adminwith registration of local delegates under way.
The congress, which will run under the theme Africa Tourism: Partnering for the Future, is expected to draw more than 300 participants.
In an interview, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority head of public relations Mr Sugar Chagonda said registration was under way locally and internationally with ZTA and United States ATA offices conducting the registration process.
“The convention is expected to draw participants ranging from tourism ministers, tourism boards, tour operators, product development executives, front-line agents, ground operator companies, airlines, and hotels.
“Participants from the travel trade media and the corporate, non-profit and academic sectors are also expected to attend, along with African Diaspora representatives as well as ATA’s Young Professionals Programme participants,” he said.
He encouraged local players in the tourism sector to register in order for them to participate at the conference.
“The response so far has been so encouraging and we are encouraging corporate people from the tourism sector to take part in the registration process.”
Mr Chagonda said the congress would provide a networking platform for all tourism and non-tourism players who may want to expand their business to greater heights as witnessed by the thematic area it was covering for this year.
“Platforms for new partnerships and business synergies are also anticipated to take place during the convention.
“Various business to business meetings and entertainment will also characterise the event,” he said.
He said hosting of the ATA comes as an endorsement to the destination as it will bring about a convergence of delegates from various countries across the world.
“This follows after winning of the bid last year in November, making it possible for Zimbabwe to reposition itself the suitable conferencing venue, particularly after a decade of negative publicity and isolation of the destination by the international world, particularly the Western countries.
“However, the congress comes also as a pre-cursor to the United Nation World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) General Assembly to be held again in Victoria Falls and the Livingstone resort of Zambia next year,” Mr Chagonda said.
He said Zimbabwe was promising to offer the visitors a unique and an unforgettable experience of its tourism products.
“Delegates will be given a platform to sample and appreciate some of these wonders during the Host Country Day.
“Meanwhile, South African Airways and Arik Air have partnered the ATA as Official Airline for delegates and Official Media Carrier of the 2012 ATA World Congress respectively,” said Mr Chagonda.
He said programmes would range from ATA International Board of Directors meeting on 18 May and networking, learning and professional development panels and workshops on 22 May.
“Workshops are going to be addressing industry topics, such as community-based travel, agro-tourism, academic travel, faith-based tourism, e-tourism, marketing, branding, private sector investment, women and tourism, sustainable tourism, and African culinary products.
ATA is the leading global trade association promoting travel and tourism to Africa and strengthening intra-Africa partnerships.
Online Reporter