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ISSUE 010 | November 2019 - February 2020 Edition Travel and Tourism Magazine

Ghana hosts first UNWTO Regional Congress on Women Empowerment in Tourism in Accra - 25th - 27th November, 2019

ISSN 2550-3405 @VoyagesAfriq

Travel and Tourism Magazine ISSUE 010 | November 2019 - February 2020 Edition

Editorial Team

Ben Ohene-Ayeh Consulting Editor Let’sEditoria pay attention to l Kojo Bentum-Williams Managing Editor giving Africa’s Women in Samuel Obeng Appah Content Editor Tourism their due Contributing Writers All over the world, women play pivotal roles in shaping the tourism Prof Wolfgang Thome landscape, and even more in Africa some of these women have Thomas Mueller Marian Ansah remained trailblazers in helping define tourism on the continent. Angela Dzidzornu There is no denying the fact that women represent the greater Administration/Marketing number of all labour engaged in tourism related businesses. Jennifer Nyavor A UNWTO Global Report on Women in Tourism released in 2010 Glaou Eddie Fortune indicates the following; Symphorien Kouabile Michel Kouassi 1. Women make up a large proportion of the formal tourism workforce. Photo Credit 2. Women are well represented in service and clerical level jobs Alex Tackie Franck Kra but poorly represented at professional levels. UNWTO 3. Women in tourism are typically earning 10% to 15% less than Kenya Tourism Board their male counterparts. Prince Charles Affum Michel Kouadio Kouassi 4. The tourism sector has almost twice as many women Rwanda Development Board employers as other sectors. Air Seychelles 5. One in five tourism ministers worldwide are women. Publisher 6. Women make up a much higher proportion of own-account Voyages Afriq workers in tourism than in other sectors. This couldn’t Media Ltd. be any truer as most of the women are taking tourism as a subsistence employment platform to support their Africa's leading Travel and Toursim Magazine livelihoods and that of their families.

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Sadly however, the report DEPENDABILITY MEANS indicates that, “a large amount of unpaid work is being carried CONSISTENTLY DELIVERING out by women in family tourism businesses.” ON OUR PROMISE Time and again, women have demonstrated that tourism works for all. “The capacity of tourism to empower women socially, politically, and economically is particularly relevant in developing regions where women may face the greatest hardships and inequalities,” the report stated. More importantly, is to increase Domestic routes the awareness of the crucial role The bedrock of all these is perhaps For us, an event like this, speaks to women play in tourism that help the need to ensure that we the need to bring women together bolster economies of African promote women’s participation to forge a strong agenda while With over 300 countries. in tourism education and training giving them a unique platform weekly flights; We align with some of the key and improve the educational to network, share and exchange recommendations of the report level of women already working ideas and build their capacities in making traveling which remains relevant in the in different areas of the industry order to get them in tune with the current tourism dispensation ie through a targeted and strategic ever dynamic tourism trends. more convenient. Strengthen legal protection for program of action. Accra (Hub) Kumasi From the local food seller at a women in tourism employment; We at VoyagesAfriq doff our hats to national park, to the tour operator such protections should include UNWTO for their decision to hold through to the Director at the minimum wage regulations and the first-ever Regional Congress Tourism Ministry whose work equal pay laws, improve maternity on Women Empowerment in affects national policy on tourism, leave requirements, flexible hours, the tourism sector with focus on there are phenomenal women work-from-home options, and Africa. The event is scheduled to who through their involvement arrangements for childcare. Others take place in Accra, Ghana from in the sector, are helping write a are facilitate women’s tourism 25th -27TH November, 2019 and positive narrative about tourism Tamale Takoradi Wa entrepreneurship by ensuring among the tall list of activities is in Africa and beyond. To such women’s access to credit, land a Masterclass on Innovation in women, we say the sky should not be Regional routes and property as well as providing Tourism. the limit but beyond. appropriate training and resources to support women’s enterprises.

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Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice President of the Republic of Ghana Message From The Minister Message From The President of The Republic of Ghana, of Tourism, Arts And Culture t is my singular honour and such as the quality of life, cultural - H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo privilege to host the First Regional development, economic growth and ICongress On Women in Tourism also infrastructure. Empowerment Programme– Focus On Africa, in Accra, Ghana. It is my hope and expectation that t is a great honour for me to warmly in Sustainable Development Goal In Africa, tourism is recognized `Akwaaba`, meaning` welcome`, after this first congress in Africa, we welcome you all to the First Regional (SDG) five of the United Nations 2030 more and more as a strategic tool is a word you will hear regularly from will witness the real progress that will Congress on Women in Tourism Agenda for Sustainable Development for inclusive development and our friendly and hospitable people, result in a resurgence of the tourism I industry on the Continent. Empowerment Congress Focus Africa. which aims to achieve gender equality many countries have integrated and I do hope your stay, brief as it is, This is a momentous occasion for us and empower all women and girls by the sector into their national and will be an enjoyable one. I do look forward to an exciting and Ghana is indeed proud to host 2030. socio-economic agendas. The sector and stimulating congress, and I this important congress. has enormous potential to create Allow me to express my thanks to all Women are increasingly using tourism of you for accepting our invitation am confident your Excellences and employment opportunities and spur Participants will make it possible. I am extremely delighted to join you to combat gender stereotypes. For economic development. to be here to participate in this to deliberate on issues concerning every five jobs created in the world, important congress. It is my greatest May God continue to bless us all. the empowerment of women in the one of them goes into tourism. The I trust that at the end of this congress wish that you have a fulfilling and tourism sector. Gender equality is vital employment situation for women women will take more leading enjoyable stay in our country. Hon. Barbara Oteng Gyasi, for the prosperity and sustainable in tourism is improving in many and inspiring roles to grow their Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture development of all countries and countries and the introduction of businesses. Tourism is an important industry in societies, ensuring that nobody is left gender-specific tourism policies has many countries including Ghana. AKWAABA. behind. The importance of gender had a positive impact for women’s Various studies have shown that equality and the empowerment of empowerment in the sector. tourism influences many things women and girls has been underscored

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Jacinta Nzioka heads Kenya’s 43 new Convention Bureau

UNWTO – Secretary 45 General’s vision and action in Africa – 2018/2019 Ghana to Host First UNWTO Balala optimistic of over 10% 50 Africa World and Brussels 8 Regional Congress on Women 21 tourism growth by end of year Airlines interline to provide Empowerment in the Tourism seamless travel Sector Maiden Africa Youth Ethiopian Expands its Service in Tourism Innovation Event Program for First 26 in India with Bengaluru route Summit provides a hub for Regional Congress on Women launch 11 incubating ideas

Quotes of Women in President Kagame wins 12 Travel and Tourism Space 31 Award at ATLF

AviaDev heads to Madagascar 52 for its 5th anniversary Yaapa Founder receives Commonwealth Point of Light Message from Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili Didier Drogba is UNWTO’s Award Ghana to consolidate Year 32 new tourism Ambassador Secretary-General, World Tourism Organization(UNWTO) 13 of Return gains into 2020 and beyond World Tourism Day 2019 33 Celebrates “Tourism and t is my great pleasure to welcome you to the UNWTO Regional policies in tourism, entrepreneurship Jobs: A Better Future For Congress on Women Empowerment in the Tourism Sector- for women, issues of financing, and All” empowerment women through Focus in Africa. This congress is the first of its kind and comes I tourism and education. Alongside ONOMO Hotels at the at a pivotal time for not just the global tourism sector but for this, the masterclass that UNWTO will 36 heart of Africa tourism in Africa. We also meet as the United Nations gets ready host alongside IE Business School of Personality Profile to celebrate its 75th anniversary. Next year, gender equality will Madrid is aimed at helping start-ups 56 be one of the main UN priorities and this is our chance to show and entrepreneurs improve their skills 14 Ghana – A tourism destination Morocco names new and knowledge of innovation and Tourism Minister the important role tourism can play in helping achieve this. digitalization, and I encourage you all 60 Kalusha Bwalya Appointed The latest edition of our UNWTO number keep on growing during the to take advantage of the expertise on Tourism Ambassador for Zambia Global Report on Women in Tourism years ahead. offer. shows how far we have come as a I would also like to take this sector – and how far we still need to But much still needs to be done if we are Tanzania on course to opportunity to express my sincere go. Currently, around 70% of tourism to achieve gender equality in African 37 achieving 2 million tourists thanks to our host, the Ministry of jobs in Africa are done by women. tourism. While they may make up the by 2020 Tourism, Art and Culture of Ghana. Across the continent, jobs directly majority of the workforce, women still 23rd UNWTO General This is Ghana’s “Year of Return”, a year Marriott International or indirectly linked to the sector are occupy most of the lowest positions in Assembly commits to more in which Ghana looks to at its past as 16 38 Expects to Add 40 New driving women empowerment and the jobs market. And while the gender sustainable, ethical and well as to the future with optimism. Properties Across Africa by financial independence. Women are pay gap is not as wide in tourism as accessible Tourism As with the rest of Africa, the future is 2023 also taking the initiative and building it is in some other economic sectors, bright for Ghana, and I am confident their own futures as innovators and it is still there. This Congress gives us Seychelles to host 63rd Kyriakidis To Step Down that an inclusive tourism sector that entrepreneurs, and at the same time, the opportunity to identify solutions 20 CAF Meeting As President of Marriott South Africa on course to makes the most of the potential of 41 tourism also offers great opportunities for the socio-economic advancement International Middle East 61 hit 21 million tourist mark women will play a key role in the for women as leaders. Right now, 11 of women in tourism. The panels 15th UNWTO Awards held & Africa sustainable social and economic African nations have women Ministers will deal with important topics in St. Petersburg development of the country. of Tourism, and we hope to see this including mainstreaming gender

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In Africa, tourism is recognized become more competitive through • Successful case studies of training more and more as a strategic tool introduction of gender equality programmes for women by for inclusive development and policies and investment in women tourism companies and industry many countries have integrated empowerment projects. associations. the sector into their national and socio-economic agendas. The sector Panel 2: Entrepreneurship in • Bridging the digital gender divide in has enormous potential to create tourism, an effective means for tourism by providing women with employment opportunities and spur women to lead in the tourism the necessary digital literacy skills. sector. economic development. It contributes Expected outcomes to 8,5 % of the Gross Domestic Product This panel will focus on: (GDP) in the region, creates more than • Engage stakeholders to mainstream 21 million jobs directly and indirectly • The importance of women’s a gender perspective and women’s and underpins the economic sector entrepreneurship development empowerment in tourism policies for some countries for instance, Cabo as an instrument of women and strategies Verde, Mauritius, Morocco, Rwanda empowerment. Speed up the progress of women and Seychelles. • Female tourism entrepreneurship empowerment towards the Participation and women’s cooperative success achievement of the SDGs. stories. Tourism stakeholders – National Present proposals to improve women’s • Public-private partnerships for Tourism Administrations, Tourism participation in the workforce, effective gender equality outcomes Ministries, public authorities and increase women’s entrepreneurship and female entrepreneurship public gender-equality institutions. and women’s leadership in the sector. support. Private sector representatives with • Use existing platforms such as an interest in working on women’s Panel 3: Financing Women tourism for SDGs4 and other media empowerment and tourism Empowerment Through Tourism – channels to promote and advocate development in the region. Challenges and the Way Forward for women’s empowerment in the This panel will focus on: tourism sector. Civil society and NGOs related to women’s empowerment and gender • The role that women’s • Sensitize all stakeholders to work to equality. empowerment in the tourism sector end sexual exploitation in tourism Ghana to Host First UNWTO Regional can play in furthering the objectives and the exploitation of women as Representatives from other sectors of development organizations. cheap labour. which have impact and interest on Congress on Women Empowerment in women empowerment in the tourism • Existing or future funding Masterclass sector in Africa. programmes and opportunities As part of the women’s empowerment available for gender-equality in the Tourism Sector Themes to be discussed at the initiative in Africa, UNWTO will launch tourism. Congress a competition in collaboration with • Best practices and case studies Wakalua and IE Business School Panel 1: Tourism policies to enable in obtaining funding for women’s for African women followed by a hana’s capital of Accra has been underscored in Sustainable Research for the second edition gender equality empowerment projects. Masterclass on site regarding women’s will welcome delegates, Development Goal (SDG) five of the of the Global Report on Women in United Nations 2030 Agenda for Tourism to be published by UNWTO, Panel will focus on: empowerment and tourism education experts and women Panel 4: Education and technology Sustainable Development which in collaboration with UN Women, in Africa. The aim is to provide a G • Mainstreaming a gender as a tool for women’s socio- platform for women in technology entrepreneurs to the first aims to achieve gender equality and GIZ, the World Bank and Amadeus perspective in tourism policies to economic advancement in Tourism in Africa to showcase their vision for regional congress on women empower all women and girls by shows that tourism has the potential support women empowerment in This panel will focus on: a more inclusive, sustainable and in the tourism sector. 2030. to contribute to greater gender the tourism sector in Africa. equality, providing women with more competitive tourism sector. • Education as a tool for women The congress is the first of its kind In the last decade, much opportunities for empowerment • How to remove barriers and empowerment. to be held in Africa which fosters on advancement has been made than other sectors. creating an enabling environment women entrepreneurs in the tourism in women’s empowerment, but for women entrepreneurs through • Best practices in cooperation sector. women are still far from enjoying Women are increasingly using a non- discriminatory legal development projects focusing the same basic rights, privileges tourism to combat gender framework. on empowering women through Gender equality is vital for the and benefits that men have. Women stereotypes, the employment capacity- building and skills prosperity and sustainable still earn much less than men, do a situation for women in tourism is • Case studies from the region transfer development of all countries and disproportionate amount of unpaid improving in many countries and showcasing how destinations can societies, ensuring that nobody care and domestic work, are less the introduction of gender-specific is left behind. The importance able to enjoy their rights, lower tourism policies has had a positive of gender equality and the social mobility, and limited access to impact for women’s empowerment empowerment of women and girls resources. in the sector.

