Unlocking Africa’s Tourism Potential

What are the major challenges and opportunities to unlocking the sector’s economic potential across different regions on the continent? For the conference’s opening plenary, ATA will convene an expert panel to assess and discuss Africa’s tourism potential.

H.E Walter Mzembi has been the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry for the Republic of Zimbanwe since 2009. A former member of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO)’s executive council, and current Chairman of the UNWTO’s Commission for Africa, Dr Mzembi was instrumental in convening the 20th UNWTO General Assembly in 2013.

Sisa Ntshona is the Chief Executive Officer of South African Tourism, an organization responsible for the promotion of tourism to South Africa.

Named one of the ‘100 Most Influential Africans’ by the respected New African Magazine, Thebe Ikalafeng, Founder and Chairman of Brand Africa, has been to over 50 countries across Africa and the world and worked on over 100 brands across nation, city, corporate, consumer, political and institutional brands that shape the African brand and reputation.

Nigel Vere Nicoll is the CEO of the Africa Travel and Tourism Association (ATTA), an international marketing and information service, promoting tourism across 24 countries in Africa. ATTA also creates a platform to connect the buyers and suppliers of African product and handles crisis management across the region.

Maggie Mutesi is the Host and Producer for Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA), Rwanda’s national public broadcaster operating a network of one national TV channel and eight radio stations.