Africa tourism leadership forum on the horizon

Botswana through the Botswana Tourism Organisations (BTO) will host this year’s Africa Tourism Leadership Forum (ATLF) under the theme ‘Igniting intra-Africa tourism through inclusive intra-trade, partnership and investment’.

The three-day event, which will be held in Gaborone, will start from October 24-26. The forum is a Pan-African dialogue platform, which brings together key stakeholders of Africa’s travel, tourism, hospitality and aviation sectors to network, share insights and devise strategies for intra-Africa travel and tourism growth across the continent, whilst enhancing the brand equity of ‘Destination Africa’.

It is also the only forum of its kind in Africa that highlights tourism as a major economic pillar to diversify African economies. Africa Tourism Partners and BDO South Africa convened the forum.

“This is the only Pan-African industry award of its kind in Africa. It recognises and celebrates change-makers and innovation pioneered by Africans, in Africa, for African travel, tourism, hospitality and aviation industries,” reads a press statement.

Particular attention and recognition are given to nominees who can prove their commitment to leadership through sustainability in tourism practices and policy-making. Nominees and winners include individuals, small enterprises, countries, Heads of State, destinations, cities, hotel groups, organisations, ministers, policy-makers and entrepreneurs.

The awards categories are the Leading in Progressive Policies Award, Most Innovative Business Tourism Destination Award,

Outstanding Entrepreneurship Award, Outstanding Africa Tourism Media and Marketing Award, Outstanding Accommodation Facility or Group Award, Women in Leadership Award, Championing Sustainability Award, Destination Africa Award and the Outstanding Tourism Transportation Award.

About 600 delegates from 38 countries are expected to grace this event. Nominees must be stakeholders in Africa’s travel, tourism, hospitality, aviation industries including private, public, third-sector stakeholders, individuals or a group of individuals, destinations, communities, and other stakeholders operating in Africa.

They must also be involved in an outstanding project or initiative and demonstrate consistent achievement throughout a minimum of two years.