8 VOYAGESAFRIQ VOYAGESAFRIQ 9 Experience Zimbabwe @VoyagesAfriq Event Program for First Regional Congress on Women The first Regional Congress on Women Empowerment in the Tourism Sector – Focus on Africa Accra International Conference Center (AICC), Accra (Ghana), 25-27 November 2019 Provisional Programme Monday 25 November 2019 (Day 1) 08:30-10:00 Registration at Accra International Conference Center (AICC) Experience. Explore. Enjoy. 10:00 -10:40 Opening Ceremony Speeches by: • Hon. Barbara Oteng Gyasi, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture of the Republic of Ghana

MAVERICK MEDIA 0619AS01 MAVERICK • Hon. Ronald Chitotela, Minister of Tourism and Arts of the Republic of Zambia and Chairperson of the UNWTO Regional Commission for Africa • Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General, World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) • Hon. Mrs. Auxillia Mnangagwa, First lady of Zimbabwe • H.E. Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice-President of the Republic of Ghana, keynote address • Official photo 10:40- 10:55 Coffee break 10:55-11:10 Keynote speech by Mrs. Oulimata Sarr, Regional Director ai, UN Women Central and West Africa 11:10-11:30 Regional Launch of the Global Report on Women in Tourism, Second Edition 2019 and presentation of the key findings Dr. Brenda Boonabaana (PhD), Regional Field Expert for Africa, Global Report on Women in Tourism, Second Edition 11:30-13:00 Panel 1: Ministerial session on Tourism policies to enable gender equality 13:00-14:30 Lunch break 14:30- 16:00 Panel 2: Entrepreneurship in tourism, an effective means for women to lead in the tourism sector 19:00 Welcome Cocktail offered by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture of the Republic of Ghana (Venue: Accra International Conference Center, AICC) Monday 25 November 2019: 11:30-13:00- UNWTO Masterclass in collaboration with IE Business School & Wakalua (Will run on the sidelines of the congress) Venue: Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT, Accra, Ghana Tuesday 26 November 2019 (Day 2) 10:00 - 11:00 Women Entrepreneurs Tourism Challenge’ and presentations of the start-up competition Ms. Natalia Bayona, UNWTO Senior Expert on Innovation and Digital Transformation 11:00-12:30 Panel 3: Financing Women Empowerment Through Tourism Challenges and the Way Forward 12:30-14:00 Lunch Break 14:00 –14:15: Presentation of the UNWTO Online Academy 14:15-15:45 Panel 4: Education and technology as a tool for women’s socio-economic advancement in Tourism 15:45-16:00 Coffee break 16:45-16:50 General Recommendations of the Regional Congress Travelling for business or leisure? Unforgettable Ms. Elcia Grandcourt, UNWTO Director, Regional Department for Africa experiences await you under the African Sun. 16:50 - 17:00 Closing remarks Mr. Zhu Shanzhong, Executive Director, UNWTO High-level representative of The Republic of Ghana 20:00 Gala Dinner offered by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture of the Republic of Ghana (Kempinski Hotel, Accra) HARARE BULAWAYO Wednesday 27 November 2019 (Day 3) Central Reservations South Africa Central Reservations Zimbabwe 10:00-15:00 Social offered by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture of the Republic programme of Ghana: +27 (0)100030079 +263 772 128 131/2 | +263 86 77004651 Courtesy Call on the Chiefs and Elders of Akwamufie in Senchi +27 (0) 100030081-85 +263 (4) 704501-10 | +263 (4) 251 200-14 | +263 (4) 795611-28 [email protected] [email protected] Cultural display followed by a boat ride on the Akosombo Lake

VOYAGESAFRIQ 11 Follow us on @AfricanSunHotels @VoyagesAfriq @VoyagesAfriq Ghana to consolidate Year of Quotes of Women in Travel and Return gains into 2020 and beyond The Chief Executive of the Ghana journeys, trying to get people to Tourism Authority (GTA) and appreciate what it is that when we ask Tourism Space Coordinator of the Year of Return, them to return to, means. Akwasi Agyeman, has disclosed that “We are also looking at real estate the country will look beyond this year UN Women is convinced development, looking at investment to build on the successes of the Year of that tourism is a driver opportunities that exist for the African Return. of growth in Africa Diaspora. We believe that with the and we want to make He said African Diaspora had strongly global spend that the African Diaspora sure women are not left Africa is a wonderful continent and very rich in economic and behind. We will address the social opportunities. More attention, especially to young women heeded to the call to return to Africa have in tourism and travel, it’s a unique issue of policy, skill, market, and girls, is needed to empower society with better and greater and especially Ghana during the Year opportunity for us tap into that spend financing and technology education, entrepreneurship and innovation that provides them with a of Return. and also to for ways that we can build would be seen as enabler larger number of economic opportunities with a principle of equality and on tourism for development.” Chief Executive of Mr. Agyeman said this in an interview Akwasi Agyeman, sustainability. For African countries to take full advantage of the benefits the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) and Oulimata Sarr -Regional of the tourism sector, capacity building is key to destinations positioning at the just ended World Travel Market, He said WTM London offered Ghana a Coordinator of the Year of Return Director ai, UN Women themselves in this competitive world. It is precisely in this sector that London where GTA exhibited. unique opportunity to engage with the Central & West Africa UK market which has a lot of African strengthening skills and productivity can generate more skilled jobs “So far we’ve seen a very strong response talking about our nature, we are talking diasporans. - Mrs. Begoña Gomez from the African Diaspora looking to about our culture, we are talking about Director, IE Business School, Africa Center, Madrid, Spain Ghana as the Pan-African leader and “Here we have a very strong contingent adventure. Ghana has several sites for they have been coming to Ghana, re- of second and third generation adventure, we have several natural engaging with the folks, tracing back Ghanaians, who will be coming back attractions, the waterfalls, the parks their roots, and understanding what home. December is a very big month for and all those things that make up the the culture of the people are. So we are us. We have several activities, parties, ecotourism product that we have, is building on that into 2020 as beyond musical concerts, investment summits, also there for grabs." the return,” he stated. leisure and fun happening throughout He averred that Ghana is positioning It’s evident that improving women’s the month of December, and we believe According to him, there are key focus itself as the fun destination around well being enables positive that it becomes a catalyst for us to build outcomes for other household areas that they hope to explore as Christmas period; “we have Afrochella, on for 2020 and beyond,” Mr. Agyeman members, especially children. We Generally being a woman in the tourism is tough! I legacies of the Year of Return and Afronation, Full Circle festival all could share many personal accounts of “The good, maintained. therefore need to enhance gainful beyond it. He mentioned that “the happening in the month of December tourism opportunities for women in the bad and the (occasionally) ugly” of being a woman and we’ve seen a sturdy rise in the in tourism, both as an academic and as a practitioner. diaspora investment project that we Beyond the return, the CEO says Ghana Africa with no delays numbers that are coming in around this However, things are changing for the better and one way of are working on, also the birthright is home. “And we mean home, we are period.” Ms. Brenda Boonabaana, Lecturer moving forward is to shift the narratives about Women in Tourism at Makerere University, Uganda globally and in Africa. Without ignoring the challenges associated with operating in such a complex sector, we must change the narratives about women’s involvement in tourism from being simply about ‘service sector workers’ into inspiring stories about ‘empowerment, leadership and success’ that increasingly permeates our sector today. Prof Marina Novelli, (PhD), Professor of Tourism and International Development Academic Lead for Responsible Futures -University of Brighton, UK

I have experienced the strength, dynamism, and resilience of an empowered woman to transform her community, her country, a continent and leave a legacy. This is why I believe it a tragedy and injustice if women are not empowered to reach their full potential “Our Slogan: Breaking Borders - Building Bridges Regina Honu Our Quote: Women in the Business of Rebuilding the Africa CEO Soronko Academy Economy through the Regional Tourism Sector and its Value Chain” Social Entrepreneur Ms. Dimakatso Malwela, Chief Executive Officer, WOVSA (Women of Value SA)

12 VOYAGESAFRIQ VOYAGESAFRIQ 13 @VoyagesAfriq @VoyagesAfriq – A tourism destination GhanaFrom butterflies to idyllic beaches, Ghana is a golden experience “Akwaaba’ is an expression you will hear several times a day as Rich history and heritage you travel around Ghana, one that will ring in your ears at night and bring a smile to your face weeks after you leave. It means Slave forts top list of unique sites ‘Welcome’ and this is exactly how you will feel when visiting this beautiful West African country. From the moment one arrives in Ghana, it is clear hana – formerly the Gold Coast have exhausted the safari circuit and that here is a country – is a success story of African crave a different African experience; development, democracy and and a perfect introduction to the with a rich history and Gstability; a nation made up of people continent for first-time visitors. heritage. Local people take groups arrived in the 13th century AD. Mosque, one of the oldest in West Africa, who are as warm as its climate. Rich in pride in recounting their history and culture, Ghana is a haven Experience Ghana It was the slave trade, however, that left dating back to the 15th century. This the most formidable mark on Ghana. that combines the charms of a tropical There is something for everyone in ancestry and cultural roots, The country’s coast is dotted with rare structure of mud is renovated every beach idyll with a fascinating historical Ghana. While nature lovers will marvel while every region has a castlesand forts built by British, Dutch, year because of the damage caused to heritage, social variety and amazing at the wildlife – including elephants, fascinating story to tell of Danish, German, Portuguese and its vulnerable walls by heavy rain. The wildlife. With its scenic beauty, its monkeys, birds, and butterflies momentous events. Swedish traders. Saharan-style Islamic mosques, also fascinating history and its time- – and the breathtaking views of located in northern Ghana, add to the honoured traditions in culture and varied landscape and unspoilt Ghana has successfully preserved Outstanding examples can be seen at country’s abundance of significant art, Ghana stands out as a preferred sandy beaches, other visitors will be its wealth of significant sites and Cape Coast and Elmina, where the two structures. tourist destination in West Africa. enthralled by a cultural experience ancient structures, making it a perfect castles give the visitor a true insight into The 16th century Nalerigu Defence that links the past to the present in destination for history enthusiasts. the 15th century slave trade and the Along the shores of Ghana there are Wallcan be found in the village of the institution of chieftaincy and rich For many tourists the history of poignant last view of Africa experienced centuries- old forts and monuments Nalerigu in the Northern Region. Built regalia, the colourful pageantry of Ghana begins with the slave trade by thousands of slaves. These age-old attesting to Europe’s trading links by a powerful chief called Naa Jaringan, Museum in the capital, Accra. The Ghana’s annual festivals, the rich array and European interaction; but there sites are a legacy of the several centuries with Africa and the transatlantic slave the wall originally surrounded the museum, opened in 1957 as part of and variety of handicrafts and, above was a long and opulent history before when European masters and native trade and in recent times these have village, but now only a few ruins remain. Ghana’s independence celebration, all, the country’s proverbial hospitality. that. While there is archaeological African servants lived and worked here. become World Heritage Sites. The wall was built to protect the is the largest and oldest of the six Enjoy our warm generosity, immerse evidence that people have lived in The warehouses would have been filled villagers from slave raiders on the main museums run by the Ghana Museums Ghana has played a pioneering role yourself in our traditions and lifestyles what is now Ghana since about 1500 with gold and ivory exports and African route between Ouagadogou in Burkina and Monuments Board. After exploring in Pan-Africanism, leading other and explore the beauty of the land. BC, the accepted wisdom is that slaves destined for auction in the New Faso and Djenne in Mali. According to the museum, visitors can stroll through countries to attain independence from ‘Akwaaba’ to the golden experience. many of Ghana’s present-day ethnic World. colonial rule. Thanks to its wonderful local tradition, the wall was built from the colonial neighbourhoods and diversity of natural attractions and its Memorials stones, mud, honey and milk. fishing communities of Jamestown vibrant cultural identity, Ghana is able and Ushertown for the perfect end to a As well as being thought-provoking Independence legacy-filled day. to offer the visitor a microcosmic taste memorials to the slave trade, many of Africa. Known for its great hospitality of the forts and castles have been Visitors can learn about the Another historical hotspot is the and friendly people, Ghana is an recognized by Unesco as World Heritage country’s colonial period its route to Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and obvious port of call for experienced Sites. Ghana’s extraordinary history independence by visiting the National memorial park in Accra. Dedicated to travellers; an alternative for those who includes the legend of an Asante king the prominent 20th century Ghanaian held prisoner in Elmina Castle at the leader, who famously oversaw the start of his brutal exile from Ghana. nation’s progress to independence It is easy to understand why not only from British colonial rule in 1957, the presentday Ghanaians but people memorial park is a favourite with local across the western hemisphere have people. Kwame Nkrumah was the first an interest in preserving these unique prime minister and first president of buildings. Ghana,an advocate of Pan-Africanism, a founding member of the Organisation The historical landmarks of Ghana of African Unity and a winner of the offer an insight into the culture and Lenin Peace Prize. The mausoleum lifestyle of the people. Open to tourists is a testament not only to the depth all year round, these sites allow visitors of Ghana’s heritage but also to the to understand Ghana’s pride in its progress that the country has made history. Remnants of past civilisations since independence. can be seen in the Northern Region at the Larabanga

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23rd UNWTO General Assembly commits to more sustainable, ethical and accessible Tourism The 23rd Session of the General delivered in St Petersburg, with its of the first ever Global Convention Assembly of the World Tourism 10-point plan aimed at growing the on Tourism Ethics. Pascal Lamy, the Organization (9 - 13 September continent’s tourism sector and using it Chairman of the World Committee of 2019) ended in the Russian city of St as a catalyst for economic and social Tourism Ethics, who has long been Petersburg after days of debate and development. The Agenda for Africa advocating the transformation of the discussion which saw 117 countries was fully approved by the Members. existing code of ethics of tourism said: reaffirm their commitment to making "I congratulate the countries who global tourism more sustainable, Education, Skills and Jobs took this historic decision to elevate more inclusive and more ethical. ethics of tourism into a binding legal Within the framework of the current instrument. Globalisation needs to be UNWTO Year of Education, Skills and More than 1,300 registered harnessed by principles that make it Jobs, Ministers and private sector participants from around the world better, not worse, for humankind" took part in the most important high- leaders debated the role of tourism level meeting for the global tourism in creating jobs and training workers Advancing Tourism for All sector. As the first General Assembly to fill the tourism jobs of tomorrow. held under Secretary-General Zurab In a significant step forward, UNWTO “This General Assembly has Pololikashvili, the focus was on announced a new partnership demonstrated that, globally, the working to make the global tourism with IE University in Madrid, the tourism sector is ready to stand up sector more sustainable and more Online Tourism Academy. With the and be counted as a leader in the accessible, along with a key driver support of the State of Qatar, the Sustainable Development Agenda of growth and employment through Academy will allow tourism sector and in innovation,” said Secretary- the embracing of entrepreneurship, workers of all levels enhanced their General Pololikashvili. “If tourism is to innovation and education. skillsets, with particular emphasis fulfil its massive potential as a creator on preparing workers for the jobs of of jobs, driver of economic growth and The Report of the Secretary-General, tomorrow. UNWTO, in partnership catalyst of equality, then it needs to presented to and warmly welcomed with Globalia, announced the launch be open to all, and open to new ideas. by Members on the first day of the of the 2nd UNWTO Tourism Start- As we have seen, countries around General Assembly, outlined the Up Competition, a global initiative the world, along with leaders of the progress made over the past year. aimed at identifying and supporting private sector, are ready to meet this Notable achievements outlined in St the best new ideas in tourism and challenge,” he said. Petersburg include UNWTO regaining which attracted more than 3,000 its financial stability and allowing applications last year. The General Assembly saw the the organization to deliver better awarding of the first Accessible value for its growing network of First Ever Convention on Tourism Tourism Destination (ATD) accolade Member States and Affiliate Members. Ethics Adopted in partnership with Spanish NGO A key highlight of the Report was ONCE. Portugal was named the most the presentation of the UNWTO In another major step forward, and accessible tourist destination, whilst 2030 Agenda for Africa. Specifically bringing UNWTO in line with the wider the cities of Barcelona and Thrissur requested by African Members States United Nations system, member states in India were also recognised for at the last General Assembly, this was unanimously agreed the adoption steps taken to welcome tourists of all backgrounds.

