Hosted by the Government of Botswana through the Botswana Tourism Organisation in collaboration with Africa Tourism Partners, UNWTO and AfCFTA, the 6th Africa Tourism Leadership Forum and Awards was a resounding success.
Held from 4 to 6 October at the Grand Palm International Convention Centre in Gaborone, Botswana, ATLF 2023 was preceded by Intra-Africa Travel and Business to Business Exchange meetings, Women in Tourism and Tourism Entrepreneurship Masterclasses that were delivered by UNISA and international MICE knowledge partners.
As part of the ATLF 2023 success story, the AfCFTA hosted the inaugural AfCFTA Forum on Tourism, Creatives, and Cultural Industries simultaneously with the Africa Tourism Leadership Forum and Awards 2023. The AfCFTA Protocol on Trade in Services is a platform that celebrates dynamic sectors, recommends solutions that advance Africa’s economic competitiveness through sustainable tourism and cultural development and seeks to ignite intra-African trade and empowerment, reinforcing a unified vision for a culturally enriched Africa.
Officially opened His Honour, the Vice President of the Republic of Botswana, Mr Slumber Tsogwane; UNWTO Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili; the Minister of Environment and Tourism, Hon. Philda Nani Kereng, and H.E. Elias Mpedi Magosi, SADC Executive Secretary, the Forum was attended by Pan-African and globally renowned travel and tourism industry thought-leaders, policymakers, investors and key stakeholders. Over 700 physical and over 1200 virtual delegates from over 42 countries attended ATLF 2023.
Among the lead partners are BDO, Millvest Advisory, Industry Development Corporation (IDC), Marriott International, Protea Hotel Gaborone Masa Square, ICCA, South Africa Airways, Air Link, Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino, Hilton Garden Inn Gaborone, Grandeur Rentals
Over 78 renowned faculty members delivered transformational speeches interactive panel discussions, and insightful presentations, Shabnam Vadachia, South African Airways, Manager Market South Africa submitted that “The event was of an exceptionally high standard, akin to those I have attended on a global stage. My special commendation is to the young lady who managed the time and coordination of the program, she was in my books, your unsung heroine as it’s never easy to time-keep a huge event and she did a stellar job”.
About 30 buyers and tourism associations from across the globe participated in the event. Zaim Muhammad, Travel & Tourism Consultant from Dubai echoed his sentiments about the Forum.
“ATLF gave me substantial experience. Since I am already promoting Africa as a Destination in the Middle East, my meetings with the African key players have enhanced my relationship and it will take us to a long-term collaboration. It has given more insights to highlight the diverse & unique tourism offerings in Africa with a focus on the cultural, historical, and natural attractions,” Muhammad said.
More than 20 international and continental media houses covered the event. The media houses included BBC News, SABC, Botswana Broadcasting Corporation, Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation, Reporters At Large, Tanzania Safari Channel, TV3 Ghana, Newzroom Africa, Kenya Broadcasting Corporation and Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation, Business Events Africa, Africa.com, ATA, Voyages Afriq, Channel Africa, ATC News, Gallivant Africa, WeniGlam Travel Magazine, Daily Southern and East Africa Tourism Update and Jet Sanza, strategic destination marketing advisory firm. The firm specializes in tourism and MICE strategy formulation, investment facilitation and promotion, research, master planning and destination market development and capacity building across Africa’s travel, tourism, hospitality, aviation and golf sub-industries.
Our clients and partners included UNWTO, World Bank, Mastercard Foundation, NEPAD, AfCFTA, South African Tourism, Ghana Tourism Authority, Tourism KwaZulu-Natal, Rwanda Development Board, Rwanda Convention Bureau, Rwanda Chamber of Commerce, SAACI, RwandAir, SAA, Ethiopia Airlines, Tanzania Tourism Board, Kenya Tourism Board, Uganda Tourism Board, Gauteng Tourism Authority, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, Tourism Business Council of South Africa, Nigeria and more.
