2017 Program
PRE-CONFERENCE
MONDAY, AUGUST 28, 2017
Site Visits
Professional Development & Capacity Building
Special Sessions for Tourism Boards & Authorities
Council of Tourism Ministers
Kwita Izina B2B Sessions
TUESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2017
Opening Ceremony
Keynote | H.E. Paul Kagame, President, Republic of Rwanda
Plenary | Unlocking Africa’s Tourism Potential
What are the challenges and opportunities to unlocking the sector’s economic potential across different regions on the continent?
Breakout | The Evolution of Online Travel
In today’s globally digital world, how do companies and countries put themselves on the online map?
How is online booking changing tourism and trends in the region? How can companies adapt and
take advantage of the rise in online booking, mobile payments etc.?
Breakout | Financing Tourism Development
Countries such as Nigeria, Kenya and Morocco have experienced continued economic growth, creating demand from institutional investors as well as major tourism and hospitality brands that see expansion into the region as a source of future growth. This panel will examine how countries are positioning themselves to attract private sector investment in the tourism sector; what alternative sources of funding are available for private sector investors; and how companies and governments can harness funding for human resource development, transportation infrastructure, real estate development and more.
Plenary | On Location! Africa in the Movies
Discussion with movie production professionals around selecting movie locations in Africa; experiences and challenges; what countries need to do to package/position themselves for location consideration.
Breakout | The Business of Conservation & Sustainability
As demand for new and sustainable tourism investment continues to rise, there is also increasing awareness of the need to conserve the natural, social and cultural assets of destinations. A healthy environment upholds the competitive advantage of a destination. Panelists will examine opportunities in conservation investment and how principles of sustainable investment are being applied across capital markets. (Safaris, eco-tourism, biodiversity).
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2017
Annual ATA Membership Meeting
Plenary | Connecting the Continent: The Infrastructure of Tourism
What significant investments are being made in logistics, transportation and real estate? On the government side, what policies (open skies, visa) are being made to support private sector efforts and tourism infrastructure development?
Africa Travel Trends
The Sub-Saharan African region is increasingly becoming a popular destination owing to growing interest in many industries. This has been fuelled by strong economic growth and rising disposable incomes, with business and leisure visits to domestic and regional destinations growing in numbers, alongside an increase in the number of arrivals from BRICS member countries. The presentation will highlight some of the key trends that are contributing to the growth of travel and tourism in the region.
Christy Tawii Senior Research Analyst, Euromonitor
African Union “Grand Africa” Launch
H.E. Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao, Permanent Representative of the African Union Representational Mission to the United States
Breakout | The Business Traveler
Business travel spending is expected to grow by 2.1% in 2016 to USD$12.6 billion, and rise by 3.6% to USD $18 billion in 2026. Business tourists are less cost-sensitive than leisure tourists, spending on average twice as much per day. Their purchase decisions are influenced primarily by their ability to use time efficiently within business travel schedules. How can destinations attract business travelers? What are the competitive trends and how can countries meet business travelers’ needs for both efficiency and relaxation?
Breakout | Bridging the Hospitality Skills Gap
Tourism and hospitality education is key in fueling the growth of the Tourism sector in Africa. Currently, the sector faces a major skills gap in business management and operations and customer service. How are schools partnering with the private sector to ensure a well-trained hospitality workforce? How are some major players in the industry utilizing in-house training to bridge the gap? How can African governments create an enabling environment for strengthening the workforce in the tourism industry by setting high standards for the industry?
Breakout | Education: A Sizeable Market for Tourism
Educational tourism is one of the fastest growing areas of the travel and tourism and one that is too often overlooked by tourism professionals and marketers is “educational tourism.” Often educational tourism is called by other names, such as career enhancement, studying abroad, job development or self-actualization experiences. In India, education tourism accounts for 1/3 of its total revenue. How are African countries and universities positioning themselves to attract consumers in higher education?
Breakout | Lifestyle Tourism: Leveraging Africa’s Diversity
Outside of traditional tour packages, what can countries offer to increase traffic? How can African destinations attract music festivals, culinary festivals, fashion events and Diaspora travel?
THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2017
Plenary | Marketing Africa
Panelists will share best practices on how to sell Africa to foreign markets. What are the mechanisms needed to increase tourism in various regions on the continent? How do you fund such efforts? Plenary will include new media voices including digital influencers.
Breakout | Business Models Transforming the Tourism Industry
How are companies and entrepreneur’s new business models shaping the future of tourism on the continent and worldwide?
Breakout | Safety and Risk Management in Tourism
What are African governments’ approach to raising security measures to increase tourism? How do companies protect their guests and the industry from safety threats? How do they protect customers, staff, reputation and assets? How do destinations and companies manage this risk to their brand and reputation?
POST-CONFERENCE
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2017
Kwita Izina
Kwita Izina is a time-honored tradition in which Rwandan families hold a ceremony to name newborn babies. For three decades, prior to the first official gorilla naming ceremony, the Park Rangers and Researchers named Rwanda’s baby gorillas as a key part of the on-going programme in monitoring each individual gorilla in their family and habitat. Stay tuned for details.