16 VOYAGESAFRIQ @VoyagesAfriq Pictures from the 23rd UNWTO General Assembly held in St Petersburg, Russian Federation

18 VOYAGESAFRIQ VOYAGESAFRIQ 19 @VoyagesAfriq @VoyagesAfriq Seychelles to host 63rd CAF Meeting Balala optimistic of over 10% The beautiful island of the Republic of members, he went ahead to move the Seychelles has been confirmed as the motion. tourism growth by end of year country to host the 63rd Commission The Commission of Africa Meetings for Africa (CAF) meeting in 2020. are held every year as part of UNWTO’s The decision was reached after statutory events. enya’s Cabinet Secretary for the world is confident about Kenya. is positioning itself to leverage this member states at the 62nd Africa Tourism and Wildlife, Najib This proves that Kenya is both a segment. “Kenya is almost completing The UNWTO Regional Commission Commission meeting held on the Balala is confident the country business and diplomatic hub,” he said. the construction of the cruise terminal for Africa is the major institutional K sidelines of the 23rd UNWTO General will see at least a 10% tourism growth in Mombasa and we anticipate it will platform where ministries in charge On infrastructure, the Cabinet Assembly accepted the request of by the last quarter of 2019. This he be ready by the end of the year. This of tourism on the continent discuss Secretary said they had made “great the Indian Ocean nation to host attributes to some interventions the is set to open major businesses in the the latest trends in the sector at the strides.” The Global Competitiveness the important gathering of African government has embarked on and is country and Kenya will be competing continental and global level and the Index (GCI), an initiative of the World Tourism leaders. still pursuing to ensure the East African with the rest of the world.” Another implementation of their program of was leading Seychelles delegation, country remains attractive to tourists. Economic Forum (WEF) that assesses project, the Mama Ngina Waterfront The Chairman of the Commission, work. said that “the island is looking forward In his Keynote speech to officially the landscape of select economies is set to open later this month in Kenya’s Najib Balala, read out the draft to hosting the tourism community across the globe, ranks Kenya 7th The Minister of Tourism, Marine Ports open this year’s Magical Kenya Mombasa. resolution and after no objection from during the commission's meeting.” among the most competitive in Africa. and Aviation Hon. Didier Dogley, who Travel Expo (MKTE) at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in They are behind Mauritius, South Due to strong conservation efforts, Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, Botswana, he said the country has made big the “ONCE” Foundation to recognize Nairobi, Balala cited improvement of and Algeria. wins in the wildlife sector, which he those destinations that are making safety and security in the country as 15th UNWTO Awards held in St Petersburg avers, “positions Kenya not just as a laudable efforts so that they can be one of the key highlights of the said The Spanish city of San Sebastian sector at its very best. I congratulate This means that Kenya ranks top in tourist attraction destination, but also enjoyed by all tourists, regardless of interventions. was awarded the 2019 World Tourism San Sebastian for showing how the East African community. On the a world leader in conservation and their physical, sensory or cognitive Organization (UNWTO) prize for Public tourism can be effectively managed “To sustain our growth in the tourism other hand, Kenya is ranked 61st protection of our natural heritage of abilities. In the last decade, Portugal Policy and Governance at a ceremony to be sustainable and an effective tool sector, the government has refocused among 190 economies in the ease wildlife.” has made outstanding efforts to make attended by leaders of global tourism for promoting and protecting local its effort on areas of safety and of doing business, according to the its tourism infrastructure, services in St Petersburg, Russian Federation cultural heritage.” security, infrastructure improvement, latest World Bank annual ratings. The Kenya Travel Expo is East Africa’s and products more accessible nation- in September, 2019. incentives as well as sustained Kenya has moved 19 places up from biggest tourism and travel trade show, Portugal took the first Accessible wide. campaigns on source markets to 80 in 2017 to 61. This, according to attracting participants from all over Held during the 23rd Session of Tourism Destinations top award the Cabinet Secretary, puts Kenya in the world. For Secretary Balala, the the UNWTO General Assembly, Destino Barcelona (Spain) was increase destination awareness. This 15th edition of the UNWTO a pole position to attract investors presence of over 134 buyers at this the 15th edition of the awards conferred for special mention as an Awards was also notable as it “Due to the heightened safety and and appeal more as potentially great year’s event “is a positive indication of aimed to celebrate the very best exceptional urban tourism destination, marked the launch of the Accessible security measures, we have received foreign direct investment hosts. their readiness to sell this destination examples of tangible and sustainable while the city of Thrissur in Kerala Tourism Destinations (ATD) initiative. several international high profile to all the visitors within their networks. improvements in policy, processes, (India) received special mention In the wake of growth of cruise Organized by UNWTO in partnership personalities and heads of states and It affirms that Kenya is a country many and governance. Alongside cities and as an emerging destination on the tourism worldwide, Balala said Kenya with the Spanish NGO “ONCE,” this this shows that the country is safe and are eager to visit.” regional authorities, NGOs and private global accessible tourism market. initiative recognizes destinations sector enterprises were also welcome The Expert Committee, gathering that are proactively working to make to be considered for awards. some of the most acknowledged tourism more accessible to everyone, international experts in universal For this latest round of awards, regardless of physical or mental accessibility in tourism and design initiatives from Canada, Colombia, ability. for all, included representatives of India, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and “Turismo Portugal” was awarded destinations, consumers, travel and the Philippines made it through to the the first international distinction tourism industries, Disabled People’s final shortlist. A jury committee made of Accessible Tourism Destination Organizations (DPOs) and other up of eight tourism experts from the (ATD2019), launched by UNWTO and international bodies. public sector, private companies and universities, announced the San Sebastian’s “Love San Sebastian, Live Donastia” initiative as the big winner. In the Enterprises category, “Community Impact by V Resorts”, an initiative under the aegis of Bliss Inns Ltd, India, took home the top award. Also “Fundación Once” from Spain won the award for best NGO. Announcing the awards, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “These Awards for Excellence and Innovation in Tourism celebrate our

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Photo Highlights from the 9th Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE) held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, Nairobi Kenya (2-4 October 2019)

VOYAGESAFRIQ 23 @VoyagesAfriq

Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport Major Decisions and highlights from 62nd UNWTO CAF Meeting P. O Box 1158 – 00606 Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Embakasi The 62nd UNWTO Regional encouraged them to Nairobi, Kenya Commission for Africa (CAF) meeting put in more effort in held within the context of the this area. 23rd session of the World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) General The ten point FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON Assembly in Saint Petersburg in Agenda for Africa– the Russian Federation, from 9 Tourism for inclusive NAIROBI AIRPORT to 13 September 2019, attracted growth is the catalyst a high number of key tourism blueprint to achieve Africa’s Best Airport Hotel stakeholders from both the public this reality through development and We know what our guests appreciate. Stylish rooms, productive and private sectors. Globally around stimulation of joint work spaces, innovative dining and an incredible rooftop view. 35 member states including 22 Ministers of Tourism, Ambassadors, activities and new Charge d’ affaires and other high partnerships. That’s why we have been awarded Kenya and Africa’s Best member states are entrusted with ranking contributors in the tourism Airport Hotel twice in a row. 2018-2019 and 2019-2020. The Secretary-General in his to represent the region when their sector attended this very important remarks also highlighted that respective meetings are held. gathering. digitalization, new business models, A positive drive was the situation Africa has continued to show her more affordable travel and societal Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport where African member states resilience in tourism development changes are expected to continue were keenly seeking roles and BOOK NOW AT FOURPOINTS.COM/NAIROBIAIRPORT over the last decade. Against this shaping the sector, and thus both also ensuring that representation CALL 0709 760 000 or E: [email protected] backdrop, 2018 closed with a robust destination and companies need to the statutory organs and the up growth of 7% which translates to adapt if they want to remain ©2017 Marriott International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Starpoints, SPG, Preferred Guest, competitive. subsidiary bodies reflected a fair Four Points and their respective logos are trademarks of Marriott International, Inc., or its affiliates. to 67 million international tourist distribution and representation of arrivals thanks to lesser travel The agenda for the 62nd CAF all regions within Africa. Two major advisories, improved security meeting also included nominations decisions were arrived at: Agreeing and more air connectivity. While and elections to statutory organs to the candidature of Cote D´Ivoire reiterating this factor, the UNWTO of the organisation and their to be the next host of the World Secretary-General, Mr. Zurab subsidiary bodies as well as events.. Tourism Day celebrations in 2021 Pololikashvili noted that Africa still These elections and nominations and Seychelles to host the 63rd CAF faces important challenges in data are critical roles that African meeting in 2020. SUSTAINABLE TOURISM AFRICA SUMMIT 2020 coverage and collection. He therefore 13TH – 15TH MAY 2020 COAST OF KENYA Morocco wins bid to host 24th UNWTO General Assembly CALL FOR SPEAKERS The Kingdom of Morocco has been elected by member states of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) NOW OPEN to host the 24th Session of the General CLOSES ON 28TH FEBRUARY 2020 Assembly in 2021. For the first time at a UNWTO General Assembly, Member States used Theme: electronic voting system, bringing UNWTO in line with the wider United Sustainability & Optimizing Destination Africa Nations system. Our Planet. Our People. Our Prosperity Morocco was chosen ahead of Kenya and the Philippines after all three Member States had put forward strong cases for hosting the most important Submit 250 word summary of your topic of presentation. Attach your bio high-level event in global tourism. Email: [email protected] Congratulations, Morocco, and see you in Marrakech! More info: www.events.sttakenya.org Conference charges apply VOYAGESAFRIQ 25 @VoyagesAfriq

Maiden Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit provides a hub for incubating ideas t has been another successful Africa Tourism Leadership Forum where mentoring young people and this is for three days some of the continent’s best brains in the industry really the biggest accomplishment assembled in Durban, South Africa to discuss issues pertinent to the ATLF has made. I can only say thank I you very much and congratulations growth of a sector many see as a critical tool in developing economies to this accomplishment. I echo your in Africa. The second edition began with the first-ever Africa Youth sentiments, thank you Kwazulu Natal, in Tourism Innovation Summit (AYITS) on August 27 with the Africa to Durban, thank you to South African Tourism Leadership Awards capping all off on the 29th August. tourism and all the other key sponsors On AYITS, we sampled views from the It is the work of what authentically who have made it possible to bring speakers who spoke with the over 200 belongs to them or available that can over 200 young people into this room people who participated. See below: create that differentiation. It’s not from across Africa. about the copy and paste theme or Jacinta Nzioka (Board Member of Kwakye Donkor (Speaker and CEO, what the big companies have done. Africa Tourism Partners) World Tourism Forum Lucerne & It’s about creating a niche for yourself, Speaker ) creating an authentic experience that We are very grateful to all the Today’s discussion was about youth is going to set you apart. delegates. One of the key outcomes innovation and how to integrate the was to run the Africa Youth in Tourism We leave this session having mentored Innovation Summit. Today we’ve had youth in the tourism industry. What has the youth and having found new young come out of it is that the youth need to record numbers, over 200 delegates people that are interested in the area from across Africa about 15 to 20 be really proactive, to find space and of passion that we have, especially interact with tourism. If you look at countries. It was very good because we in community based development got a generational mix, experienced the tourism value chain, what really projects that embrace cultures, entices the customer is the experience. and inexperienced, young and old conservation and the uniqueness of discussing ways we can use tourism to So they have the opportunity to invest sustaining their businesses. and package experiences that are very create job opportunities and business unique where there is a gap. We have Prof Wolfgang Thome (Speaker and opportunities for the young people various examples and cases. Some of Publisher, ATC News) and I think a lot of experiences have them have been challenged to create been shared from professors like experiences around their villages. Who It was a fantastic start today. ATLF Thome to CEO’s of tourism boards knows what happens in your festivals, pioneered and broke new grounds by to entrepreneurs, and to directors in your day to day engagements. When bringing the youth into the summit and of consulting organizations. I think there’s a wedding, when someone has this is something which no doubt will we couldn’t have asked for anything a new born baby, when it is planting be copied by many other organizations better, we’ve had speakers from all or rainy season. There’s a lot of music when they are all there. It’s our over Africa such as Ghana, Kenya, festivals and the youth have a lot of obligation as seniors in the industries Uganda and others and it’s been very talent in culture and arts, and that is to bring in the next generation to good good. This is great and I believe it will the area we have been challenged to use. The senior attendees, speakers, be bigger and much better next year. look at. CEO’s and moderators are actually

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Photo Highlights of the 2nd Africa Tourism Leadership Forum (ATLF) held at the International Convention Centre in Durban, South Africa

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Valentine’S Weekend in lamu Shela hat ConteSt President Kagame wins Award at ATLF

resident of the Republic of Rwanda, Paul Kagame has been Outstanding Accommodation 2020 Azalai Hotel Group – Mali honoured with the Destination Africa Lifetime Award at this year’s Africa Tourism Leadership Awards in Durban, Outstanding Tourism the odd hat makerS are baCk! P Transportation South Africa. Ethiopian Airlines 2020 Mad Hatters & Music Weekend in Lamu, on legendary Peponi Beach, Shela The Rwandan Leader’s exceptional “I am humbled to receive this award leadership in the promotion of Africa on behalf of His Excellency Paul Outstanding Africa Tourism Media Saturday, 15. February: 6th Shela Hat Contest + Soul Concert on Manda! www.shela- hat- contest.com to the world stood out as the Award Kagame. The tourism Industry is Voyages Afriq – Ghana Sunday, 16. February: The ‘Mad Hatters’ Dhow Race + DJ on the beach! Committee announced him as the an important sector to most of the Championing Sustainability winner of this year’s edition. The countries in Africa and we can easily African Parks – South Africa vision of President Kagame has seen grow the sector by working together’’ a country, which was in deplorable he stated. The Africa Tourism Leadership awards state some 25 years ago, transformed recognize game changers in the Below are the other winners on the into a progressive and prosperous tourism ecosystem. These include night country, becoming a torchbearer of individuals/groups’ initiatives being the continent. Leading in progressive Policies pursued across the sector. Rwanda Development Board The Destination Africa Lifetime award Particular attention and recognition is given to individuals who have made Outstanding Entrepreneurship is given to entities that have proven exceptional lifetime contributions in Award commitment to leadership through creating positive change by promoting CAM Consulting Group – South Africa sustainability in tourism policy and Africa beyond the continent. practices. Women in Leadership Receiving the award was Rwanda’s Francine Zana – South Africa The Awards and Gala dinner capped High Commissioner to South Africa off a very successful Africa Tourism Vincent Karega who said he was Innovative Business Tourism Leadership Forum held in Durban in honoured to have received the award Destination the KwaZulu-Natal Province of South on behalf of the President. Cape Town Africa.

