(Posted 07th November 2023)
The Africa Free Continental Trade Area (AfCFTA) has endorsed the Africa Tourism Private Sector Alliance (ATPSA). This took place during the 6th ATLF hosted by the Government of Botswana in October 2023 in Gaborone, Botswana. The endorsement was witnessed by over 600 industry stakeholders, policy-makers, private sector executives, academics and investors who had gathered in Gaborone Botswana for the Africa Tourism Leadership Forum & Awards 2023 that was held from 03 to 06 October.
AfCFTA’s endorsement now affirms the Africa Tourism Private Sector Alliance (ATPSA) as the only Pan-African apex body and platform for national tourism private sector associations and organisations for African Union Member states. Birthed on the margins of ATLF 2022 in Botswana, the ATPSA will serve as a single voice and platform for positioning Tourism as priority sector across all African countries. The primary role of the body is to advocate for the removal of barriers to intra-Africa travel such as visa-free travel for Africans within Africa, improved connectivity within African countries, reduced cost of air travel across Africa, promotion of Africa under the “Brand Africa” banner in collaboration with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
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The Africa Youth In Tourism Innovation Summit
The Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit and Challenge is an annual Youth initiative hosted by Africa Tourism Partners in collaboration with the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and BDO South Africa. Since inception in 2019 in Durban, the event has been hosted by the Governments of Ghana (Ghana Tourism Authority in 2020), Rwanda (Rwanda Development Board, Rwanda Convention Bureau and Mastercard Foundation in 2020 and 2021) and the Government of Namibia (Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism in 2022 and 2023).
This is an exclusive platform being provided to innovative African youth in travel and tourism looking for funding, partnership and mentorship opportunities to present their projects to the global marketplace in order to find the required support for their projects. Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit (AYTIS) is the” one and only” pan-Africa Youth and Start-up in Tourism Summit on the continent. It serves as a pan-African platform for youth & start-ups in tourism, travel, hospitality, aviation, academia and all related industries to connect, engage, learn, innovate and grow.
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Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Challenge
The Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Challenge is a platform to invite innovative ideas and solutions that goes beyond technology but are related to the travel and tourism industry for review and adjudication by a preeminent panel of industry leaders. Those shortlisted candidates will be introduced to industry experts for mentorship and also to potential funders for support and/or partnerships.
Challenge Timelines:
Challenge Opens: 01st November 2023.
Closing date: 01st March 2024.
Adjudicators will shortlist Top 5: 22nd March 2024.
Shortlisted project promoters will be informed: 29th March 2024.
Mentorship for elevator pitches (12 hours): 10th April – 16th May 2024.
Submission of shortlisted project promoters: 5-minute presentation at the Summit – 15th May 2024.
Top 3 announced on 31st May 2024.
Competitor required to show a demo/ Minimum Viable Product (MVP) (5min) during the presentation.
Winners & Runners-up announcement: At ATLF Awards in Gaborone, Botswana October 2024.
Click here to enter the Innovation Challenge
The Africa Tourism Leadership Awards 2023
The ATLA 2023 took place on October 6th, in Gaborone, Botswana, against the backdrop of the Africa Tourism Leadership Forum 2023. This is Africa’s only pan-African industry award of its kind. It recognises and honours change-makers and innovators in the African travel, tourism, hospitality, and aviation industries. Nominees who can demonstrate their dedication to leadership by means of sustainability in tourism practices and policy-making receive special consideration and recognition.
Here are the winners for the following three categories, Most Innovative Business Tourism Destination Award, Outstanding Accommodation Facility / Group Award and Outstanding Tourism Transportation Award. Only the winner, first and second runners-up are profiled below.
Most Innovative Business Tourism Destination Award
Most Innovative and Sustainable Business Tourism and MICE Destination in Africa based on destination rating, number of classified hotels, value for money, value chain development, number of visitors vs socio-economic benefits to the destination and/or green credentials.
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Outstanding Accommodation Facility / Group AwardAccommodation facility with best world class facilities, quality standards, service excellence provided to guests and sustainable practices (i.e. green credentials, decent employment practices, staff development opportunities) in Africa. Small operations are highly encouraged to participate. |
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Outstanding Tourism Transportation AwardTourism transport organization providing the highest quality standard of service to travelers and has sustainability environmental credentials. This includes the most reliable and efficient transportation companies serving all destination in Africa including remote tourism destinations in Africa. |
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