MONDAY, AUGUST 28, 2017
Site Visits
Professional Development & Capacity Building
Special Sessions for Tourism Boards & Authorities
Council of Tourism Ministers
Kwita Izina B2B Sessions
TUESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2017
Opening Ceremony
- Clare Akamanzi, CEO, Rwanda Development Board
- Florie Liser, President & CEO, Corporate Council on Africa
- Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi, Secretary General, UNCTAD
Keynote | H.E. Paul Kagame, President, Republic of Rwanda
Plenary | Unlocking Africa’s Tourism Potential
What are the challenges and opportunities to unlocking the sector’s economic potential across different regions on the continent?
- Judi, Nwokedi, COO, Tourvest & Chair in the Human Capital and Remuneration, South Africa Tourism Board (Moderator)
- H.E. Jose da Silva Gonçalves, Minister of Economy & Employment, Republic of Cabo Verde
- Dr. Liya Nawa Mutale, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Republic of Zambia
- H.E. Walter Mzembi, Minister of Tourism and Hospitality, Republic of Zimbabwe
- Hon. Tommy Nambahu, Deputy Minister of Environment and Tourism, Republic of Namibia
- Hon. Sidi Yahya Tunis, Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Republic of Sierra Leone
- H.E. Tokozile Xasa, Minister of Tourism, Republic of South Africa
Breakout | The Evolution of Online Travel
In today’s globally digital world, how do companies and countries put themselves on the online map?
How is online booking changing tourism and trends in the region? How can companies adapt and
take advantage of the rise in online booking, mobile payments etc.?
- Michaela Guzy, Founder and Chief Content CreatorOh The People You Meet (Moderator)
- Samue Adeleke, Business Development Manager, Afrotourism
- Akua Gyekye Public Policy Manager - Africa, Facebook
- Ross Kata, Area Manager, Southern Africa Expedia
- Cyrus Onyiego, Kenya Country Manager, Jumia Travel
Breakout | Financing Tourism Development
Countries such as Nigeria, Kenya and Morocco have experienced continued economic growth, creating demand from institutional investors as well as major tourism and hospitality brands that see expansion into the region as a source of future growth. This panel will examine how countries are positioning themselves to attract private sector investment in the tourism sector; what alternative sources of funding are available for private sector investors; and how companies and governments can harness funding for human resource development, transportation infrastructure, real estate development and more.
- Vivienne Sequeira, Director of Special Programs, Computer Frontiers, Inc. (Moderator)
- Amany Asfour, Chairperson, COMESA Business Council
- Selena Cuffe, President and CEO, Heritage Link Brands
- Matthew Weihs, Managing Director, Bench Events
Plenary | On Location! Africa in the Movies
Discussion with movie production professionals around selecting movie locations in Africa; experiences and challenges; what countries need to do to package/position themselves for location consideration.
- Karen Hoffman, President, The Bradford Group (Moderator)
- Hon. Deputy Minister Tommy Nambahu, Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Namibia
- Dorothy Ghettuba, Co-founder and C.E.O, Spielworks Media Ltd
- Mr. Tim Harris, CEO, WESGRO
- Mr. Eric Kabera, President, Rwanda Cinema Center
- Peace Anyiam Osigwe, CEO, Africa Movie Academy Awards
Breakout | The Business of Conservation & Sustainability
As demand for new and sustainable tourism investment continues to rise, there is also increasing awareness of the need to conserve the natural, social and cultural assets of destinations. A healthy environment upholds the competitive advantage of a destination. Panelists will examine opportunities in conservation investment and how principles of sustainable investment are being applied across capital markets. (Safaris, eco-tourism, biodiversity).
- Michaela Guzy .Founder and Chief Content Creator, Oh The People You Meet
- Jes Gruner Park, Manage, Akagera National Park
- Jorrit Kooi Co-Founder, Safarisharing
- José Pliya, Director, National Agency for the Promotion of Heritage and Development of Tourism of Benin
- Kaddu Kiwe Sebunya, President, African Wildlife Foundation
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2017
Annual ATA Membership Meeting
Plenary | Connecting the Continent: The Infrastructure of Tourism
What significant investments are being made in logistics, transportation and real estate? On the government side, what policies (open skies, visa) are being made to support private sector efforts and tourism infrastructure development?
- Barbara Keating, President, Computer Frontiers (Moderator)
- Adefunke Adeyemi, International Air Transport Association (IATA)
- Achma Asokan, President & CEO, AirlinePros
- Amany Asfour, Chairperson, COMESA Business Council
- Chance Ndagano, Acting CEO, Rwandair
Africa Travel Trends
The Sub-Saharan African region is increasingly becoming a popular destination owing to growing interest in many industries. This has been fuelled by strong economic growth and rising disposable incomes, with business and leisure visits to domestic and regional destinations growing in numbers, alongside an increase in the number of arrivals from BRICS member countries. The presentation will highlight some of the key trends that are contributing to the growth of travel and tourism in the region.
