The African Travel and Tourism Association (ATTA®) has appointed Taqi Moledina as its new Chair, beginning a two-year term from 1 October 2026.
With nearly 25 years of leadership within African tourism and family roots in East Africa stretching back more than a century, Moledina takes up the role at a pivotal time for both ATTA® and Africa’s rapidly evolving tourism sector
He will work alongside ATTA® CEO Virginia Messina, the Board of Directors and the leadership team to support ATTA®’s new strategic direction and strengthen its role in connecting African tourism businesses with international markets, investment and opportunity.
Moledina has spent almost 25 years with ARP Africa Travel Group, rising through the business to become CEO and Chair. During his career, he has developed extensive relationships across Africa and key international source markets, building partnerships and helping African tourism businesses connect with customers around the world.
His appointment comes as ATTA® begins a new chapter in its more than 30-year history, with a renewed strategy focused on strengthening its international network, creating greater commercial opportunities for its members and supporting the sustainable long-term growth of tourism across the continent.
James Haigh, outgoing Chair of ATTA®, said:
“A very warm welcome to Taqi Moledina as the new Chair of ATTA®.
“I’m genuinely delighted to be handing over the chairmanship to Taqi. Having known him and worked alongside him for many years, I know the depth of his experience, his passion for Africa and, importantly, the relationships and friendships he has built across our industry.
“Taqi brings an incredible combination of personal connection to Africa, deep tourism experience and a real understanding of the opportunities ahead. I have no doubt that he will bring his own energy, ideas and perspective to the role and help take ATTA® into this exciting next chapter.
“It has been a huge privilege to serve as Chair, and I’m particularly proud of what we have achieved together as an association. ATTA® is built on its people, its relationships and the incredible businesses that make up our community — and I know Taqi understands that better than most.”
Taqi Moledina, Chair of ATTA®, said:
“I would like to thank James for his committed leadership and stewardship of ATTA® during an important period for the Association. His contribution has been significant, and he leaves strong foundations upon which we can continue to build.
“This is an exciting time for African tourism. International visitor growth is outpacing other regions of the world, yet the continent still has enormous, untapped potential. ATTA® has an important role to play in helping unlock that potential. We already have a respected voice, but there is an opportunity to make that voice stronger, more collaborative and influential — working alongside tourism associations, governments, investors and businesses across the globe.
“Africa’s strength lies in its extraordinary diversity. From its cultures and communities to its wildlife, landscapes and hospitality, there is no single African travel experience. At the same time, travellers are becoming increasingly conscious of the impact their journeys on the destinations and communities they visit. ATTA has the opportunity to help shape the future of tourism — creating growth that is sustainable, responsible and positively impacts the local communities, the wildlife and ecosystems,and the wider economies in which tourism operates.
“As Chair, I look forward to working with our members, partners and the wider industry to strengthen ATTA®’s voice, deepen collaboration and help translate the extraordinary potential of African tourism into meaningful and sustainable growth.”
Virginia Messina, CEO of ATTA®, said:
“I would like to thank James Haigh for his commitment and support as Chair of ATTA®. He has given generously of his time and expertise at a critical time and has made an enormous contribution to our community.
“Taqi’s appointment comes at an exciting moment for ATTA®. We are setting out a renewed vision and building on our foundation to create even greater value for our members, while unlocking the enormous potential of African tourism.
Taqi’s deep understanding and connection to Africa, combined with his decades commercial industry experience will be critical as ATTA continues to move into its next chapter. I am delighted to welcome him as Chair and look forward to working closely with him over the next two years.”
ATTA® represents a network of more than 1,000 tourism businesses across Africa and key international source markets. Its membership spans tour operators, accommodation providers, destination specialists, tourism organisations and other businesses working to develop and promote travel to and within Africa.
Moledina will serve as Chair of ATTA® until 30 September 2028.