VOYAGESAFRIQ 31 @VoyagesAfriq @VoyagesAfriq Didier Drogba is UNWTO’s World Tourism Day 2019 Celebrates new tourism Ambassador “Tourism and Jobs: A Better Future For All”

ourism’s potential to build to UNWTO’s mandate to guide the Future, with a special focus on helping a “better future for all” is the sector’s growth in a sustainable and small enterprises and entrepreneurs Tcentral message of World responsible manner. scale-up their ideas to promote Tourism Day 2019, which has been sustainability and inclusivity. The officially celebrated at a high-level Opening the event, Mr Pololikashvili importance of innovation was further summit in New Delhi, India. said: “The true potential of tourism, emphasized during the World Tourism both as a creator of jobs and as a Day 2019 Plenary event. With the Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, was driver of equality and sustainable theme of “Maximizing Tourism’s • Zurab Pololikashvili (Left) presenting the souvenir to Didier joined by World Tourism Organization development, is only just being Potential to Create More and Better Drogba in the company of Siandou Fofana (UNWTO) Secretary-General Zurab realized. Providing decent work Jobs”, this featured contributions from Pololikashvili to mark the global opportunities and contributing public and private sector leaders and observation day aimed at raising to developing professional skills was moderated by CNN’s International Ivorien and African football Drogba. We are so proud and happy UNWTO. It is an honour for me to use awareness of the tourism sector’s are at the heart of this, and so on anchor Andrew Stevens. legend Didier Drogba is the latest and will work on many interesting my name to represent tourism and social, cultural and economic value World Tourism Day 2019, we call on ambassador named by the World projects together,” the Secretary all the benefit which is creating jobs, and its unique contribution to the nations, and public and private sector Also within the framework of World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) to General said. and allow people to dream. “Drogba Sustainable Development Agenda. stakeholders around the world to Tourism Day, UNWTO’s Affiliate ensure the many benefits that come Members – an international network help promote responsible tourism in said Held as UNWTO recognizes 2019 as Africa and beyond. He added that, UNWTO will partner with rising tourist arrivals are shared comprising civil society organisations, with the Didier Drogba Foundation to Didier Drogba joins Lionel Messi its year of “Employment, Skills and as widely as possible.” private sector stakeholders, NGOs The Secretary General of UNWTO support the youth, empower women as the second football player to be Jobs”, representatives of more than and academia - held the “Outlook Ambasssdor Zurab Pololikashvili and to create new jobs together for appointed by the world tourism 100 countries came together in New M. Venkaiah Naidu, Vice President of Responsible Tourism Initiative”, made this announcement during the Africa to make the continent better body to champion the promotion Delhi to recognize and celebrate the India, added: “India is committed to a workshop aimed at helping the Côte d’Ivoire roundtable investment and powerful. of tourism. He also joins Nigerian sector’s ability to create more and culture and tourism. Tourism means private sector work more closely event in Dubai recently. business mogul Aliko Dangote as the better jobs, including for women, transformation. It can benefit people with the UN agency to enhance Accepting the honour, Didier Drogba second African to be appointed by youth and minorities. At present, and is a tool for the empowerment sustainable and responsible tourism The Secretary General said, “it is an said, he was very happy to have the Secretary General. tourism accounts for 10% of global of communities. Progress, harmony practices. The workshop in New Delhi honour to have such a legendary been named to help champion the GDP and provides around one in 10 and peace: this is our shared goal, and was the first time UNWTO’s Affiliate Personality and Ambassador promotion of tourism. The Secretary General is attended jobs worldwide. Given this, India, tourism can help us reach it.” Members participated in an official for tourism and am sure we can the roundtable conference on one of the world’s fastest-growing “I am happy to be one of the new World Tourism Day event, reinforcing promote tourism in Africa because financing the "Sublime Côte economies, was identified as the ideal The opening ceremony, which saw ambassadors for World Tourism the organization’s commitment to the continent need more visibility, d´Ivoire" initiative, which maps host for World Tourism Day 2019, and the best of the sector recognized Organization and proud to be building closer ties with its private more promotion, and we could not the growth of the country's tourism the presence of Vice President Naidu through the Indian National Tourism here with the Secretary General of sector partners. find a better person than Didier sector between now and 2025. highlighted the country’s commitment Awards, was followed by a special workshop on Tourism Jobs of the

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Photo Highlights of 5th Swahili International Tourism Expo (SITE) held in Mlimani City in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

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platform for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in Tanzania who Tanzania on course do not have the capital nor the ability to travel abroad to sell their products and services to have a show where to achieving 2 million “we invite to Tanzania hosted buyers from various countries in the world by tourists by 2020 inviting them to Tanzania so they can meet with these SMEs and do business with them,” Tanzania has set a target to receive Spain because we still see a number two (2) million tourists by 2020; to of tourists coming from those markets “This year 2019 is the 5th show of the this effect, a number of initiatives and there’s great interest in what Expo and it’s been quite a success, have been put in place to guarantee Tanzania has to offer.” we were able to invite more than 333 that it happens. And for the country’s buyers all over the world and have Speaking on the Board’s plan for the tourists’ board, this target, although more than 170 exhibitors from within coming year, she said the promotion ambitious, is very much achievable and outside Tanzania. of other new tourist products was and can even be surpassed. ongoing with the recent launch of During the 3 days, hosted buyers The East African country received a campaign that seeks to promote were able to have B2B meetings with about 1.49 million tourists in 2018. filming in Tanzania. exhibitors from Tanzania and also hold speed networking sessions with ONOMO Hotels at the heart of Africa In an exclusive interview with “We have beautiful filming hotspots their counterparts from Tanzania. VoyagesAfriq at the just ended Swahili and we’ve already set a meeting for International Tourism Expo (SITE), people from Hollywood to come and "The hosted buyers were invited to ONOMO Hotels has not stopped with with the acquisition of a property in ONOMO Hotels expansion plans in Managing Director of the Tanzania see the highlights for themselves, and go visit some of the unique tourist the consistent expansion of their Dar es Salaam, Tanzania as well as a West Africa is not complete, and they Tourist Board (TTB), Devota Mdachi we believe that in good time Tanzania attractions; we have organized six (6) footprint on the African continent, hotel that opened last year in Kigali, are focusing on the English-speaking said there are a number of initiatives can be the new Hollywood in Africa,” routes. intensifying their investments Rwanda. zones within West Africa so that they that the board is working on to grow Mdachi stated. Other wholesale buyers also went economically and socially with new can complete their footprints across the tourism numbers to the country. developments and acquisition of “Our next opening is in Maputo, the whole of the African continent. She said tourists from East and to the southern part of Tanzania existing properties. Mozambique It’s a renovation of an “2020 is certainly going to be a year She mentioned that the Board had Southern Africa were gradually on and visited some of the national existing building but once again it which will see us grow exponentially been engaged in a lot of road shows the rise and that the Board will in the parks there which have very unique ONOMO Hotels is an innovative African adds to the upliftment of the city and with that, become a more in Israel, India and in China and is coming days set sight on attracting attractions. Other wholesale buyers brand with hotels at the heart of Africa center contributing and adding to the prevalent name and brand associated currently looking to do more road people from West Africa. also visited West Kilimanjaro and and Africa at the heart of their hotels. vibrancy of a city that is a destination shows in the year 2020 in South Korea experienced the luxury of Maasai with traveling”, says Samantha “We have been investing a lot and ONOMO offers a bold, responsible, in its own right”. Annandale. because of the huge potential of the Boma. affordable hotel proposition geared at the moment we are looking at tourism market there. “So all of these were specially made towards all travellers by maintaining The expansion is a large pipeline of The focus of the group is the essence promoting Tanzania to the West safaris for hosted buyers so they can international standards and far development incorporating green of importance that travelers place “We are also investing a lot in the African tourist market.” She hinted. see and experience why Tanzania is exceeding expectations of guests field developments and strategic on their preferred choice of a hotel; traditional market, the USA, the UK, On SITE, she explained that the indeed unforgettable,” the TTB CEO within the 3 and 4 star classifications. acquisitions, focusing not only on the security, service, connectivity and Germany, Italy, France, Australia and event began in 2014 to serve as a said. actual ownership and management lifestyle. With that a fun and vibrant In an interview with VoyagesAfriq of the hotels but moving swiftly destination that sets the benchmark on the sidelines of this year’s Africa into asset light management hotel for African hotels at a higher level, Tourism Leadership Forum in Durban, opportunities. becomes the order of the day. South Africa, Samantha Annandale Regional Operations Director of the Hotel Group said their expansion drive is aimed at meeting marketing demand for affordable luxury. “It’s a case of finding viable economic investment opportunities that benefit the company, tourism and greater socio-economic sphere and in this way meeting the demands of the market within Africa” says Samantha Annandale. With their expansion plan into South and East Africa, ONOMO already have four hotels in South Africa and extended their reach to East Africa • Devota Mdachi -Managing Director of Tanzania Tourist Board

36 VOYAGESAFRIQ VOYAGESAFRIQ 37 @VoyagesAfriq Marriott International Expects to Add 40 New Properties Across Africa by 2023

DDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, September 23, 2019/ -- From more than ten new openings across the Africa Hotel Investment Forum in Addis, Marriott The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, Luxury Collection and JW Marriott brands. International reinforced its commitment to Africa by A The company also expects to launch announcing to add 40 properties and over 8,000 rooms across W Hotels in Africa with the opening of the continent by the end of 2023. The company also announced W Tangier in Morocco by 2023. signed agreements to open its first property in Cape Verde and Key markets fuelling Marriott’s growth further expand its presence in Ethiopia, Kenya and Nigeria. in Africa include Morocco, South Marriott’s development pipeline through 2023 is estimated to Africa, Algeria and Egypt. drive investment of over $2 billion from property owners and is “Marriott’s established presence and expected to generate over 12,000 new jobs in Africa. local expertise in Africa, along with Marriott International’s current attributes that resonate with the our diverse brands and the collective portfolio in Africa encompasses close region’s fast-growing middle class and strength of our global platform, to 140 properties with more than cater to its evolving market place,” put us in a great position to further 24,000 rooms across 14 brands and 20 Kyriakidis added. enhance our footprint in the region countries and territories. where owners are looking to develop Marriott’s expected growth through high-quality lodging with brands “Africa is a land of opportunities with 2023 is driven by a strong demand that can differentiate and elevate our untapped potential and remains and steady growth for its premium products,” commented Jerome Briet, core to our strategy,” said Alex and select-service brands– led by Chief Development Officer, Middle Kyriakidis, President and Managing Marriott Hotels with eight anticipated East & Africa, Marriott International. Director, Middle East & Africa, Marriott openings and six slated openings International. “The economic growth under Protea Hotels by Marriott. The The company announced three the region is witnessing, along with company is expected to introduce deal signings, further reinforcing the substantial emphasis countries the Courtyard by Marriott, Residence its commitment to Africa and the across the continent are placing on Inn by Marriott and Element Hotels significant growth opportunity the the travel and tourism sector, present brands. region continues to provide. us with immense opportunities for growth.” Marriott also continues to see growth opportunities for its luxury brands “With compelling, well-established and expects to double its lifestyle brands and Marriott Bonvoy, luxury portfolio in our industry-leading travel program, Africa by year we continue to offer different 2023, with

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Kyriakidis To Step Down As President of Marriott International Middle East & Africa

Marriott International has “As Marriott’s head of the Middle East announced that Alex Kyriakidis, & Africa, Alex has, in a short amount president and managing director of of time, propelled the company to the company’s Middle East & Africa new heights,” said Arne Sorenson, (MEA) division, will transition from President and Chief Executive the position effective 31 December Officer, Marriott International. 2019 to take up an executive advisory role for the company. “His passion, tenacity and global mindset have driven our growth Kyriakidis joined Marriott eight years in the region. During his tenure, ago as Marriott International’s first Marriott’s presence in MEA has grown leader of MEA under the company’s seven-fold to 264 properties, with newly established continental the number of associates exceeding structure. 60,000.” During Kyriakidis’ tenure, Marriott’s Prior to joining Marriott, Kyriakidis presence in MEA grew from 37 hotels spent over 38 years as global in 10 countries and territories to managing director, Travel, 264 properties in 30 countries and Hospitality & Leisure, for Arthur territories, with a signed pipeline of Andersen and then Deloitte LLP. 184 hotels. • Alex Kyriakidis, president and managing director of Source:hospitalityireland.com the company’s Middle East & Africa (MEA) division UGANDA TOURISM BOARD GEARS UP FOR POATE 2020 Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) is we have the strategy to position business. She indicated that 18 looking forward to the 2020 edition ourselves as the best destination in Ugandan tour operators were of the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo Africa and the world at large. We have present at the expo for business in (POATE) as preparations for the the diversity in Uganda to be able to Kenya as well as other numerous country’s biggest tourism and travel attract as many visitors as possible international trade partners who trade show continues unabated. ranging from nature, to culture, to attended the event. lifestyle, to filming, to sports, and In an interview with VoyagesAfriq other products.” Ajarova said. during this year’s Magical Kenya Travel Expo, the CEO of Uganda She added that the country Tourism Board, Lily Ajarova, hinted is positioning itself as a MICE that Uganda’s tourism is set to host (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences its Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo and Exhibitions) destination and (POATE) scheduled from the 4th to that Uganda is well equipped with 6th February 2020. facilities to host conferences and meetings. The event is expected to facilitate business to business meetings which “We will be very excited and will be organized between exhibitors delighted to have you in Uganda in and hosted buyers. The international February to be part of this expo,” she media will also be hosted to said. participate in the Expo. She commended Magical Kenya • Lily Ajarova CEO, UTB “As Uganda and the Pearl of Africa, Travel Expo as a platform for good