Christy Tawii Senior Research Analyst, Euromonitor
African Union “Grand Africa” Launch
H.E. Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao, Permanent Representative of the African Union Representational Mission to the United States
Breakout | The Business Traveler
Business travel spending is expected to grow by 2.1% in 2016 to USD$12.6 billion, and rise by 3.6% to USD $18 billion in 2026. Business tourists are less cost-sensitive than leisure tourists, spending on average twice as much per day. Their purchase decisions are influenced primarily by their ability to use time efficiently within business travel schedules. How can destinations attract business travelers? What are the competitive trends and how can countries meet business travelers’ needs for both efficiency and relaxation?
- Dylan Rogers, Editor, Business Traveler Magazine (Moderator)
- Tim Harris, CEO, Western Cape Investment and Trade Promotion Agency (WESGRO)
- Belise Kariza, Chief Tourism Officer, Rwanda Development Board
- Stephen Lane, Mastercard Advisors, Mastercard Worldwide
- Rick Taylor, Chief Executive Officer, The Business Tourism Company
Breakout | Bridging the Hospitality Skills Gap
Tourism and hospitality education is key in fueling the growth of the Tourism sector in Africa. Currently, the sector faces a major skills gap in business management and operations and customer service. How are schools partnering with the private sector to ensure a well-trained hospitality workforce? How are some major players in the industry utilizing in-house training to bridge the gap? How can African governments create an enabling environment for strengthening the workforce in the tourism industry by setting high standards for the industry?
Breakout | Education: A Sizeable Market for Tourism
Educational tourism is one of the fastest growing areas of the travel and tourism and one that is too often overlooked by tourism professionals and marketers is “educational tourism.” Often educational tourism is called by other names, such as career enhancement, studying abroad, job development or self-actualization experiences. In India, education tourism accounts for 1/3 of its total revenue. How are African countries and universities positioning themselves to attract consumers in higher education?
- Munene Mathenge, General Manager, DLR Group Africa (Moderator)
- Rick Daniels, CAO, The Akilah Institute for Women
- Bruce Krogh, Director, Carnegie Mellon University in Rwanda
- Ibrahim Assane Mayaki, CEO, NEPAD
- Betty Addero Radier, CEO, Kenya Tourism Board
Breakout | Lifestyle Tourism: Leveraging Africa’s Diversity
Outside of traditional tour packages, what can countries offer to increase traffic? How can African destinations attract music festivals, culinary festivals, fashion events and Diaspora travel?
- Selena Cuffe, President and CEO, Heritage Link Brands (Moderator)
- Tim Harris, CEO, Western Cape Investment and Trade Promotion Agency (WESGRO)
- Kita Matungulu, Associate Director - Basketball Operations, NBA Africa
- Eliza Richman, Co-founder, Go Addis Tours and Go Kigali Tours
- John Parker-Tass,, Global Politics and Government Outreach, Instagram
- Eliza Richman, Founder Go Addis Tours and Go Kigali Tours
THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2017
Plenary | Marketing Africa
Panelists will share best practices on how to sell Africa to foreign markets. What are the mechanisms needed to increase tourism in various regions on the continent? How do you fund such efforts? Plenary will include new media voices including digital influencers.
- Khary Cuffe, Sr. Marketing Director, Marketing & Innovation Strategy, Anheuser-Busch (Moderator)
- Thebe Ikalafeng, Founder and Chairman, Brand Africa, Brand Africa
- Ross Kata, Area Manager, Southern Africa, Expedia
- Todd Pitock, Travel Writer
- Cherae Robinson, Founder & CEO, Tastemakers Africa
- Sandra Uwera, CEO, COMESA Business Council
Breakout | Business Models Transforming the Tourism Industry
How are companies and entrepreneur’s new business models shaping the future of tourism on the continent and worldwide?
- Selena Cuffe, President and CEO, Heritage Link Brands (Moderator)
- Loic Amado, General Manager, Uber East Africa
- Jorrit Kooi, Co-Founder, Safarisharing
- Cherae Robinson, Founder & CEO, Tastemakers Africa
- Chad Shiver, Destination Marketing, TripAdvisor
Breakout | Safety and Risk Management in Tourism
What are African governments’ approach to raising security measures to increase tourism? How do companies protect their guests and the industry from safety threats? How do they protect customers, staff, reputation and assets? How do destinations and companies manage this risk to their brand and reputation?
- Sandra, Uwera, CEO, COMESA Business Council (Moderator)
- Hon. Sidi Yahya Tunis, Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Republic of Sierra Leone
- Barbara Keating, President, Computer Frontiers
POST-CONFERENCE
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2017
Kwita Izina
Kwita Izina is a time-honored tradition in which Rwandan families hold a ceremony to name newborn babies. For three decades, prior to the first official gorilla naming ceremony, the Park Rangers and Researchers named Rwanda’s baby gorillas as a key part of the on-going programme in monitoring each individual gorilla in their family and habitat. Stay tuned for details.