotel occupancies, investments and business linkages. Africa Tourism Partners’ (ATP) Chief Executive Officer, Kwakye Donkor says, “We are encouraged by valuable support given to us by our host partner KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government and South Africa Tourism, as we plan for 2019.” Generally, the event has enriched the positive narratives about Destination Africa, in support of the work that the United Nations World Tourism Organisation(UNWTO) and its allies have embarked on with African countries, private sector and policy-makers. “We therefore urge all stakeholders to support us in a similar way.” He says.
The programme outline for ATLF Durban is as follows:
• Day 1 – 27 August – Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit
• Day 2 – 28 August – Africa Travel and Tourism CEOs and Business Tourism Master Class
• Day 3 – 29 August – Africa tourism leadership forum and Africa Tourism Leadership Awards
Please visit http://www.tourismleadershipforum.africa/ to register, and also enter for Africa Tourism Leadership Awards and/or Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation competition.