VOYAGESAFRIQ 41 @VoyagesAfriq @VoyagesAfriq Upcoming Travel Exhibitions Jacinta Nzioka heads Kenya’s new Convention Bureau

The Director of Marketing at the Kenya a) Undertake mapping and profiling of destination for business events and Tourism Board Jacinta Nzioka is to the status of the Meetings, Incentives, its main purpose is to increase the FITUR International Fairs coordinate the newly established Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) number of events, conferences and Meetings Africa National Convention Bureau. sector in Kenya meetings held in Kenya. Date: 22- 26 January 2020 Date: 24-26 February 2020 The Kenyan Cabinet Secretary of b) Develop and Implement a National At least 13,102 meetings are held WTM Africa Tourism and Wildlife Najib Balala Business Tourism Events strategy annually in Kenya. Domestic meetings Venue: IFEMA, Madrid –Spain Venue: Sandton Convention Centre- disclosed this during the official represent most meetings (49.9%) Date: 6-8 April 2020 c) Market and sell Kenya as a business FITUR is the global meeting point for Johannesburg, South Africa opening of the 9th Magical Kenya followed by Corporate/ business events destination tourism professionals and the leading Travel Expo in Nairobi Kenya. meetings (17.9%), Non-Governmental Meetings Africa showcases Africa’s Venue: Cape Town International trade fair for inbound and outbound Organisations/Community Based diverse offering of services and Convention Centre, South Africa He said Kenya acknowledged the d) Research potential domestic and markets in Latin America. At its Organizations meetings (10.8%) and products where African associations importance of Meetings Incentives international events opportunities staging, FITUR broke all previous World Travel Market Africa delivers international conferences (6.2%). and African meetings industry Conferences Exhibitions (MICE) and participation records with 10,487 the leading global events for the e) Advise and coordinate the bidding professionals can partner to help has recently gazetted the National Per capita direct spending by companies from 165 countries and travel industry. One of six shows in process of MICE events by public and transform our continent. Convention Bureau. international and domestic MICE regions, 142,642 trade visitors and the WTM portfolio, the Africa show private entities participants for events lasting 2-5 110,848 visitors from the general was launched in 2014 to bring the “We recognise that MICE is a very f) Offer expert services and support days is estimated at Kshs 388,617 and public benefits and opportunities of the important segment of tourism and we in site selection process, planning Kshs 70,970, respectively. global industry expertise to travel have gazette the National Convention and producing successful events, professionals in the region. Bureau. Today I want to announce the incentive travels, conventions and appointment of Jacinta Nzioka as the exhibitions 63rd UNWTO Commission acting coordinator for the National for Africa Meeting Convention Bureau so that this year g) Serve as the focal point we can start preparing and increasing for coordination of MICE Tourism Investment and Date: 25- 27 March 2020 our meetings and business here in activities Business Forum for Africa Nairobi and the country as well.” the h) Provide leadership Venue: Seychelles (INVESTOUR) Minister added. in expanding the The Commission of Africa (CAF) In a brief response, Jacinta Nzioka economic benefits and Date: 23rd January, 2020 Meetings are held every year as Africa’s Travel Indaba said, she is happy to take the challenge impact of MICE tourism part of UNWTO’s statutory events. of leading the establishment of the i) Advise on and promote Venue: IFEMA- Madrid The UNWTO Regional Commission Date: 12-14 May 2020 convention bureau and looking appropriate MICE for Africa is the major institutional The 11th edition of the Tourism forward to Kenya taking opportunity tourism infrastructure for platform where ministries in charge Investment and Business Forum for Venue: International Convention of the MICE business as it gives faster destination development Africa (INVESTOUR), organized jointly of tourism discuss the latest trends Centre, Durban- South Africa returns on investment. by the UNWTO, FITUR and Casa África of the sector at the continental and j) Coordinate collections and global level and the implementation Africa’s Travel Indaba is one of the The Cabinet Secretary has dissemination of relevant The main objective of the Forum is to of their program of work. largest tourism marketing events on subsequently inaugurated the board MICE tourism information and promote sustainable development the African calendar and one of the and optimistic that the establishment research, and in Africa, and at the same time, to top three ‘must visit’ events of its kind of the bureau will occasion an increase encourage discussions on investment on the global calendar. It showcases in international conferences, and k) Support the development and business opportunities in Africa. the widest variety of Africa's best business meetings in the future. and delivery of MICE tourism or tourism products and attracts hospitality education and training ITB Berlin The Principal Secretary of Tourism international buyers and media programmes will chair the Advisory Board for the Date: 04-8 March 2020 from across the world. Africa’s Travel operationalization of the Convention The National Pearl of Africa Tourism Indaba is owned by South African Bureau and other membership Convention Venue: Berlin, Germany Tourism and organised by Synergy Expo (POATE 2020) composed are Principal Secretaries Bureau is a Business Events (Pty) Ltd. state agency Date: 04-6 February 2020 The ITB Berlin is the world's largest from Foreign Affairs, National Treasury, tourism trade fair. The companies Trade, Sports, CEO of Kenya Tourism charged Venue: Kampala- Uganda represented at the fair include hotels, Board, CEO of KEPSA, CEO of Kenya with tourist boards, tour operators, system Tourism Federation, and KNCCI CEO. promoting • Jacinta Nzioka providers, airlines and car rental Kenya as a companies. The ITB Berlin takes place The terms of reference of the new preferred annually in March at the Messe Berlin. Bureau are as follows:

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UNWTO – Secretary General’s vision and action in Africa – 2018/2019 ince 2018, for the last two years, the UNWTO engagement • Strengthening Tourism Statistics and support to the African member states has experienced Systems a step-change in focus and support in many aspects S 61st UNWTO Commission for Africa critical to sustainable tourism development. From innovation and technology to education and capacity building, the UNWTO At the 61st Meeting of the UNWTO Commission for Africa and “Tourism has invested in core areas of national advancement that directly, Statistics: A Catalyst for Development” meaningfully and sustainably impact the livelihoods of people, seminar held in Abuja, Nigeria in June especially women and youth in the local communities. 2018, the topic of tourism statistics was discussed and explored. The Tourism development plays a critical the 23rd General Assembly, in St. seminar underlined how tourism Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili role in strengthening economies, Petersburg, Russia this year. This projects contribute towards poverty Secretary-General, societies, cultures and environments, agenda will serve as a roadmap to alleviation, highlighted the necessity World Tourism Organization(UNWTO) acting as an essential agent of change, further consolidate the key priority in finding innovative approaches addressing directly the need for areas for the promotion of the tourism to develop tourism in the region, poverty reduction and establishment sector in Africa whilst taking into and reinforced the need to foster of sustainable livelihoods. It is a account the SGD targets. Member new partnerships and resources transformative engine for job creation, states have been invited to take a in order to develop the sector. In trading opportunities and foreign leadership role in championing the conclusion, it was highlighted that direct investment earner for countries priority areas ranging from Investment the collection and compilation of that nurture growth and development promotion, capacity building, and quantitative and qualitative data, by potential that the industry presents. branding, biodiversity conservation national stakeholders was of absolute and destination management among necessity for a rigorous tourism Due to the transversal nature of the other core priorities. tourism sector, its development statistics system. cannot succeed in isolation. At the Upon assuming office in January Regional capacity-building UNWTO; we have anchored our long 2018, the Secretary General has taken Programme on Tourism Statistics term project in the context of the tremendous steps to position Africa UN Sustainable Development Goals and explore ways to further promote The Government of the People’s (SDG) which are the global blueprint and tap into the potential that the Democratic Republic of Algeria, jointly for the achievement of a better and continent has to offer. This has been with the World Tourism Organization more sustainable future for all, while through establishing strong rapport (UNWTO), organized the second addressing the global challenges that with the member states, establishing Workshop “Regional Capacity-Building we face, including those related to stronger partnerships and ties with Programme on Tourism Statistics and poverty, inequality, climate change, regional organizations, recognizing TSA” in Algiers, Algeria, from 27 to 29 environmental degradation, peace and awarding African personalities September 2018. The main purpose and justice. committed to sustainable tourism of the regional workshop was to help growth in Africa and appointment of and encourage states to improve and As we focus on the acceleration of philanthropists and influencers as develop their statistics systems in the achieving the SDG targets, UNWTO special ambassadors for responsible area of tourism as to better measure, has placed a special focus on Africa, tourism. analyze and manage their tourism working with and for the continent to sector. This event welcomed officials maximise the potential of the Tourism As of 2018, several activities, technical from the following countries: Benin, industry. Through a consultative projects and events have been Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cameroun, process with African Ministers of initiated and implemented in line with Côte d’Ivoire, Guinée, Mali, Niger, Tourism, the UNWTO Agenda for Africa the UNWTO Agenda for Africa 2030 – République du Congo, Sao Tome and 2030 – Tourism for Inclusive Growth Tourism for Inclusive Growth under the Principe, Sénégal, Sudan, Togo. has been endorsed at the 110th leadership of the UNWTO Secretary Executive Council in Baku, Azerbaijan General; and its subsequent adoption at

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• Enhancing Member Relations and Kenya innovation as the core priority Donors Round Table For The d’Ivoire to continue its effort to have been launched through the Fostering Partnerships areas. During his visit the Secretary Financing Of The Strategy attract investment to support the UNWTO/Chimelong Initiative, During the official visit to Nairobi, Kenya General had the opportunity to visit growth of the tourism sector. As such, whereby eight African member states Cote d´Ivoire in October 2018, which coincided with the South Luangwa national park "Sublime Cote D'ivoire" 2018- H.E.Mr. Siandou Fofano, Minister of have benefitted. All projects were the first ordinary session of the African which was declared as a sustainable Tourism and Leisure of Côte d’Ivoire, designed to promote and strengthen In his endeavor to further strengthen 2025 Union ministerial sub-committee on park by UNWTO in 2017, during the announced that the country will sustainable tourism practices related the relations with member tourism, the Secretary General used celebration of the International Year of The Secretary General continued host, in collaboration with UNWTO, to wildlife tourism. This new $1 million states, the Secretary-General has the opportunity to discuss with the Sustainable Tourism for Development. to show his unending passion and a tourism investment forum in donation, announced within the undertaken several official visits cooperation with the Commissioner He also had the opportunity to visit support for Africa by joining a resource February 2020 to provide a platform framework of the Chimelong Tourism across the continent. This started for Infrastructure and Energy of the two secondary schools in the Mfuwe mobilization event organized by for investment opportunities in the Development Forum in Guangzhou, with the invitation received from the African Union Commission who also area that are fully supported by the Côte d’Ivoire in Dubai in October this tourism sector in Côte d’Ivoire and in will be used to continue the initiative. Government of Cote d´Ivoire in July covers tourism. In addition the focus tourism stakeholders operating in this year. This donor’s round table was Africa in general. The Secretary-General expressed: 2018. This visit coincided with the of the Sub-Committee on Tourism region as part of their corporate social spearheaded by H.E. Mr. Siandou “Wildlife tourism has the potential to launch of Sublime Cote d´Ivoire, a was on the three objectives; responsibility to the community. Fofana, Minister of Tourism and • Advancing the Sustainability benefit both people and planet and so tourism development strategy that Leisure of Côte d’Ivoire with the high • To address the key challenges Agenda (esp. Biodiversity) play a key role in the 2030 Sustainable will run until 2025, which is aimed at level support of H.E. Patrick Achi, facing the tourism industry in • Unlocking Growth through Development Agenda. This is a making Côte d’Ivoire the fifth largest Secretary General of the President´s While advancing the Sustainability Africa with a view of developing Investment Promotion by Public sector with huge potential and this tourism hub in Africa. office. This innovative initiative is Agenda especially on biodiversity, appropriate tourism strategies Private Partnerships In donation from the Chimelong will part of a series of donors round table, UNWTO with the Republic of Congo The strategic objective for the country aligned to the AU Agenda 2063. help destinations across Africa and organized by the Ministry of Tourism jointly hosted the second edition of is to; January 2019, UNWTO together the Asia-Pacific region enjoy the many the Caravan of the African Charter on • To review the status of with its partners CASAFRICA and and Leisure of Côte d’Ivoire for the benefits this can bring. On behalf of Sustainable and Responsible Tourism • Elevate Cote d´Ivoire amongst the implementation of the 2017 Lomé IFEMA celebrated the 10th edition Financing of the 2018-2025 tourism UNWTO, I thank the Chimelong Flora held in Brazzaville. leading top 5 tourism countries in Plan of Action for Tourism with a of INVESTOUR in Madrid, Spain. This development strategy “Sublime Côte and Fauna Conservation Foundation Africa d'Ivoire”. view of identifying achievements, annual event was attended by more This forms part of the initiative of for their generous support.” Tourism challenges and charting the way than 20 African and Middle East • Raise the tourist reception to 4 The “Sublime Côte d'Ivoire” is the result the African charter on sustainable sector leaders participating in the forward for the realization of Tourism Ministers, Ambassadors and million tourists by year 2025 of the Government’s commitment to and responsible tourism which was International Forum also benefitted established goals. head of delegations whereby the make the tourism sector viable and launched by the Kingdom of Morocco from a special session on media • Multiply the current 7-8% of GDP following were emphasized; • Meeting and interactions amongst profitable, aiming at making Côte in partnership with UNWTO. relations and communications by two between 2018-2025 d’Ivoire the 5th largest tourism hub within the context of wildlife tourism. experts, ministers of tourism from • Unlocking growth through It was also an opportunity for the in Africa by attracting over 4 million The session was designed to help • Create more than 600 thousand the AU Member States, senior Investment Promotion by Public Secretary General to discuss the international tourists by 2025. participants promote themselves as jobs by 2025 tourism officials and regional Private Partnerships development of the tourism sector of tourism organizations wildlife tourist destinations, thereby During the visit, the Secretary • Celebration of the 10th anniversary The high level of participation as the Republic of Congo in a bilateral benefitting from a more diverse General was honored to meet with The Secretary General used of the Tourism Investment and seen by the presence of an important meeting with H.E Dennis Sassou tourism economy and the related H.E. Gon Coulibaly, Prime Minister of the opportunity to reiterate the Business forum for Africa delegation from Côte d’Ivoire led by Nguesso, President of the republic of benefits this can bring, including more Cote d´Ivoire and visited the multi- importance of working closely with H.E.Mr. Patrick Achi, Secretary General Congo. jobs particularly in rural areas. • Recognition and awarding of Mr. sectorial center for the professional the African Union, and in aligning to The Presidency of The Republic of Greg Bakunzi, Managing director, training, Mohammed VI de yopougon. the objectives of the UNWTO and Côte d’Ivoire, testifies of the dedication UNWTO/Chimelong Initiative- • Promoting Cultural Heritage its Agenda for Africa 2030 – Tourism Red Rocks Cultural Center and Red and commitment of Côte d’Ivoire to While here, the Secretary General Chimelong Tourism Development At the kind invitation of the for Inclusive Growth with the seven Rocks Initiatives for championing diversify its economy and develop the reinstated the UNWTO commitment Forum Government of Tunisia, in March aspirations of the AU Agenda 2063, and committing to sustainable tourism sector. Supported by UNWTO, to education, trainings, skills and 2019 the Secretary General went on Africa’s strategic framework that aims tourism growth in Africa the round table gathered numerous In October this year, the UNWTO capacity development. The Secretary an official visit to Tunisia and joined to deliver on Africa’s goal for inclusive tourism stakeholders from Côte continued to lead the way in General used the opportunity to • Hosting of the 1st edition of the country in the celebration of the and sustainable development. d’Ivoire and other African countries, as growing wildlife tourism, harnessing present his vision and priorities the Tourism Tech Adventure 63rd independence of Tunisia. The well as international investors wishing it as a driver for conservation and for the Africa region to the senior to promote African Tourism visit coincided with the inauguration Zambia to invest in the tourism sector in Africa. development. This effort is supported management team of the African innovation. Held jointly between of the 36th Craft Creation Fair by a major new US$1 million donation Development Bank and both parties In July 2019, the Secretary General UNWTO and NEPAD with common whereby the local artisans position Among the stakeholders supporting from the Chimelong Flora and Fauna agreed to work together to achieve visited Zambia where he met with objective of strengthening the and sell their handmade products to the initiative was Ivorian and Conservation Foundation. In 2018, the the common objectives of poverty H.E Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, entrepreneurial ecosystem and visitors, especially Tunisians as they international football legend Didier wildlife tourism sector contributed an alleviation and inclusive development President of the Republic of Zambia, boosting innovation amongst the celebrate their cultural roots and Drogba, who UNWTO Secretary estimated $120 billion to the global through the promotion of the tourism and expressed UNWTO’s support for youths geared towards creating honor the handicrafts production. General appointed as the newest economy and this amount is set to sector in Africa. Upon conclusion of the Zambian government’s policy employment. The Secretary General expressed Ambassador for Responsible Tourism. keep growing as more people travel to the visit, the Secretary General was direction. In particular, the Secretary UNWTO´s commitment towards enjoy nature. The economic benefits granted a traditional recognition General welcomed the strategic A vast range of tourism project was supporting the country and other derived from tourism are encouraging with an honorary title of King Mobio framework for the promotion and presented by the Ministry of Tourism member states in their promotion of countries to step up their wildlife Joseph due to his commitment to development of Zambian tourism and Leisure of Côte d’Ivoire, which the rich and diverse cultural heritage conservation efforts, many with the responsible and sustainable tourism on the global stage, with education culminated with the signing of and their creative arts industry. It help of UNWTO in partnership with development. (training, capacity building), and pledges worth just over $5 billion. was also a momentous occasion to UNWTO proudly encourages Côte Chimelong. To date, 15 projects

