(Posted 19th October 2023)
Looking back over the last three decades, while looking forward to the next three, The African Travel & Tourism Association (ATTA®) celebrated its 30th anniversary with a focus on Responsible Tourism, Sustainability and Conservation at a members’ seminar in Nairobi, Kenya last week.
The afternoon seminar was held at Hemingways Nairobi and was attended by 70 of the key members of the Kenyan Tourism industry. It was moderated by attorney Elizabeth Gitari-Mitaru, a specialist in Environmental Law, Climate Change Law and Conservation Law and a keynote speech was delivered by Judy Kepher Gona, Founder & Executive Director, Sustainable Travel and Tourism Agenda (STTA) to shine a light upon community projects, conservation efforts, and sustainable development initiatives offered by ATTA® members. Panellists included Nancy Githaiga of the African Wildlife Foundation, Fiona Ngesa from the Kenyan Tourism Board and Gloria Kisilu from The Shaba. ATTA® continued its 30th birthday celebrations with an evening networking event at Matbronze, a stunning venue renowned for its home-grown, naturally sourced ingredients.
For 30 years, ATTA® has been powering, connecting, and supporting the African travel industry worldwide, and is widely regarded as the trusted authority on tourism to Africa. It started in 1993 when ATTA® was formed at the Sarova Rembrandt Hotel in London by 43 founding members, who stayed connected globally using fax machines. By 1997, ATTA® developed its first membership guide and attended its first World Travel Market, increasing brand exposure for African members. And just a year later in 1998, ATTA® promoted members at Indaba in South Africa, connecting worldwide buyers and media with tourism businesses across the continent.
By the 2000s ATTA® formed its first Board of Directors, chaired by Jane Durham, and attended its inaugural ITB Berlin, bringing African tourism to new audiences. ATTA®’s London offices have also evolved over the years, previously based in Holland Park, and now based in Fulham.
Over the years, ATTA® has continued to evolve with the market, led by Nigel Vere Nicoll, and now with Jon Danks at the helm as CEO. ATTA®-run events have gone from strength to strength, so much so that in 2018 ATTA® launched Experience Africa and by 2022 established a subsidiary, Experience Africa Events, led by Chris Mears.
Communication has always been a strong focus for ATTA® and by 1999, the association’s first website launched. Social media followed in 2008, further connecting ATTA® members digitally with the travel industry worldwide. Today ATTA® members receive an unrivalled combination of benefits, via its digital and event platforms.
In 2019 ATTA® launched its first sustainability charter, and today has begun to shine a spotlight on sustainability initiatives through its ATTA for Action membership programme.
In 2023, ATTA® witnessed record growth and welcomed over 100 new members (with membership now totalling 676 members) and also saw record attendance at Indaba, and launched new events in Cape Town, Addis Ababa, and Kigali. In 2024, ATTA® will be expanding its global event portfolio so members can access developing global source markets.
“Our digital platforms continue to grow, engaging new audiences around the world,” says ATTA® CEO Jon Danks. “As the trusted voice of African tourism, ATTA® will continue to influence major industry issues, with key stakeholders and platforms, shaping the future of the industry.”
For more information about ATTA® please visit ATTA :: Homepage.
