The Africa Tourism Leadership Forum (ATLF) 2024, scheduled to take place in Gaborone, Botswana, is poised to be a landmark event, bringing together prominent figures from the global tourism industry. This year’s forum is set to reshape the future of African tourism, placing a strong emphasis on key areas such as skill development, innovation, and sustainable growth.
The forum will be divided into two key components: the Masterclass and the Business-to-Business (B2B) Event. The Masterclass will provide invaluable insights and strategies from distinguished speakers who are at the forefront of global tourism.
Hon. Mark Okraku-Mantey, Deputy Minister from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture in Ghana, will share his vision for fostering cultural and tourism growth in Ghana, highlighting the potential of cultural tourism to boost national and regional economies.
Senthil Gopinath, CEO of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) from the Netherlands, will discuss how Africa can establish itself as a premier destination for international meetings and events, emphasizing the potential of business tourism to diversify the continent’s tourism offerings.
Emily Mburu-Ndoria, a key figure in trade and digital transformation from the AFCFTA Secretariat, will delve into the crucial role of digitalization and trade in services as catalysts for boosting tourism across Africa, highlighting how technology can reshape how people plan and experience travel.
Lasse Ristolainen from Kasada Capital Management will explore innovative approaches to tourism infrastructure in Africa, emphasizing the need for robust infrastructure to support the expected influx of tourists.
The B2B Event is designed as a dynamic platform for tourism professionals to engage in high-level networking, explore investment opportunities, and forge new partnerships. This event goes beyond discussions, aiming to facilitate real business deals that will drive long-term growth and collaboration within the African tourism sector.
Keitumetse Setlang, CEO of Botswana Tourism Organisation, will share strategies for attracting global travelers to Botswana, highlighting the unique offerings that Botswana and similar destinations have to offer.
Nombulelo Guliwe, CEO of South African Tourism, will discuss South Africa’s innovative approaches to maintaining its position as a leading tourism destination in Africa, emphasizing the importance of innovation 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 further elevate the nation’s offerings.
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.
The Africa Tourism Leadership Forum 2024 is poised to have a significant impact on the global travel industry. By bringing together a diverse group of speakers and attendees, the forum will showcase the potential of African tourism and provide actionable solutions to the challenges facing the sector. This will 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 crucial 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.