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meet with the late President of the • Raise political awareness and • Fostering Resilience (Safety + Republic of Tunisia H.E. Mr. Beji Caid willingness to mainstream the Security, Crisis Communication) Essebsi, who was very enthusiastic priorities of the two sectors in in his discussion about the role of the national, regional and global • Unlocking Growth through tourism in Tunisia’s economy, and the agendas, and Investment Promotion by Public resilience experienced by the strong Private Partnerships recovery of the tourism industry in • Support the attainment of the UN SDGs and the African Union • Empowering Youth and Women 2017. Discussions were also held through Tourism with H.E. Mr. Youssef Chahed, head Agenda 2063. of Government who shared the For the first time UNWTO, with the The quest for 2020 is to further measures undertaken by Tunisia to support of the Cabo Verde government, consolidate the outcomes of those enhance the security levels and in has been able to jointly with ICAO core priority areas that have already ensuring that the country was safe bring together two very important been initiated and to start to engage and secure to welcome tourists. Ministries that are key drivers of the the implementation of other areas travel industry; Ministers of Tourism such as; Advocating the Brand Africa; • Promoting Travel Facilitation and Transport. This conference was Strengthening Tourism Statistics (Connectivity / Visa) held with the high level participation Systems; Expanding of Capacity of not only Ministers of both sectors Building incl. Training Facilities; From the hospitality of the Maghreb Advancing the Sustainability Agenda nation, to the island nation in the but with the participation of H.E. Jorge Carlos Fonseca, President of Cabo (esp. Biodiversity); Promoting Cultural INNOVATE. central Atlantic Ocean, the Secretary Heritage. General attended the First UNWTO/ Verde and his Prime Minister H.E. José ICAO Ministerial Conference on Ulisses de Pina Correia e Silva. Tapping into the tourism potential Tourism and Air Transport in Africa that the continent has to offer would 2020 OUTLOOK require working closely with the private held at Sal Island, Cabo Verde. The C UNITE. sector and institutional partners that aim of this event was the promotion of With the endorsement of the UNWTO M air travel facilitation which culminated Agenda for Africa 2030 – Tourism for have identified sustainable tourism Y with a unanimous approval and Inclusive Growth at the 110th Executive as a transformative tool for inclusive adoption of the Ministerial Declaration Council in Baku, Azerbyjan and its development. As we promote the CM THRIVE. importance of tourism and rural and Action Plan on Air Transport and subsequent adoption at the 23rd MY Tourism Development in Africa. development in 2020, it would be 06 - 08 MAY | 2020 | MADAGASCAR General Assembly, in St.Petersburg, CY Russia this year, the next steps for ever more important to leverage on The main objectives of this First CMY 2020 would be to advance with the partnerships to expand our outreach UNWTO/ICAO Ministerial Conference support of the member states and key to be translated into tangible results K was to; partners the implementation of this on the ground which would have a • Identify opportunities and strategic framework. lasting impact on the livelihoods of challenges that foster the the local communities. The UNWTO Within this year we have already development of connectivity and is committed to working with, and for, conducted several activities and seamless travel in the African the African continent. events under the following core continent; priority; • Enhance common understanding • Promoting Travel Facilitation and responses to the business Now entering its fifth year, AviaDev Africa is the premier forum that is dedicated to growing (Connectivity / Visa) imperatives through strengthening connectivity to, from and within the African continent. Bringing together airports, airlines, tourism dialogue between the two sectors; • Promoting Innovation and Technology authorities, governments and industry suppliers, AviaDev oers attendees the ability to pre-arrange meetings in professional surroundings, oering the best chance to make a real connection.

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Africa World and Brussels Airlines Keeping More Tourism Spend in Destinations is Crucial interline to provide seamless travel for Sustainable Tourism Development Africa World Airlines (AWA), a Ghanaian Pierre Declerck, Regional Manager The global travel, tourism and • Thomas Mueller CEO of Rainmakers’ Africa airline based in Accra, and Brussels for Lufthansa Group Airlines said, hospitality industry is changing at Airline, a member of Lufthansa Group “Brussels Airlines has a long-standing an ever-faster pace. The internet has and a Star Alliance member; have experience in the African market, and caused a paradigm shift in traveller announced an interline agreement to we are constantly looking for ways behaviour. New market players, better serve the traveling public. to offer additional convenient flight business models, value chains and smooth onward connections to options to our valued customers. thousands of applications, as well The new partnership between the and from domestic and regional This partnership with AWA will serve as multiple systems and platforms, airlines will allow passengers traveling destinations via the Accra hub Kotoka to solidify our position as the airline are available, making the day-to- from Brussels Airlines’ network of 73 of choice for passengers traveling International Airport’s new Terminal 3. European and 21 intercontinental day business of hospitality and between Ghana, Brussels, and to Africa World Airlines is a private sector tourism companies, as well as destinations to book a single ticket to points beyond.” any of the 9 African destinations served Ghanaian airline based in Accra. AWA tourism authorities, insanely and by AWA, including attractive fares, At the official signing of the agreement started operations in 2012 and now overwhelmingly complex. operates a fleet of 8 jet aircrafts across a single intercontinental baggage in Accra , Ghana's Minister of Aviation, At the same time, the hospitality destinations throughout Ghana, allowance all the way through the Joseph Kofi Adda who witnessed it and tourism industry has remained Nigeria, Liberia and Sierra Leone; with different legs of their journey. congratulated both airlines on the traditional, not adapting well to services to Cote D’lvoire planned to This is where 85% of the providers transformation strategy initiative agreement and expressed confidence change. The industry is not an “Africa World Airlines is excited to commence shortly. in African destinations fail. The enabling them to make use of it will help ensure a seamless travel innovative one, aside from the start- customers are ready to make their technology and conveniently and partner with Brussels Airlines to experience for passengers. ensure the smoothest connections AWA maintains IOSA certification, ups that are trying to disrupt single booking and payment, but the in- seamlessly do business with their for passengers beyond our respective Brussels Airlines flies in and out of the global gold standard for aviation aspects of it, mainly on the consumer destination providers are not ready. potential customers. hub airports. This partnership serves Accra daily, with direct services to safety. The airline began commercial facing end of the value chain. This does not make the customer to flights to Wa in Ghana’s Upper West do business with them conveniently At the same time, education, training, to solidify Accra’s role as the true Europe and North America from Hospitality and activity providers Region in October this year as a way and seamlessly. When the customer awareness and capacity building in gateway to the entire West African Brussels. Brussels Airlines offers the (particularly emerging, small, medium of expanding domestic flights within shifts to “instant gratification” mode, African destinations is crucial. region, said Sean Mendis, Chief earliest daily arrivals from Europe and independent ones), as well as Ghana. they do not want to email, send Operations Officer for AWA. into Accra, thus offering passengers small independent tour operators It is rainmaker’s passion to enquiry forms or even phone. in destinations, are overwhelmed, democratise technology that unable to cope with ever-faster This results in three types of losses for previously only large organisations Ethiopian Expands its Service in India with Bengaluru route launch changes and growing complexity. the destination and its hospitality and could afford and contribute to African tourism businesses: destinations and their hospitality and Ethiopian Airlines has expanded its In Africa, only 10% of the current tourism businesses, enabling them service in India with the launch of a 200,000 plus hospitality and tourism 1. The customer decides to go to partake in the digital paradigm passenger flight to Bengaluru, India providers have a digital presence, elsewhere, as it is just too shift. rainmaker’s VISTA Destination on 27 October 2019. while only 15% of them are using any complicated to book. Network Open Platform and technology to operate their business. The capital of the Indian state of Ecosystem technology does exactly This puts them at a huge disadvantage 2. The customer asks a high street Karnataka, Bengaluru is dubbed this. while they operate on Pen & Paper, travel agent to make the booking. ‘Silicon Valley of India’ and serves Excel or Outlook. As a result, the supplier in the Our Public-Private Partnership as the center of technology and destination pays 60% to 80% of Model for Destinations and Tourism innovation. As a result, these businesses have their profit for those bookings for Authorities, and our Freemium become dependent on either Commenting on the launch of the no good reason since this customer business model builds the basis in traditional and no longer sustainable service, Group CEO of Ethiopian is not a genuine customer of terms of a Digital Transformation value chains (i.e. Thomas Cook) or Airlines, Mr. Tewolde GebreMariam, this traditional value chain, he Initiative for the destination, aligned global giant market dominating remarked, “Ethiopian Airlines is a becomes one out of frustration and to the UNWTO Digital Transformation digital value chains (i.e. booking.com). significant player in connecting India The addition of Bengaluru to our Addis Ababa with short connections desperation. Strategy. and Africa and beyond. The new Indian network will give wider menu and will provide the fastest and Today’s traveller's research on the 3. The customer makes use of online Our technical and capacity building four weekly flights will connect the of choices to the fast-growing air the shortest connections between internet for months, visiting hundreds travel agents. Again, the supplier in enablement is of utmost importance important ICT hub city of Bengaluru travelers between India and Africa Bengaluru in southern India and more of websites, social media platforms, the destination pays 60% to 80% of for a destination, its businesses and to the ever-expanding Ethiopian and beyond. The increasing flight than 60 destinations in Africa and review platforms, online travel agents their profit for those bookings for its people. It enables the entire sector network in addition to our twice daily frequencies and number of gateways South America.” and so forth. In this dreaming and no good reason. to keep more tourism spend in the flights each to the commercial city of in India will facilitate trade, investment Currently, Ethiopian operates planning phase, they are in no rush. destination and for its businesses Mumbai and the Capital New Delhi. and tourism to/from the Indian sub- In order to create and develop passenger flights to Mumbai and However, when they have made their to move towards a sustainable The flights will also complement our continent. The schedule is carefully a sustainable hospitality and New Delhi as well as cargo service decision and have planned their trip, tourism development, as well as local existing dedicated freighter flights to/ designed to connect passengers tourism industry in Africa, it is to Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Chennai, their mindset shifts. They demand prosperity, contributing to the UNWTO from Bengaluru. efficiently through our global hub in of utmost importance to enable Mumbai and New Delhi. instant gratification when booking Tourism Sustainability Goals. and paying for the trip. the hospitality and tourism providers. This includes a digital

50 VOYAGESAFRIQ VOYAGESAFRIQ 51 @VoyagesAfriq

AviaDev heads to Madagascar for its 5th anniversary AviaDev has firmly established itself as opportunity for Madagascar. The Africa; Johan Pauwels, Regional Vice the leading air service development establishment of open skies will President Airline Business Group, conference in Africa, uniting airlines, further enable Madagascar to Africa and France. Others are Hahn airports and tourism authorities welcome guests from all over the Air Lines GmbH; Refilwe Ledwaba, & to meet and discuss increasing world, boosting the economic, social Executive Director, Women and Dubai connectivity to, from and within the and cultural development for the Aviation; Gad Wavomba, Director, continent. AviaDev has confirmed country.” Embraer; Marcel Langeslag, Project Singapore the conference will take place in Manager, NACO, Netherlands Airport Antananarivo, Madagascar, 6-8th Jon Howell, Managing Director Consultants. The rest are David King, May 2020 for its fifth edition with the AviaDev said, “Madagascar is the Project Manager at WESGRO, Cape South Africa support of its host Ravinala Airports, perfect location to host AviaDev Africa. Town Air Access; Dikko Nwachukwu, Antananarivo and Nosy Be Airports. As one of the world’s largest Islands, Chairman, jetWest Partners Ltd; and air access is the key to achieving the Zoe Rajohnson, Commercial and Seychelles The 2019 event attracted participation ambitious tourism arrival targets, Marketing Director, Ravinala Airports. from 27 Countries and is committed creating jobs and opportunities locally to retain its Africa-centric focus. Since and stimulating the whole economy. AviaDev will once again facilitate pre- Mauritius inception, AviaDev has been the The new airport facility is world- arranged one-to-one meetings during catalyst for partnerships including class. This coupled with the hotel the event alongside key networking notably a new route operated from projects that are near completion activities to ensure the maximum Malaysia July 2019 by Mango connecting will put Madagascar on the map output from the event. Registration Lanseria International Airport, as a business tourism destination. for AviaDev Africa is now open at www. Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth AviaDev is delighted to partner with aviationdevelop.com Zanzibar and also the Kigali-Harare-Cape Ravinala Airports to showcase the vast Town route that has been served by opportunities that exist for partner About AviaDev RwandAir since May 2018. airlines and airports and deliver a Now in its 5th year, AviaDev Africa Morocco forum that will ultimately advance is the only dedicated air service Patrick Collard, CEO of Ravinala Africa's connectivity.” Airports, said: “I am delighted that we development event for Africa. It is Egypt have brought Africa’s highest profile The AviaDev agenda is developed organised by Bench Events (www. aviation event to Madagascar. Ravinala in partnership with an esteemed benchevents.com), which is known for Airports supports Madagascar’s advisory board including: Ato Girma producing the Africa Hotel Investment Israel medium-term ambition to host 500 Wake, former CEO of Ethiopian Airlines; Forum (AHIF) and several other top- 000 tourists until 2023. AviaDev will Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Thome, Publisher, level hotel conferences around the be a key driver for this goal and will ATC News; Charmaine Thome, world. Kenya showcase the route development General Manager, Aviareps Southern Choose your Yaapa Founder receives Commonwealth Point of Light Award Destination! Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has Organisation (YAAPA), which supports And we will take you there... recognised Fadimatou Noutchemo girls and underprivileged children in Simo, representing Cameroon as the rural areas forge careers in aviation. 107th Commonwealth Point of Light in honour of her exceptional voluntary Founded in 2014, YAAPA has helped service creating opportunities for over ten thousand young people, young people in aviation. hosting career events, visits and +233 549 187 616 mentorship programmes where Fadimatou is the founder of the young people can meet professionals [email protected] www.kayatours.com Young African Aviation Professional in the industry.

