US Assistant Secretary of State & Google Travel Leader Headline ATA’s 2013 US-Africa Tourism Seminar

12 March 2013
Translate

Join representatives from 18 African countries in Washington DC on March 8, 2013 and gain key insights from top industry’s experts selling travel to Destination Africa.

New York The Africa Travel Association (ATA) announced the final program for the sixth U.S.-Africa Tourism Seminar to be held March 7-8 in Washington D.C. The annual meeting will bring together more than 100 travel trade industry professionals and experts, including tourism ministers, to address the theme, “Marketing Destination Africa 2020.”

David Pavelko, Head of Industry, Travel, Google, will deliver the keynote, speaking about changing consumer behaviors and the technology trends and innovations that could benefit Africa’s tourism products for the rest of this decade. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Cynthia Akuetteh, will deliver an update on U.S.-Africa relations under a second term with President Barack Obama, highlighting current areas of priority and prospects for the future.

Eighteen African countries will be represented at the event, including representatives from Benin, Burundi, Botswana, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Tanzania, The Gambia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.

Seminar highlights include:

  • Leveraging Social Media
  • African Airline Updates
  • Africa Product and Marketplace Update
  • Faith-based Travel and Volun-Tourism
  • Doing Business in Africa
  • De-mystifying the American Television Industry
  • Reputation: The Key Risk Factor Affecting Tourism, Exports and Investment
  • Promoting National Attractions – US Case Study
With a special focus on the U.S. market, seminar participants will get an update on who’s traveling to Africa, what they’re doing, and where they’re going. The National Tour Association (NTA) and ATA will renew their commitment to increasing travel to Africa with the re-signing of their MoU. Delta Airlines will raffle two round-trip tickets to participate in ATA’s Annual World Congress in Cameroon.

The 2013 event kicks off with an evening reception on Thursday, March 7 spotlighting Cameroon as a site for tourism arrivals and investment from the U.S.A. Co-hosted by the Ministry of Tourism and Leisure of Cameroon, the networking event will highlight the upcoming ATA World Congress and share updates on the program.

The full agenda can be viewed at here.

Co-sponsored by the Washington, D.C. Travel & Adventure Show and organized in cooperation with the African Union Mission to the USA, the event will be held in Washington D.C., prior to the two-day annual Travel & Adventure Show (March 9-10). Seminar participants will receive a complimentary ticket to the expo.

Supporters include South African Airways and returning sponsors Arik Air and South African Tourism (SAT). New sponsors include Expedia, King & Spalding, Ministry of Tourism and Leisure of Cameroon, Onyx Global Marketing, and Sparkloft Media with support from the ATA Mid Atlantic Chapter.
Registration

To register on-line visit here or contact ATA by email at [email protected] or by phone at +212.447.1357.

Media Registration


Media registration is now open to members of the media. To apply, please complete the form here or contact ATA at [email protected]. All media must apply for credential and must be approved by ATA.


When and Where

Friday, March 8, 2013, 8 am (Registration begins); 9 am to 5 pm (Program), Washington D.C. Convention Center, West Salon G/H (Entrance on Mount Vernon Place), 801 Mount Vernon Place, NW., Washington, DC. The seminar precedes the Travel and Adventure Show (March 9-10). Delegates will receive a complimentary ticket to the two-day show. For parking, go on to the Washington D.C. Convention Center website and visit here.

Comments