THE AFRICAN TRAVEL ASSOCIATION (ATA) World Tourism Conference kicks off this morning at Constitution Hill, Johannesbrg, South Africa and runs through to Friday 26 July, 2019.
According to the programme, the conference will begin with a ministerial session where the topic – Unlocking Africa’s Tourism Potential – will be discussed.
The Ministerial discussion will address the challenges and opportunities to unlock the sector’s economic potential and highlight best practices.
Session will also explore how tourism can be used to drive inclusive growth and sustainable economic development, Encourage and support regional cooperation versus competition, Provide insight into the intersection between tourism and other sectors of the economy as well as, Address challenges including visa constraints, air access and negative global perceptions.
Zimbabwe will be represented by Munesushe Munodawafa, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, in the four-country discussion panel that also includes Ethiopia, South Africa and Kenya.
Another ministerial session will see a ministers’ round table discussion with the former Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWO) Dr. Taleb Rifai on the topic – The Nexus Between Tourism and Government. Are governments supporting the sector robustly? What can be done to get more recognition and funding from government?
Other notable Zimbabwean speakers at the high level conference are, Beks Ndlovu, founder, African Bush Camps, who will contribute to a keynote address on – African Biodiversity and Sustainable Development: Tourism and Wildlife
How can the countries of Africa unite in conservation or sustainable programs to protect the animals as well as the natural beauty? The key is working within local communities by establishing job and educational opportunities. What partnerships are available and how to bridge the divide in opposing viewpoints? How can tourism help in this complex debate?
Sandile Chipunza who is Manager, Advocacy and Strategic Relations, Africa, at International Air Traffic Association (IATA )will be a discussant on the topic – Crisis of Confidence: The Importance of Crisis Communications
The Ethiopian 302 disaster in March 2019, took 157 souls, Boeing share prices dropped 25-35% and the FAA sat on its hands before grounding the 737 MAX. New equipment issues have surfaced and no trust or brand credit is available for Boeing. What role do the associations or authorities play and what trust has remained in these institutions? Crises are not only born out of natural disasters or terrorism. When these events happen how should companies respond? How are crisis communications handled and what are the lessons learned and still being learned relative to the Ethiopian event?
Givemore Chidzidzi, the Chief Operating Officer, of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority will moderate on the topic – Marketing Africa
How do we market Brand Africa and still differentiate between diverse country offerings? What are some best practices on how to promote African products to foreign markets? What are domestic tourism opportunities and are Africans being targeted for intra-Africa travel? How are marketing efforts funded? Are regional bodies collaborating in marketing efforts to drive cross-border traffic? How do DMOs develop marketing content to attract diverse audiences in an authentic manner? Are insights and data from digital platforms being effectively used to make informed marketing decisions?
The week-long conference will also be punctuated by Real Talk sessions where ky issues impacting the industry will be discussed.
Zimbabwe Wonders will keep you updated on t proceedings.
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