52 VOYAGESAFRIQ @VoyagesAfriq KQ in train deal to shore up European passengers Kenya's National carrier Kenya service in the UK and the Schengen gain network expansion opportunities Airways (KQ) has partnered with a Area,” she said. at no real cost, network consolidation train ticketing company, giving the opportunities with minimum airline's Europe-bound customers Ms Silling said a significant number of passenger loss, to give better services access to cities and towns that may KQ passenger traffic is from Europe. to existing customers, to offer better not have airports but are connected The airline is targeting to increase load factor at a lower cost and to assist by train stations. passenger numbers on European KQ maintain a strong competitive routes in its efforts to grow revenue position in Europe,” he said. AccesRail will provide connectivity and turn around the business. in the UK to 48 train stations from She noted that Europe has been Businessdailyafrica.com London Heathrow Airport, and the traditionally a key source market for Netherlands to Belgium (Brussels and tourists coming to Africa. Antwerp) from Schipol Airport. This is in addition to over 27 train stations in The move is also aimed at attracting Italy from Rome Fiumicino Airport. tourists and business flyers heading to Africa via JKIA. Kenya Airways chief commercial officer Ursula Silling said KQ tickets AccesRail business development Vice will be used by its travellers to board President Andrew Popescu said the connecting trains operated by deal enhances KQ’s brand as a global AccesRail. traveller with seamless links between Europe and Africa. “Customers will now have the ability to buy an air ticket and connect to a train “We are determined to help the airline

Air Seychelles introduces new concept to reduce waste on board its aircraft Air Seychelles, has announced that substantially reduce the total waste the importance of reducing the national airline has started to collected on board the aircraft with environmental footprint, hence we implement a new service concept on total weight savings of around 50 kgs are constantly evaluating the way board its jet fleet aircraft, as part of in plastic and aluminium. we conduct business to identify its ongoing sustainability efforts to areas where we can implement eco- gradually introduce new initiatives As part of its long term corporate friendly measures. to tackle aluminium and plastic social responsibility programme, waste. the airline will continue to review “Globally airlines are being pressured its product and services to identify to reduce their cabin waste as well As part of the new service change, opportunities to introduce eco- as the use of plastics on board the airline has introduced a pre- friendly elements to further decrease aircrafts and at Air Seychelles we plating concept in its Business Class the use of plastic and aluminium are making every effort to introduce Cabin specifically on its Bombay items throughout its operations. new initiatives including service and Johannesburg routes. Besides procedures not only to increase enabling the airline to maintain a Remco Althuis, Chief Executive efficiencies but to also ensure that sustainable service offering on board Officer of Air Seychelles said: airline operates sustainably.” its aircraft, the new concept will also “At Air Seychelles we recognize

VOYAGESAFRIQ 55 @VoyagesAfriq @VoyagesAfriq

arrivals numbers if more high-end hotels in meeting Ghana’s 2020 tourism arrival leading Landtours and Avis, Ghana. They a customer centered business. At were built. goals. Training is absolutely essential for are finding the right people to employ Landtours and Avis we think about how Ghana to improve its customer service and financing both businesses. The good news is a small number the customer will experience everything reputation and build capacity. A new and Personality Profile we do. That is why we go out in the field (compared to tourism arrivals in other I have dealt with the manpower issues by bold training approach must be adopted parts of Africa) of Travelers are still using unconventional methods to recruit and actually experience the services of including input from tourism stake Mona Boyd Is an African American based in Ghana who has contributed coming to Ghana and my guess is they and hire the smartest people I could find every restaurant, hotel and attraction holders, schools and universities, local will continue to come. They are coming and by investing in their professional immensely towards the development of tourism and the travel trade in before we take our clients there. If the businesses and donor agencies. Ghana and West Africa. VoyagesAfriq had a conversation with her about service does not meet our standards; we because Ghana offers the experiences and personal development. I have taken her journey into tourism and the travel trade ask them to correct what is wrong before they seek. But the numbers could be so As an African American, what are your the long game approach to enable we take our clients there. much larger if the issues the industry thoughts on the Year of Return and employees to grow with the company. if Below are excerpts of the interview faces were addressed. Tourism is still a what do you make of the celebrations an employee demonstrates commitment Honesty and transparency are very huge business opportunity for Ghana so far? and shows motivation, I will work with important principles in our business. We and with the exception of establishing that employee to develop all the core of the color of his skin. Luckily, we I think the Year of Return is a brilliant take pride in delivering the services we an accommodation facility, barrier to competencies required to excel in their had options because his father is concept and has incredible implications promise to our clients. We are also very entry is low. If Ghanaians do not take position. a Ghanaian. We each had twenty for Ghana’s tourism industry. Obviously, transparent regarding what our services advantage of this opportunity others years of professional experience in our President, Nana Akufo-Addo’s speech All businesses require capital to grow include and cost. It is important that our from outside surely will. the US and were doing quite well. clients feel they are receiving value for touched the psyche of all Diasporians their market and increase their revenue. Giving up our careers to start all money and there are no hidden costs. With your experience, what do you who are descendants of African Slaves In Ghana, with interest rates still hovering over again in Ghana was a gift to Technology and transparency ensure think are the key areas that need and stirred the deep desire in many to between 26% to 28%, borrowing money our son. Luckily, the move worked that they do. attention in order to grow tourism in return to their ancestral homeland. becomes an untenable endeavor. If out very well for all of us. Ghana? you are not careful you could end up This historical phenomenon has the And Last, “treat everyone well and bankrupting your business. This very You run perhaps the biggest tour Today there are five areas holding potential to establish Ghana as a treat everyone with respect” is another issue is why we have a fleet of five and car rental company in Ghana Ghana’s tourism industry back and need pilgrimage destination for all Africans important value at Landtours. It takes coaches instead of ten, when every and West Africa, how did that immediate attention. They are: living in the Diaspora, ensuring tourism a village to run a successful ground indicator informs us our business could come about? arrivals for many years to come. However, operation. We count on a lot of people • Poor road infrastructure: Roads support the latter. for this to happen, Ghana must organize Yes, we own the largest Destination to help us create an unforgettable travel to many of the important tourist the event with the seriousness that I can’t honestly say I have overcome this Management Company and Car experience for our clients. We depend on attractions are very poor; therefore, the Saudi’s organize the Haj. This is an challenge. What I have done is borrowed Rental Agency in West Africa, which a vast supply chain of vendors including discouraging travel to those locations. includes Landtours, Landtours artisans, cultural troupes, restaurants, opportunity that should not be missed! only when it was absolutely necessary • Tourist attractions are not and we didn’t have other options. Of Questions for Mona Boyd, CEO of Avis Corporate Travel and Avis Rent a Car. hotels, tour guides, chauffeurs and more Regarding the Year of Return celebration; professionally operated: Poorly course, this strategy limits our growth Ghana and Landtours Ghana Limited to help us accomplish this goal. We this hasn’t been very much organized It came about because a team of managed attractions make the visit and revenue strategy. understand and appreciate the value or openly publicized by Government. Who is Mona Boyd? people working extremely hard, had hardly worth the effort. Very little vendors bring to our business and that is During July and August, the Tourism We have stayed afloat by establishing a clear vision of what they wanted to investment is ever made back into the I am American of African descent and why we see them as our partners. Authority piggy backed on long strident fiscal controls. Our fiscal policy a naturalized Ghanaian citizen who accomplish. Luckily our employees attractions, leaving some buildings How would you describe the tourism established Panafest and Emancipation requires that we develop annual budgets moved to Ghana twenty-six years ago bought into my vision, drive and passion and exhibits in derelict like conditions. about what I felt we could achieve and landscape in Ghana? Day celebrations. December will be and stay within approved spending with my Ghanaian husband and young • The penetration level of qualified another big month for Diasporians limits. Both companies self-finance when son. In 1994 I founded Landtours Ghana they came on board and helped achieve The current emerging travel trends show what we have done thus far. Ghanaians and others participating in visiting Ghana, However we do not funds are available. Limited, a company that is committed that more people are opting to visit lesser the industry is insufficient to provide know if the Ghana Tourism Authority As someone who has reached the peak to showing the best of Ghana and west In addition to committed and known destination or the “untouristed the momentum the industry needs in has planned for incoming Travelers. Tour of success in your work, you are an Africa and ensuring that Landtours hardworking employees, I would say my destination”. Many Travelers are seeking order to grow exponentially. Operators, Hoteliers, Events Planners and inspiration to so many other women, clients visiting West Africa leave feeling leadership and vision was the other key to experience authentic culture, remote Concert organizers are taking advantage • There is an insufficient number of what would you tell those who are more positive about the continent driver in our success. When we opened and natural unspoiled places. of the opportunity and have planned than when they arrived. I hold deeply properly trained manpower at all aspiring to be like you? our car rental company, we changed and With regards to this travel trend Ghana is a events, concerts and tours to attract personal views about the continent and levels of the supply chain. improved the service standards in Ghana very lucky Country because what today’s visitors. Based on the lack of hotel and I would tell them women can achieve its potential to evolve into one of the and now we have the largest fleet of short- travelers are looking to experience, Ghana • Government lacks the resources to inbound air plane availability, we could any goal they truly want to accomplish. If world’s most innovative, resourceful, term rental vehicles in west Africa. We already has in abundance; immersive implement a transformational plan or be receiving as many as 10,000 visitors they don’t reach a goal it is because they humane, hospitable and desirable places were the first Travel and Tour Company and diverse cultural, wildlife, adventure strategy to promote and brand Ghana over the Xmas holiday period. This is a are not in touch with how they actually in the world to live and do business. I am in Ghana to create an e-commerce travel and nature and above all, an opportunity as a great holiday destination. good thing for tourism in Ghana and if we feel about it. Set goals that you connect working every day to make that dream a company via Landtours website on the handle it well many of those people will with. They must mean something deeper for genuine interaction with the local I am sure you have heard that old reality. internet; the first to accept credit cards; come back. to you than achieving just another people from all walks of life. Ghana offers adage “people can’t buy your product if I am also a mother, wife, a mentor, a the first to accept online payments; the all of the above and all that is required to accolade. first to offer outbound tours to nine west they don’t know it exists”. The Tourism I am hoping that the industry business leader and an entrepreneur. take advantage of this trend is the proper Authority needs to properly develop and stakeholders, Tourism Authority and I would also tell women they must learn African countries on a regular basis: the management and presentation of these What informed your decision to implement a plan to promote Ghana to the Ministry of Tourism will soon come to think more about what it is they want first to integrate technology in our daily activities and experiences. relocate to Ghana? operations via a cloud based CRM; to the world as a leading holiday destination. together to determine how we can for themselves and out of this life. And Additional four star and five-star hotels This requires a comprehensive approach transform the Year of Return into a year- once they decide they must summon the I moved to Ghana for only one reason send potential Managers to graduate school in the US. These are just a few of are needed outside the capital city, Accra. to promoting Ghana with the aim of long annual event. courage to go for it. I would remind them and that reason is my son. My husband attracting a broad spectrum of travelers that Women are so blessed; that they can our firsts. More hotels are necessary because the What has been some of the challenges and I made a decision to raise our son from across the globe. do and be many things at the same time. places travelers want to visit are outside you’ve faced in your work and how did in the Ghanaian culture. We wanted our What are the principles that drive your That is real god given power. I encourage the busy bustling cities. Cape Coast/ I spoke about lack of manpower capacity you overcome them? son to grow up in an environment where business success? all women to leverage that power to live Elmina, Kumasi and Tamale would earlier and this challenge must be he would not be marginalized because Over the years I have faced two challenges the life they imagine; to live their best life. Our first principal is to always run considerably increase their tourism addressed if we are going to be successful

56 VOYAGESAFRIQ VOYAGESAFRIQ 57 @VoyagesAfriq Malawi announces online visa service for visitors For travellers who wish to visit service, applicants will be able to the traveller’s passport at the port of Malawi, the country’s Department register and login on the e-visa entry by an Immigration Officer. of Immigration will begin rolling out platform, fill and submit an an online visa (E-Visa) service from application, upload supporting “Take note that visa to Malawi only November 1 2019. documents including applicants grants permission to the traveller photo and pay the visa fees in to enter Malawi within the validity In a statement issued by the advance in line with the new period of the visa subject to fulfilling Department and signed by Director payment arrangements. other entry requirements. The General, Masauko Medi, the new validity period of the visa is not service compliments the efforts of Once the application is approved, necessarily the permitted days to the Department embarked on in the a notification is sent through an stay in Malawi. Number of days/ quest to ensuring timeliness and email and similarly on the login residential permit to legally stay in efficiency in facilitating travel to page where an approval document Malawi is issued at the port of entry Malawi. authorizing entry into Malawi can be or on application at the Malawi downloaded for use to facilitate the Immigration Headquarters,” part of How it Works applicant’s travel arrangements and the statement reads Through the Malawi online visa endorsement of a visa sticker onto

Kapofi said the launch at HKIA was Namibia introduces visas on arrival the first phase of the project, and the Tourists from 47 countries no longer Namibia is also ranked 38th out of 55 Ministry intends to expand the project have to apply for visas in advance African countries on the 2018 African to seven more entry points around before leaving their countries for Visa Openness Index, which measures the country by the first quarter of next tourism, visiting, or transiting through how open African countries are when year. Namibia. it comes to issuing visas by looking at Speaking at the same event, Home what they ask from citizens of other This was announced by Namibia’s Affairs Executive Director Etienne African countries when they travel. Home Affairs Minister Frans Kapofi Maritz stated that the ministry is at the launch of the 'Visa on Arrival' Kapofi said 47 countries, 27 of which taking steps towards improving the pilot project held at Hosea Kutako are African, have been selected for the experience for tourists to Namibia, and International Airport (HKIA). visa on arrival project. achieving the country's development aspirations. This project aims to improve “Namibia exempted over 60 countries Namibia's global competitive ratings from visa requirements when their “Through this project, we are and progress towards liberalising citizens visit Namibia for tourism confident the piloting of the issuing Namibia's visa policy framework for purposes. This time, 47 countries have of tourist and visitors visa upon arrival all Africans. been selected for visas on arrival,” he project will support the seamless noted. service we envision as a country Kapofi said the project further aims for visitors and tourists entering to improve Namibia's diplomatic Kapofi said visas on arrival will benefit Namibia,” said Martiz. representation and network across bona fide tourists (excluding tour the world. guides), potential investors coming “We are confident that through our to explore business opportunities, collective efforts, our stakeholders will “Our ministry will continue to deploy visitors coming to attend meetings, contribute to our common objective smarter approaches to support seminars, workshops (excluding those of enhancing economic growth,” he tourism and economic growth, while coming to perform pay related jobs), continued. maintaining the integrity and security friendships and family-related as well of our country,” he added. Source: by Terttu Newaka,namibian. as medical related visits. com.na According to the Travel and Tourism He clarified that people who wish to Competitiveness Index 2019 report by come to Namibia from the approved the World Economic Forum, Namibia countries for employment purposes ranks 81st out of 140 countries. An will still need to apply and acquire index used for the rating shows the employment permits in advance. country's international openness and Applicants will be required to pay tourism facilitation. N$1 080 on approval of the visa application.

VOYAGESAFRIQ 59 @VoyagesAfriq @VoyagesAfriq

as the hub of Ethiopian Airlines Group Ethiopia’s e-visa reaches 200k Mark coupled with the mushrooming of With the introduction of e-visa service the e-visa service comes as good hotels and lodgings in the country will back in 2017, Ethiopia has opened its news to all of us in the tourism and further elevate Ethiopia as a preferred doors for foreign visitors wider than travel industry,” says Mr. Tewolde MICE hub. ever before. The e-visa service has GebreMariam, Group CEO Ethiopian In the past few years, Ethiopia has redefined visitors’ travel experience, Airlines. taken significant strides towards eased entry into the country with making travel simple and seamless. digitized service accessible from any “The 200,000 milestone is indicative of the fact that the number of visitors Besides the e-visa service, travelers Morocco part of the world. Using the e-visa flying Ethiopian also enjoy seamless service, more than 200,000 people who use the digitized service is on the rise. This will bring more benefits to and end-to-end service using the from 217 countries have visited innovative mobile application of the Ethiopia so far. Ethiopia in terms of facilitating travel and promoting tourism, trade and airline. names new Backed by a dedicated round-the- investment to the country.” clock customer support via email, the e-Visa service enables travelers secure With the boom in the global Meetings, visas in less than 6 hours with a short Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions Tourism turnaround time at the airport. (MICE) industry, the e-visa service gives Ethiopia an edge to reap the “The milestone in the number of benefits the industry offers. travelers who visited Ethiopia through Minister The air connectivity Ethiopia enjoys South Africa on course to hit 21 million tourist mark South Africa is determined and can be owned and driven by everyone. their country. While we are also on course to reach the 21 million This is the vision that we are carrying. selling and marketing South Africa international arrivals by 2030. to global people and the world, we adia Fettah Alaoui has Transport, Handicrafts and Social Until her appointment, she was "Also we want to make sure that Economy Nadia Fettah Alaoui, the Managing Director of Saham say we are a diverse country with been appointed as the The target was first revealed by the as part of our vision, visitors will various attractions from sceneries, stressed in Rabat, her desire to Finance and has been instrumental country’s president Cyril Ramaphosa understand the historical background new Minister of Tourism, strengthen the added value and in the expansion of Saham Assurance adventure, coastal inland, safaris, N during the state of the nation’s of South Africa. Majority of people we’ve got it all. And when we talk Air Transport, Handicrafts, and employability of the tourism sector for especially in Africa. Nadia Fettah Alaoui address. The Minister of Tourism were not used to travelling and one about rural development, we’ve been Social Economy in Morocco the benefit of the national economy has spent most of her career with the Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane has of the things we are driving at going Government’s latest cabinet and Moroccan youth. Saham group, owned by Moulay Hafid able to do even latches in the most shed light on the strategies to attain forward is to be able to make sure that remote areas; we incubate people reshuffle. Elalamy, Minister of Industry, Trade, this mark. tourism is a matter for everybody." In an interview with the Moroccan & New Technologies. She Graduated and especially women to begin to She replaces Mohammed Sajid who News Agency (MAP), the Minister from the HEC Paris Business School Speaking to VoyagesAfriq at the Part of the strategy Kubayi-Ngubane develop their communities. So we are was widely credited for leading a expressed her commitment to and began her career in 1997 as a 23rd World Tourism Organization said is to step up efforts to drive looking forward to more participation team to win the bid to host UNWTO’s increase the value of the tourism consultant at Arthur Andersen in Paris. (UNWTO) General Assembly in Russia, domestic tourism. of women and young people as we General Assembly in 2021. sector in order to create more job She was also awarded the CEO of the the minister said they are working create a conducive environment for "So starting with introducing South opportunities, mainly to Moroccan year prize at the Africa CEO Forum in together with key partners to ensure them." The new Minister of Tourism, Air Africa again to South Africans so youth. 2018. that this ambitious target is reached. that they can enjoy the beauty of "This remains our target and as South Africa we are confident that we will be Kalusha Bwalya Appointed Tourism Ambassador for Zambia able to reach it. There are a number of initiatives obviously from our side that Zambia’s Minister of Tourism and a renowned world sports man as we’ll be looking at. As I spoke about Arts Ronand Chitotela has appointed Tourism goodwill Ambassador.” he the issue of innovation we’re looking the Zambian and African Football said Chitotela added “With his vast at hosting the innovation summit in legend Kalusha Bwalya as its new connections to sport world wide as the country to be able to start making tourism Ambassador. well as the corporate world, am very sure everybody understands our work. confident that our Tourism and Arts The Minister in a statement said, the Industry will surely start making "We are also focusing on former Zambian FA Boss will bring headlines soon. I wish Mr Bwalya transformation, to make sure our his network in the world of sports success in his new role.” sector is inclusive and include these and the corporate world to bear on links to global practices and what arts and tourism sector. Bwalya currently serves as a standing other countries are doing. So, on our committee member at FIFA and the side we are making sure that it doesn’t • Kalusha Bwalya “Am glad to announce that I have Confederation of African Football become an issue of the minority or today appointed Mr Kalusha Bwalya, exclusive but it becomes a sector that Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, Minister of Tourism

60 VOYAGESAFRIQ VOYAGESAFRIQ 61 @VoyagesAfriq AUDA-NEPAD FOCUSES ON TOURISM STARTUP INCUBATION FOR DEVELOPMENT that is, the structural transformation with some of the work that we have Rich in Contrast framework for Africa. been doing to support the ministerial process so we will continue working In an interview with Voyage Afriq, with UNWTO to support the African Compact in Size Estherine Fotabong said “We will ministerial conference in tourism”. continue to support the start-up Big in Hospitality initiative which we are excited In Agenda 2063’s Ten-year about and we think we want to give Implementation Plan, sub-goal 5 puts opportunities to see and explore the emphasis on transforming economies possibility of identifying other young and jobs through economic One of Africa’s most beautiful and compact countries–the sheer contrast Africans that are doing interesting diversification for increased resilience things in the tourism industry”. by developing and implementing of attractions is amazing. Not only that, but Malawi is famed for its national long-term economic NEPAD and the World Tourism diversification plans, including hospitality and its people are some of the friendliest in the world. Organization (UNWTO) in November tourism, within the context of the 2018 introduced the UNWTO/NEPAD structural transformation of African Tourism Tech Adventure project economies. which sponsored five start-ups to 10 REASONS TO VISIT MALAWI pitch their products to world tourism The Tourism Action Plan (TAP) leaders, investors, corporates entities, developed by the AUDA-NEPAD, • Pleasant climate The African Union Development academia and supporting business the technical arm of the African • Peaceful and compact Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) is turning its partners at INVESTOUR in Madrid this Union, seeks to maximize the role of • Big on hospitality attention to new ideas in the tourism year. tourism as an engine and catalyst for regional integration. It also include • Lake Malawi sector for incubation according According to Ms Fotobang, the Agency economic development in Africa to Estherine Fotabong, Director of recently agreed on its transformation • Africa’s newest big Big Five destination through the establishment of a Programs, Innovation and Planning at strategy and will go further to focus on • Authentic nature experience conducive environment and regional the Agency. the sectors they have identified. • Attractive outdoor sporting conditions cooperation and has been the guide This forms part of efforts to bring “In the case of tourism, of course for promoting tourism across the • Rich cultural heritage inclusive growth to the continent • Local delicacies we are looking at new ideas for continent. under the African Union’s Agenda 2063 incubation, however we will continue • Popular events Cote d’Ivoire seek financing of its flagship tourism project The World Tourism Organization which will run until 2025, is aimed at (UNWTO) has demonstrated its making Côte d’Ivoire the fifth largest support for Côte d’Ivoire’s tourism tourism hub in Africa. The country @tourismmalawi malawitourism www.visitmalawi.mw sector, participating in a key high- hopes to welcome more than four level round table discussion in Dubai. million tourists a year within the next six years. To help Côte d'Ivoire UNWTO Secretary General, Mr. achieve this goal, UNWTO will offer Zurab Pololikashvili, participated its expertise and support, with at the resource mobilization round particular emphasis on diversifying table conference at the invitation of the tourism sector and encouraging Siandou Fofana, Minister of Tourism international investments. growth of the tourism sector. As and Leisure of Côte d’Ivoire. The such, Mr. Siandou Fofano, Minister of conference seeks to finance the The country presented a vast range of Tourism and Leisure of Côte d’Ivoire, Malawi Department of Tourism In South Africa In United Kingdom ambitious “Sublime Côte d'Ivoire” tourism projects which culminated Tourism House, off Convention Drive, City Centre Malawi Consulate General 36 John Street, Holborn, announced that the country will Private Bag 326, Lilongwe 3, Malawi 4 Dodge Street, Woodmead 2157 London WC1N 2AT tourism development strategy. Also in the signing of pledges worth over host, in collaboration with UNWTO, Tel: +265 1 775 499 PO Box 3881, Rivonia 2128, Johannesburg Tel: +44 207 421 6010 in attendance was Patrick Achi, $5 billion. a tourism investment forum in Fax: +265 1 770 650 Tel: +27 (0)11234 8577/8 or +27 (0)11803 4919 Fax: +44 207 831 9273 Secretary General to The Presidency Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] February 2020 to provide a platform of The Republic of Côte d’Ivoire. UNWTO has encouraged Côte d’Ivoire to continue its efforts to for investment opportunities in the The “Sublime Côte d'Ivoire” strategy, attract investment to support the tourism sector in Côte d’Ivoire and in Africa in general.

VOYAGESAFRIQ 63 @VoyagesAfriq

categories were introduced. These Tourism Excellence Celebrated at the were: 7th Annual Lilizela Tourism Awards - In-hotel conference centre - Events venue - Function venue - Conference Centre - Convention & exhibition centre - Meetings, exhibitions and special events - Apartment hotel - Boutique Hotel - Small Hotel Bheki Dube of Curiosity Backpackers was awarded the prestigious “I Do Tourism” Award. Introduced in 2018, The annual Lilizela Tourism Awards commemorations and honoured the this award proudly recognises South took place at the Sun Arena, Pretoria tourism excellence borne as a result African organisations or individuals on Saturday, 09 November 2019, of this phenomenal history. In support who, through sheer dedication and honouring excellence in South Africa’s of government’s efforts to promote passion, have excelled in positioning tourism and hospitality industry. sustainable tourism and youth the country as a tourism destination The Awards drive the industry to employment, a Sustainability Village of choice, contributing to the vibrancy levels of greatness through providing showcased SA’s arts and crafts. and growth of the sector. the highest standards of service The Minister and other special guests excellence. Established in 2013, the Lilizela toured the Sustainability Village’s Tourism Awards are an initiative of A cross-section of South African curated space for selected black- the National Department of Tourism tourism accommodation owned businesses to market their and are spearheaded by South African establishments, visitor experiences, products at the venue, Many of their Tourism. The awards recognises and tour operators, tour guides, emerging products are also inspired by South reward exemplary service among entrepreneurs among others were African culture and heritage, and businesses in the local tourism sector, celebrated alongside several industry are beautifully handcrafted using it ranges from accommodation luminaries. There were performances sustainable materials. establishments and tour operations by Sibongle Khumalo and the Ndlovu to scenic attractions and cultural Youth Choir. In total, 66 Awards under eight categories were handed out to heritage sites. The Lilizela Tourism Tourism Minister, Mmamoloko deserving recipients. Awards are adjudicated through Kubayi-Ngubane paid special tribute public votes and by a panel of industry to South Africa’s outstanding tourism In an effort to recognise the wider judges. It is audited by Nexia SAB&T businesses, some of which have tourism industry, nine new award sub- been beneficiaries of the National Department of Tourism’s market access and enterprise development programmes. “Thank you to the men and women who, in their area of work, go the extra mile to ensure that tourists that travel to our country enjoy a memorable experience. Providing real authentic experiences to tourists is what will sustain and grow our tourism sector. All of us should do this cognisant of the fact that tourists have no alternative but choose South Africa as a tourist destination,” she said. This year’s awards coincided with South Africa’s 25 years of democracy

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